Explode a multipatch or 3D object

The Explode tool separates the 3D faces comprising a multipatch or 3D object feature into individual features. This tool is available in the Modify Features pane.

When you explode a multipatch or 3D object feature, consider the following:

• The original multipart feature can be preserved or discarded.
• Feature attributes values are not copied to exploded features.
• Exploding a multipatch or 3D object feature is commonly used to remove specific elements—for example, a roof—followed by merging the remaining faces into a single feature

To explode a multipatch or 3D object, complete the following steps:

1. Open a scene containing the multipatch or 3D object feature you are editing.

   Alternatively, add the layer containing the feature to the active scene.

2. Configure settings for editing.

   Specify which layers can be edited, confirm that the coordinate system assigned to the active map is suitable for the type of edits you're performing, and enable the snap agents that allow you to work effectively with the multipatch or 3D object features you are editing.

3. On the Edit ribbon tab, click Modify in the Features group.

   The Modify Features pane appears.

4. Click the Explode tool .

   To find the tool, expand Divide, or type Explode in the Search text box.

   The Explode tool appears in the pane.

5. Click the Select a feature tool , and select the multipatch or 3D object feature.

   If features are currently selected, the selection tool displays Change the selection.

   To refine the selection in the selection view, right-click a feature and click Unselect or Only Select This .

   The tool buttons are available when only one feature is selected.

6. To preserve the original feature, check the Keep original feature after explode check box.
7. Click Explode.