Ambiguous orientation

Ambiguous orientation is a validation warning for parts where the exporter cannot work out which way up to run them.

That matters when stock has a preferred face (veneer, coating, grain). For double-sided or homogeneous material, enable symmetric finish on the material pill so the warning does not apply. See Validation warnings.

When the warning appears

Typically when the outline is asymmetric and there are no partial-depth pockets, holes, or other features on one face only that would settle orientation. An L-shaped bracket or a notch on one corner only are common examples.

Symmetric finish on the material pill

When validation flags parts with ambiguous orientation, affected material pills show an extra control. Click it to toggle symmetric finish for that material.

The toggle applies per material label (including the No material group) and is remembered in this browser. Hover a material pill to preview those parts in the graphics area.

For directional stock, leave symmetric finish off and note which parts are flagged. DXF Exporter still exports with an assumed orientation — if the output is the wrong way round, mirror the DXF in your CAM software or nesting package.

Revalidate after model changes or toggling symmetric finish.