> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ntop.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to convert CAD sketches into lattices

## Objective:

Convert imported CAD sketches into lattices.

## Applies to:

* Graph Lattices
* Custom Graph Unit Cell

## Procedure:

### 1. Start by importing your CAD sketch

* * nTop imports all CAD sketches as a **'Curve'** type.

<Note>
  **Note:** If your part only has sketches without models, it may appear blank in the graphic window. To access the curves, open up the properties and drag out the *curves* property chip.
</Note>

![The properties panel of an imported CAD part. The curves property has been extracted and placed in the notebook](https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/lattices/40340523483667.png)

### 2. Convert the Curves into Line Segments

If you have imported Line Segments but they are imported as a Curve type, you can access the properties and then drag and drop the *Start Point* and *End Point* into a **Line** block.

![Convert the extracted curves to line segments by using the start and end points of the curves](https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/lattices/40340523490067.png)

### 3. Convert Line Segments into a Graph Lattice

Now, we need to convert our line segments into a lattice type. The best method for this is using the **Graph from Line Segments** block.

![Creating a graph from the line segments ](https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/lattices/40340523491731.png)

Place the result as input for the **Custom Unit Cell** block.

![A custom unit cell generated from the Graph from Line Segments block](https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/lattices/40340523492627.png)

And that's it! You've successfully converted your sketch into a lattice type.

There are several options on what you can do with your lattice. One option is turning the lattice into a Custom Implicit Unit Cell ([How to build a custom lattice unit cell](/help-articles/knowledge-base/lattices/how-to-build-a-custom-lattice-unit-cell)).

Are you still having issues? Contact the [support team](https://support.ntopology.com/hc/en-us/requests/new), and we'll be happy to help!

## Keywords:

*cad lattice convert curve line how-to branch sketch segment branched curves sketching*