in order to create shapes on different cross sections you have to convert points on the extrusion path to cross sections. -use the pointer tool (t) to select the pink line that defines the legnth of the extrusion. -to create a cross section on the last point, click once on it, (it doesn't look like you selected it, but you did) and pull down Sections:Create from the menu. -boom! new section created. now you can click on it, and the drawin plane moves to it. you can modify it or delete it and redraw a new one. -if you want sections in the middle of the line, you can add them with the Add Point tool (+), and then create sections there. -you can also draw with the pen tool to add points to the extrusion path (provided you've already selected it). new points will be connected to the end point. so keep that in mind when beginning your object. i hope that helps. the spline modeler can kind of be a pain in the butt. i started there because i was afraid of the vertex modeler and thought splines were easier. -pix by the way, i hope everyone realizes my comment about manual reading is not a dig at anyone asking beginner questions. i totally don't mind helping with the most basic question.