How to move and turn parts with Dusty

Published on October 21, 2026

Add a part to your message, then ask Dusty to move or turn it. Use a distance, a part's own dimensions, or another part to describe its destination.

Dusty can use Sawdust's tools to move and turn parts that are already in your project. These are actions on the model, not instructions for you to carry out manually. Identify the part first, then describe where you want it to go or how it should turn. You can do this with Dusty without connecting your own AI model.

1. Add the part to your message

Click in the chat's message box, then click the part in the 3D view. A label for the part appears in your message. Type your instruction alongside it and send the message. This helps distinguish similar parts, such as several shelves in a bookcase.

You can also refer to a part or build by name, such as "the lower tread" or "the sawhorse."

2. Describe where to move it

Use left, right, forward, back, up or down to describe a direction relative to your view of the model. You can specify a distance or describe where the part should stop:

"Move the sawhorse left 2 feet."
"Move this board to the right by its own length." Dusty measures the board to find the distance. You can also ask for half its length or width.
"Slide it over until it meets the post." Identify the post too if there is more than one.

A message with a board reference, followed by Dusty confirming a move of 2 feet to the right.

3. Describe how to turn it

Say how far to turn the part and whether it should stay upright or tip over. For example, "Turn it 90 degrees to the left, keeping it upright" describes a different movement from "Lay it flat."

For a shaped panel, describe how its outline should sit. For example, "Turn the side panel so the L is upright, keeping the panel standing" asks for a turn within the panel's plane.

Dusty may ask which way you mean and show previews to choose from. If it applies a turn when you have not specified an angle, its reply states the angle and offers options to adjust the turn.

Three previews showing a bookcase turning upright, tipping forward or backward, and tipping sideways.

4. Correct or undo the change

To correct the last move, send a message such as "Not that far, just 2 inches." Dusty reverses the previous movement and applies the correction from the original position. If it turned the wrong way, say "Not that way" and answer any follow-up question about the direction. To reverse the change without replacing it, say "Undo that."