In AutoCAD, what is the purpose of the SUBTRACT command?

The SUBTRACT command in AutoCAD serves the specific function of removing one solid from another in 3D modeling. This command is particularly useful for creating complex shapes and forms by taking away material from a solid object. When you use the SUBTRACT command, you select a base solid and then select the solid to be removed. The result is a new solid that retains the volume of the base solid minus the volume of the second solid that was subtracted.

Understanding the function of the SUBTRACT command is essential in 3D design, as it allows for sophisticated modeling techniques, enabling the designer to create intricate geometries by manipulating basic shapes. This capability is a fundamental aspect of solid modeling in AutoCAD, as it builds upon the simplicity of basic shapes to produce more detailed and useful designs.

The other choices refer to different functionalities: combining solids is done with a different command, whereas extruding and rotating are also separate operations that serve specific purposes in modeling but do not pertain to the subtraction of volumes. Thus, grasping the correct use of the SUBTRACT command is crucial for anyone looking to master 3D modeling in AutoCAD.