Objects can be derived from other previously created 2D or 3D objects. This unique ability of form·Z offers a vast variety of methods for synthesizing 3D forms.

3D extrusions (parallel or to a point) can be created from previously drawn 2D shapes with a single click of the mouse, as shown in the example above. Other types of derivative objects that are generated from 2D shapes, such as lathed and swept objects are illustrated later in this presentation of the form·Z features. Two dimensional shapes can be created from any face or outline of a surface or solid, as well as from sequences of segments, groups of faces, open ends of surface objects, etc. Some examples are shown below.

Three dimensional extrusions, parallel to the surface, or converging to a point, can also be derived from any surface of a previously created object. Likewise, enclosures, which are double line or double surface objects, also known as "walls", can be created from surfaces of other objects. These extrusions can be perpendicular to the surface of the extruded shape or in any direction determined by the active reference plane. Both cases are illustrated below.

A unique feature of form·Z is its ability to create derivative objects from all the faces of another object. This makes it easy to create a variety of "asterisks".