Copyright: Copyright © 1997 by Micrografx, Inc.
Citation: Copyright © 1997 by Micrografx, Inc.


S3D2.doc

This file contains the main "Welcome" topics for Simply 3D help. Note that the Office Compatible topic is called from a separate help file, per Microsoft requirement.


Welcome to Simply 3D
Welcome to Micrografx Simply 3D

Thank you for buying Micrografx® Simply 3D [image] Version 2.

We have designed Simply 3D to make it easy for you to create your own still or animated 3D scenes. You can use supplied 3D objects, create your own 3D text, or create new objects from any of 10 basic 3D shapes.

Your scenes can be used with many Windows 95 and Windows NT programs, including Microsoft Word for Windows, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Micrografx products such as Windows Draw, Picture Publisher, Micrografx Designer, and ABC FlowCharter.

We hope you'll enjoy using Simply 3D, and thanks again from everyone at Micrografx.


Simply 3D Features

Simply 3D Compatibility with Microsoft Office

Getting Assistance as You Work


Simply 3D Features

Simply 3D features include:

Fully constructed three-dimensional objects that you can drag from a catalog and drop into your scene.

A 3D Text Wizard that simplifies creating 3D text, and a 3D Text tool for creating and modifying 3D text.

Animations and professionally designed materials that you can drag from a catalog and drop onto any object or 3D text.

A Scene Explorer that lists the resources in your scene by the names you give them. You can change the hierarchy of items by simply dragging them.

Animated GIF export and VRML export (with animated objects) to help you bring captivating 3D effects and virtual reality to your Web site.

Built-in object-reshaping tools, including  Axis, Envelope, Push-Pull, and Profile editors.

Flexible display options, including wireframe, solid shaded, and texture mapped views [image] all in real time.

Built-in support for OpenGL and Direct3D acceleration.

Realistic reflections and refraction effects made possible by ray-tracing.


Welcome to Simply 3D

Simply 3D Compatibility with Microsoft Office

Getting Assistance as You Work


Getting Assistance as You Work

Besides the information you get automatically through ToolTips and the Status bar, you can request additional help.

Help for Menu Items and Toolbar Buttons

To see information about a specific menu item or toolbar button, click the Help button [image] on the Standard toolbar. The mouse pointer changes to a "?" symbol. Click the menu item or button for which you want help. A popup message appears.

To close the popup message, press the ESC key.

Help for a Dialog box

Simply 3D dialog boxes have a Help button. For information on how to use the various controls of a dialog box, click the Help button. A popup message tells you how to use the tool or button.

To close the popup message, press the ESC key.

Help from the Help Menu

For more detailed help, click Simply 3D Help on the Help menu. You can find the topic you need by using the Help table of contents, the Help Index, or by using the Find feature to quickly search the entire Help file for a specific word or phrase.

Numbered steps for Simply 3D procedures are shown in a Steps window. It appears on the right-hand side of the screen and stays in front of other windows so you can perform each step without Simply 3D's window covering up the remaining steps.

To close any active Help window, press the ESC key.


Welcome to Simply 3D

Simply 3D Features

Simply 3D Compatibility with Microsoft Office


List of topics in this file

Welcome to Simply 3D

Simply 3D Features

Getting assistance as you work


GetStart.DOC

This document contains miscellaneous topics for Simply 3D help.


Parts of the Simply 3D Window

Click each toolbar and window below to see a description.


To start Simply 3D

To close Simply 3D

To create a new Simply 3D project

To show or hide specific toolbars

To open a Simply 3D catalog


Building a Simply 3D Scene


Popup topics for the image “Project Window.shg”


Standard toolbar

Provides buttons for performing common file and editing operations, rendering scenes, setting object-previewing options, and viewing the Catalog and the Scene Explorer.

While using Simply 3D, you can get help for any button by clicking the Help button [image] and then clicking the button for which you want help.


Animation Control toolbar

Provides VCR-like buttons for previewing your scene's animations.

While using Simply 3D, you can get help for any button by clicking the Help button [image] on the Simply 3D Standard toolbar and then clicking the button for which you want help.


Point-of-View toolbar

Provides buttons for setting the point of view from which you view your scene.

A Camera shows the scene as it would look throught the camera's viewfinder. The Top, Side, and Front views let you see and adjust positional relationships between objects. The Four Up view shows all four views at the same time.

While using Simply 3D, you can get help for any button by clicking the Help button [image] on the Simply 3D Standard toolbar and then clicking the button for which you want help.


Toolbox

Provides tools for manipulating the camera, objects, lights, and even the animations in your scene. Also has buttons for creating simple shapes (such as spheres and boxes), creating your own 3D text, and magnifying certain views.

While using Simply 3D, you can get help for any button by clicking the Help button [image] on the Simply 3D Standard toolbar and then clicking the button for which you want help.


Project window

The project window shows your scene in preview form as you work, and shows it in rendered form when you click the Render button [image].

You can choose how you want to preview objects as you manipulate them, and you can choose different points of view for the project window, such as Camera, Top, Side, and Front views.


Scene Explorer

The Scene Explorer lists each resource (camera, object, material, light, and animation) in your scene. You can select a resource by clicking it, display its shortcut menu by right-clicking it, and even rename it.

You can also use the Scene Explorer to group objects, and you can drag an object to a new position in the Scene Explorer to change its relationship to other objects.

While using Simply 3D, you can get Scene Explorer help by clicking the Help button [image] on the Simply 3D Standard toolbar and then clicking in the Scene Explorer.


Simply 3D Catalog

Simply 3D catalogs contain collections of related 3D objects, materials, animations, and lighting schemes. The catalog shows each available resource as a small thumbnail picture.

You add a catalog resource to your scene by dragging its picture from the catalog and dropping it on the scene or the Scene Explorer.

While using Simply 3D, you can get Catalog help by clicking the Help button [image] on the Simply 3D Standard toolbar and then clicking in the Catalog.


End of popup topics for the image “Project Window.shg”


Building a Simply 3D Scene

Your 3D scenes will contain objects made of a specific materials, viewed through a camera, displayed or animated in three-dimensional perspective against a background, and illuminated by one or more lights.

Objects	Simply 3D objects are true three-dimensional shapes. For example, you can rotate an object to see all sides, as if you were turning it in your hand. Simply 3D lets you move, rotate, scale (resize), and animate any object.

You have three ways to add 3D objects for your scene:

Drag an object from a Simply 3D catalog.

-or-

Create a 3D Text object.

-or-

Open an object from a GED (Visual 3D geometry) or a 3D DXF (AutoCAD) file.

Note: Do not open 2D DXF files. Simply 3D can only use DXF files that contain 3D objects.

Materials	The materials covering your objects can be solid colors or bitmap images. Some of the Simply 3D catalog materials are designed to appear as a continuous texture. You can tile many copies of such a texture on an object without producing visible seams.

You can get material from a Simply 3D catalog, paste a bitmap image from the Clipboard, or drag a bitmap file from the Windows Explorer.

Camera	The Simply 3D camera can be moved, rotated, and aimed in any direction. You can adjust the angle of the camera's lens from extreme telephoto to a wide-angle, "fish-eye" lens.

Animation	Simply 3D includes many animation sequences for moving, rotating, and scaling objects. You can appply any animation to any object, including 3D text that you have created. Using the Scene Explorer, you can even group objects and animate them as one object.

You add animation to your objects by either dragging them from a catalog or selecting from a shortcut menu.

Background	You can use a solid color or any bitmap image as the background of a scene. If you specify a background image, Simply 3D automatically stretches or compresses it to fit the size of your scene.

Lights	Lights produce highlights and shaded areas on the surfaces of the objects. Lights can also cast shadows of an object on other objects. You can move lights around in your scene  and change any light's color.

Lighting schemes are included in Simply 3D catalogs, and you can copy and paste to create duplicates of any light in the scene.


To start Simply 3D

To create a new Simply 3D project

To open a Simply 3D catalog

To close Simply 3D


Parts of the Simply 3D Window


To start Simply 3D

1	Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar.

2	Point to Programs, point to Micrografx, and click Simply 3D. Simply 3D displays its startup screen (unless you have selected the option to bypass the screen).

3	On the startup screen, click one of the buttons to:

Create a new Simply 3D scene

Open an existing Simply 3D scene by browsing

Open a recently-used scene.

4	Click the Next Tip button if you want to read more Tips of the Day.

5	If you prefer not to see the startup screen when you start Simply 3D, click the "Don't display this startup screen again" option.

Tip

You can also start Simply 3D by double-clicking any Simply 3D project (S3D) file.


To create a new Simply 3D project

To open a project in Simply 3D

To save a new scene as a Simply 3D file

To close the active project

To close Simply 3D

Parts of the Simply 3D Window

Building a Simply 3D Scene


To close Simply 3D

On the Simply 3D window, click the Close button [image].

Note

If you have any projects open with unsaved changes, you are prompted to save them.


To close the active project


To create a new Simply 3D project

On the Standard toolbar, click the New button [image].


To start Simply 3D

To open a project in Simply 3D

To save a new scene as a Simply 3D file

To close the active project

To close Simply 3D

Building a Simply 3D Scene

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats


To set your options in Simply 3D

1	On the Tools menu, click Options.

2	Choose the settings that you want, and then close the dialog box. The next time you start Simply 3D, it will use your settings as the default settings.


To set the aspect ratio of your scene

To rename resources in your scenes

Building a Simply 3D Scene

Parts of the Simply 3D Window


To set the aspect ratio of a scene

1	On the File menu, click Settings. The Aspect Ratio dialog box appears.

2	Click the arrow [image] to show the list of choices.

3	Click the predefined aspect ratio you want.

-or-

Click User Defined, and then enter the desired height and width ratio values in the boxes.

-or-

Click Any to choose a variable aspect ratio.


To set your options in Simply 3D

To rename resources in your scenes

Parts of the Simply 3D Window

Building a Simply 3D Scene


To show or hide specific toolbars

1	On the View menu, click Toolbars. The Toolbars dialog box appears.

2	Click to select the toolbars you want. Click to deselect the others.

Note

The buttons on the Animation Control toolbar are disabled (dimmed) until you add at least one animation.


To show or hide the Scene Explorer

To show or hide the Animation Editor

To open a Simply 3D catalog

Parts of the Simply 3D Window


To open a Simply 3D catalog

1	On the File menu, click Open Catalog. A catalog browser appears.

2	Click the name of the catalog you want to use.


To show or hide specific toolbars

To show or hide the Scene Explorer

To show or hide the Animation Editor

Building a Simply 3D Scene


To show or hide the Scene Explorer

On the View menu, click Scene Explorer.


To show or hide specific toolbars

To show or hide the Animation Editor

To open a Simply 3D catalog

Parts of the Simply 3D Window


To copy an object, material, light, or animation

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the resource that you want to copy.

2	On the Standard toolbar, click the Copy button [image].

3	Click the Paste button [image]. The copy appears at the same location as the original.


To copy the entire scene to another project


To rename resources in your scenes

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the name of the resource.

2	Pause briefly, and then click the name a second time. A cursor appears, showing that you can now edit the name.

3	Type the new name, and then press ENTER.

Tip

When giving similar names to multiple items, copy the common portion of the names to the Clipboard. You can then paste the common portion into each new name instead of typing it.


To set your options in Simply 3D

To set the aspect ratio of your scene


To copy the entire scene to another project

1	At the top of the Scene Explorer, right-click View. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Open the other project (or create a new one by clicking the New button [image]).

3	In the Scene Explorer of the new project, right-click View, and then click Paste.


To copy an object, material, light, or animation


List of topics in this file

Parts of the Simply 3D Window

Building a Simply 3D Scene

To start Simply 3D

To close Simply 3D

To create a new Simply 3D project

To set your options in Simply 3D

To set the aspect ratio of a scene

To show or hide specific toolbars

To open a Simply 3D catalog

To show or hide the Scene Explorer

To copy an object, material, light, or animation

To rename resources in your scenes

To copy the entire scene to another project


FileOps.DOC

This document contains the file-operation topics for Simply 3D help.


To open a project in Simply 3D

1	On the Standard toolbar, click the Open button [image]. The Open dialog box appears.

2	If necessary navigate to the folder that contains the project.

3	Click the file name, and then click Open.

Tip

If you are opening a file that you have used recently, it will be listed at the bottom of the File menu. Click the file name to open it.


To start Simply 3D

To create a new Simply 3D project

To close the active project

To print a scene from Simply 3D

To close Simply 3D

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats


Saving Scenes in Different File Formats

Normally, when you save a scene using the Save As command, you save it as a Simply 3D project (S3D file). However, you can save the scene in any of several file formats. To select from a list, click the arrow [image] on the Save As dialog box.

Note

You cannot convert the other formats back into an S3D file. To open the the scene in Simply 3D, you must save it as a Simply 3D Project.

Type of File	Comments
BMP bitmap image	Windows bitmap file. Used by many Windows programs.
GIF bitmap image	CompuServe Graphics Interchange Format. Displayed by many Web browsers.
JPG bitmap image	JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) file. Displayed by many Web browsers.
TGA bitmap image	Targa bitmap file
TIF bitmap image	Tagged Image File Format
WRL world file	VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) file for Web sites
Animated GIF	Played automatically by some Web browsers
AVI animation	Windows video file
FLC animation	AutoDesk animation file
Sequential TGA	Animated Targa format. Creates a series of individual TGA files.
Bitmap Images

When saving a scene as a bitmap image, you specify the height and width in pixels, and you select the color depth (from 256 to 16.7 million colors). If you want to save a specific frame of an animated scene as a bitmap image, use the Animation Control toolbar to display that frame before using the Save as command.

When you save a scene as a bitmap image, Simply 3D saves the most recently rendered image unless you change the width or height settings in the Save As dialog box. This characteristic can save time, especially for a scene that takes a long time to render. However, if you make changes to a scene after rendering it, the saved image will not show those changes.

Animation formats

The animation formats are listed only if you are saving a scene that contains one or more animations. When you click the Save button after selecting an animation format, a dialog box appears with options for that specific animation format.


To save a scene as a Simply 3D file

To save a scene as a bitmap file

To save an animated scene as an AVI file

To save an animated scene as an animated GIF file

To save a scene as an interactive VRML "world"


To save a scene as a Simply 3D file

1	On the Standard toolbar, click the Save button [image]. The Save As dialog box appears.

2	If you are saving in a folder that you have used recently, click the down arrow, and then click the folder name.

3	In the File Name box, type the name you want to use for your scene.

4	Click Save.

Tip

After you have saved a scene, you can save changes to it quickly during a session by using the Save command on the File menu, or by pressing CTRL+S.


To start Simply 3D

To create a new Simply 3D project

To close the active project

To print a scene from Simply 3D

To close Simply 3D

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats


To save a scene as a bitmap file

1	On the File menu, click Save As. The Save As dialog box appears.

2	In the Save as Type box, click the down arrow, and then click the type of bitmap file you want to save.

3	In the File Name box, type a name for the bitmap file.

Notes

When you save a scene as a bitmap file, Simply 3D saves the most recently rendered image unless you change the width or height settings in the Save As dialog box.

If you plan to display the bitmap image on a Web page, save it as either a GIF or a JPG file.


To save a scene as a Simply 3D file

To save an animated scene as an animated GIF file

To save a scene as an interactive VRML "world"

To save an animated scene as an AVI file

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats


To save an animated scene as an AVI file

1	On the File menu, click Save As. The Save As dialog box appears.

2	In the Save as Type box, click the down arrow, and then click AVI File Format (.avi).

3	If you are saving in a folder that you have used before, click the down arrow, and then click the folder name.

4	In the File Name box, type a name for your animation.

Note

Saving an animation may take a few minutes or several hours. A progress indicator shows the progress of the save operation.


To save a scene as a Simply 3D file

To save an animated scene as an animated GIF file

To save a scene as an interactive VRML "world"

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats


To print a scene from Simply 3D

1	On the Standard toolbar, click the Print button [image]. The Print dialog box appears.

2	If you are not printing to your default printer, click the arrow in the Name box, and click the name of the printer you want to use.

3	If necessary, click Properties to set the properties of the selected printer.

4	Set the printing options, such as Rendering Quality and Image Size, and then click OK to print.

Notes

Properties will vary from one printer to another.

While a project is printing, a printer icon appears next to the clock on the Windows 95 taskbar. When this icon disappears, your project has finished printing.


To open a project in Simply 3D

To save a scene as a Simply 3D file

To close Simply 3D


To close the active project

On the project window, click the Close button [image]. The active project closes.

Tip

If you have several projects open, you can close all projects by quitting Simply 3D. You are prompted to save any unsaved changes.


To close Simply 3D

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats


List of topics in this file

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats

To open a project in Simply 3D

To save a scene as a Simply 3D file

To save a scene as a bitmap file

To save an animated scene as an AVI file

To print a scene from Simply 3D

To close the active project


Views.DOC

This document contains the view-related topics for Simply 3D help.


Setting Object-Previewing Options

To provide a fast response as you manipulate objects, Simply 3D shows objects as wireframes, bounding boxes, or solid, gray-shaded objects until you render the scene.

Wireframe	Bounding Box	Shaded
Wireframe	Shows a skeletal view of the object. You see only the outlines of the polygons that form the shape.

Bounding Box	Represents the object as the outline of a box as you move, size, or rotate it. This is faster than wireframe, but does not show any detail until you finish dragging. When you release the mouse button, you see the object as a wireframe.

Shaded	Shows the object as solid, with shading. Although this is the slowest of the previewing options, it is faster than manipulating a fully rendered object.


To preview objects as solid shapes

To preview objects as wireframes

To preview objects as bounding boxes


Selecting Points of View


To preview objects as solid shapes

On the Standard toolbar, click the Solid Shaded button [image].


To preview objects as wireframes

To preview objects as bounding boxes

Setting Object-Previewing Options

Selecting Points of View


To preview objects as wireframes

1	On the Standard toolbar, click the Wireframe button [image].

2	If the Bounding Box button [image] is selected, click to deselect it.


To preview objects as solid shapes

To preview objects as bounding boxes

Setting Object-Previewing Options

Selecting Points of View


To preview objects as bounding boxes

On the Standard toolbar, click the Wireframe button [image], and then click the Bounding Box button [image].


To preview objects as solid shapes

To preview objects as wireframes

Setting Object-Previewing Options

Selecting Points of View


To zoom in and out

1	If you are using the Camera view, click one of the other view buttons (Top [image], Side [image], Front [image], or Four Up [image]) on the View toolbar. (You cannot use zoom tools in the Camera view.)

2	In the Toolbox, click the Zoom button [image], and then click the Zoom In/Out tool [image].

3	In the Top, Side, or Front view, click to zoom in. To zoom out, click while holding down the SHIFT or CTRL key.

4	To stop using the Zoom In/Out tool, press the ESC key or click any other tool.


To adjust the zoom to show all objects

To make Simply 3D adjust the zoom automatically

Selecting Points of View


To adjust the zoom to show all objects

1	If you are using the Camera view, click one of the other view buttons (Top [image], Side [image], Front [image], or Four Up [image]) on the View toolbar. (You cannot use zoom tools in the Camera view.)

2	In the Toolbox, click the Zoom button [image], and then click the Smart Zoom tool [image]. All views are set to a zoom setting that shows the camera and all objects.

Tip

The Smart Zoom tool is a one-time adjustment. To adjust the zoom automatically as you move the camera and objects in the scene, use the Autozoom [image] tool.


To zoom in and out

To make Simply 3D adjust the zoom automatically

Selecting Points of View


To adjust the zoom automatically

1	If you are using the Camera view, click one of the other view buttons (Top [image], Side [image], Front [image], or Four Up [image]) on the View toolbar. (You cannot use zoom tools in the Camera view.)

2	In the Toolbox, click the Zoom button [image], and then click the Autozoom tool [image]. As you move items around in the scene, the zoom setting is automatically adjusted in and out to show the camera and all objects.

3	To return to manual zoom adjustment, click the Autozoom tool again.

Tip

If you only want a one-time zoom adjustment that shows the camera and all objects, use the Smart Zoom tool [image] instead of Autozoom.


To zoom in and out

To adjust the zoom to show all objects

Selecting Points of View


To show or hide the Animation Editor

On the View menu, click Animation Editor.


To show or hide specific toolbars

To show or hide the Scene Explorer

To open a Simply 3D catalog


Selecting Points of View

The Camera view is the view that is rendered. From this view, however, it is not always possible to determine an object’s position relative to other objects in the scene. Using other views such as Top, Side, and Front allows you to see and adjust relationships between objects.

Camera view (rendered)		Top view
Side view		Front view
The Top, Side, and Front views lack perspective and show movement only along two axes. Changes along the hidden axis (the axis in which objects would move toward or away from you) are not visible. For example, in the Side view, movement on the X axis is not visible.


To view a scene from the Top, Side, or Front view

To view a scene using the Four Up view

To view a scene through the camera


Setting Object-Previewing Options


To view a scene through the camera

On the View toolbar, click the Camera View button [image].


To view a scene from the Top, Side, or Front view

To view a scene using the Four Up view

Setting Object-Previewing Options

Selecting Points of View


To view a scene from the Top, Side, or Front view

On the View toolbar, click the Top View [image], Side View [image], or Front View [image] button.


To view a scene through the camera

To view a scene using the Four Up view

Setting Object-Previewing Options

Selecting Points of View


To view a scene using the Four Up view

On the View toolbar, click the Four-Up View button [image].


To view a scene through the camera

To view a scene from the Top, Side, or Front view

Setting Object-Previewing Options

Selecting Points of View


List of Topics in this file

Setting Object-Previewing Options

Selecting Points of View

To preview objects as solid shapes

To preview objects as wireframes

To preview objects as bounding boxes

To zoom in and out

To adjust the zoom to show all objects

To adjust the zoom automatically

To show or hide the Animation Editor

To view a scene through the camera

To view a scene from the Top, Side, or Front view

To view a scene using the Four Up view


Render.DOC

This document contains the rendering topics for Simply 3D help.


To render a scene

On the Standard toolbar, click the Render button [image]. The scene is rendered according to the current rendering settings (on the Tools menu). Your scene must have at least one object.

Tip

To stop rendering a scene, you can either press the ESC key or click the Stop Rendering button [image] on the Standard toolbar.


To set the rendering quality

To activate shadow rendering

To stop rendering

To render the backfaces of selected objects


To set the rendering quality

On the Tools menu, point to Render Settings, and then click Good, Better, or Best.


To render a scene

To activate shadow rendering

To stop rendering

To render the backfaces of selected objects


To activate shadow rendering

On the Tools menu, point to Render Settings, and then click Shadows.

Note

Simply 3D shadows:

-	Are visible only when you render the scene.

-	Are cast only if the object is set to cast shadows.

-	Are cast only by lights that are set to cast shadows.

-	Fall only on objects that are set to receive shadows.

-	Never show on the scene's background.


To render a scene

To set the rendering quality

To stop rendering

To render the backfaces of selected objects

Setting Shadow Properties


To stop rendering

On the Standard toolbar, click the Stop Rendering button [image].


To render a scene

To set the rendering quality

To activate shadow rendering

To render the backfaces of selected objects


To render the backfaces of selected objects

On the Object menu, click Render Backface.


To render a scene

To set the rendering quality

To activate shadow rendering

To stop rendering


List of topics in this file

To render a scene

To set the rendering quality

To activate shadow rendering

To stop rendering

To render the backfaces of selected objects


Text.DOC

This document contains the text-related topics for Simply 3D help.


Creating 3D Text

You create a Simply 3D text object by using either the Text Wizard or the Text Tool. You enter your text and specify the font and initial size. Simply 3D makes the text three-dimensional by extruding it (giving it depth). You can then manipulate the text object in the same ways as any 3D object. You also can edit the following 3D characteristics of your text.

The shape of the text is affected by the extrusion, or depth, and the height/width ratio.
	Rotated text showing extrusion
There are several bevel styles that you can apply to the edges of the text. You can also set the depth of the bevel.
	Beveled text
Aligning the 3D text to a specific path can make your scene more interesting. You can align text to an arc, a circle, a diagonal line, a horizontal line, or a vertical line.
	Text aligned to a path
You can choose one of several deformation options (for example, "squishing" the middle or the ends of the text).
	Deformed text


To create 3D text with the Text Wizard

To create 3D text with the Text Tool


To create 3D text with the Text Wizard

1	In the Toolbox, click the Text button [image], and then click the Text Wizard tool [image]. The Text Wizard opens.

2	Click Create Text As Separate Objects if you want to move, rotate, scale, or animate each letter separately, or if you want to set different material properties for the letters.

3	Click the arrow [image] to display the font list, and then click the name of font you want to use.

4	Click in the blank area. A text cursor appears.

5	Type the text you want, click the Bold button [image] and the Italic [image] button, as desired, and then click Next to display the next window.

6	Click the bevel style you want, and then click Next.

7	Click the material you want to apply to the text, and click Next.

8	Click the animation you want (if any), and click Finish.

Tip

You don’t have to go through all of the Wizard screens. You can click the Finish button anytime you are satisfied with the settings.


To create 3D text with the Text Tool

To modify 3D text with the Text Tool

To modify 3D text with the Text Wizard

Creating 3D Text


To create 3D text with the Text Tool

1	In the Scene Explorer, click View (at the top of the list) to ensure that you do not have a text object already selected.

2	In the Toolbox, click the Text button [image], and then click the Text Editor tool [image].

3	On the Text tab of the editor, type the text that you want into the text field.

4	Click the down arrow, and then click the name of the font you want to use.

5	Click Create Text As Separate Objects if you want to move, rotate, scale, or animate each letter separately, or if you want to set different material properties for the letters.

6	Use the controls on the remaining tabs to shape the text.

Tip

For a description of the controls on each tab of the Text Tool, click the Help button at the bottom of the tab.


To create 3D text with the Text Wizard

To modify 3D text with the Text Wizard

To modify 3D text with the Text Tool

Creating 3D Text


To modify 3D text with the Text Wizard

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the text object to select it.

2	On the Tools menu, click Text Wizard. The Text Wizard opens with a text cursor on the text.

3	If necessary, edit the text. If you want to change the font, click the arrow [image], and then click the name of font you want to use.

4	Click Next. If necessary, click a new bevel style.

5	Click Next. If necessary, click a new the material for the text.

6	Click Next. If necessary, click a new animation, and then click Finish.

Tips

You don’t have to go through all of the Wizard screens. You can click the Finish button anytime you are satisfied with the settings.

Editing text after reshaping it cancels the reshaping.


To modify 3D text with the Text Tool

Creating 3D Text


To modify 3D text with the Text Tool

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the text object to select it.

2	On the Tools menu, click Text Editor.

3	Use the controls on each tab to modify the text as necessary.

Tips

For a description of the controls on each tab of the Text Tool, click the Help button at the bottom of the tab.

You can separate the individual letters of 3D text. Select the text, open the Tools menu, and click Text Editor. On the Text tab, click Create Text As Separate Objects.

Editing text after reshaping it cancels the reshaping.


To modify 3D text with the Text Wizard

Creating 3D Text


List of Topics in this file

Creating 3D Text

To create 3D text with the Text Wizard

To modify 3D text with the Text Wizard

To create 3D text with the Text Tool

To modify 3D text with the Text Tool


Animate.DOC

This document contains the animation topics for Simply 3D help.


To animate an object using a catalog animation

1	If the catalog is not displayed, click the Catalog button [image] on the Standard toolbar.

3	On the left pane of the Catalog, click Animations to display icons of the available animations.

4	Drag the animation you want, and drop it on the object to be animated. The animation's path is highlighted in the project window.

Tip

If the target object is surrounded by other objects, drop the animation on the object's name in the Scene Explorer.


To animate an object using a shortcut menu

To animate text using the Text Wizard

To preview the animations in a scene

To remove an object's animation

To rename an object's animation

Animating Multiple Objects

Previewing Animations


To animate an object using a shortcut menu

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Point to Animate, and then click the specific animation you want.

3	On the Animation Control toolbar, click the Play button [image] to preview the animation.


To animate an object using a catalog animation

To animate text using the Text Wizard

To preview the animations in a scene

To remove an object's animation

To rename an object's animation

Animating Multiple Objects

Previewing Animations


To create animated text using the Text Wizard

1	In the Toolbox, click the Text button [image], and then click the Text Wizard tool [image]. The Text Wizard opens.

2	Click the arrow [image] to display the font list, and then click the name of font you want to use.

3	Click in the blank area. A text cursor appears.

4	Type the text you want, and then click Next to display the next window.

5	Click the bevel style you want, and then click Next.

6	Click the material you want to apply to the text, and click Next.

7	Click the animation you want (if any), and click Finish.

Tip

Some of the animations, such as Fly In, animate the text as a single object. Other animations, such as Fly In (Letter), animate each letter of the text separately.


To animate an object using a catalog animation

To animate an object using a shortcut menu

To preview the animations in a scene

To remove an object's animation

To rename an object's animation

Animating Multiple Objects

Previewing Animations


Animating Multiple Objects

The nature of a parent-child relationship allows you to create complex animations. Because changes to the parent affect all the children but changes to the children do not affect the parent, you can:

Animate a group of objects as a single object.

Animate the members of a group separately.

Use grouping to apply multiple animations to an object.

Objects animated as a group and separately	Three animations affecting one object


To animate grouped objects together

To animate grouped objects separately

To apply multiple animations to the same object

To preview the animations in a scene

To remove an object's animation


Previewing Animations

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats


To animate grouped objects together

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the parent of the group. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Point to Animate, and then either click the specific animation you want or click Load from Catalog and drag the animaton from the catalog to the parent object.

3	On the Animation Control toolbar, click the Play button [image] to preview the animation.

Tip

If you have created a 3D text object with letters as separate objects, you can still animate them together. Just apply the animation to the parent text object.


To animate grouped objects separately

To apply multiple animations to the same object

To apply an edited animation to other objects

To animate text using the Text Wizard

To preview the animations in a scene

To remove an object's animation

Animating Multiple Objects

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats


To animate grouped objects separately

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click one of the grouped objects [image] not the parent of the group. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Point to Animate, and then either click the specific animation you want or click Load from Catalog and drag the animaton from the catalog to the object.

3	Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each of the remaining objects.

4	On the Animation Control toolbar, click the Play button [image] to preview the animation.

Tip

You can separate the letters of 3D text to animate them as individual objects. Select the text, open the Tools menu, and click Text Editor. On the Text tab, click Create Text As Separate Objects. Note that any reshaping changes you have made to the text object are canceled.


To animate grouped objects together

To apply multiple animations to the same object

To apply an edited animation to other objects

To animate text using the Text Wizard

To preview the animations in a scene

Animating Multiple Objects

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats


To apply multiple animations to the same object

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object to display its shortcut menu.

2	Click Add Parent. A new, parent object appears one level up from the original object.

3	Right-click the parent object to display its shortcut menu.

4	Point to Animate, and then either click the first animation you want, or click Load from Catalog and drag a catalog animaton to the parent.

5	Right-click the original object to display its shortcut menu.

6	Repeat step 4 to apply a second animation, but apply it to the original object.

7	On the Animation Control toolbar, click the Play button [image] to preview the animations.

Tips

You can use the Animation Editor to adjust the timing of the two animations separately.

You can use this method to stack more than two animations per object. Just add a parent for each animation that you want to add.


To animate grouped objects together

To animate grouped objects separately

To apply an edited animation to other objects

To preview the animations in a scene

Animating Multiple Objects

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats


To apply an edited animation to other objects

Drag the edited animation and drop it on each of the other objects.

Tip

Consider grouping the objects. If you assign a rotation to multiple selected objects, each object rotates around its own axis. If you group them and then assign the rotation to their parent object, all the objects rotate around the axis of the parent.


To animate grouped objects together

To animate grouped objects separately

To apply multiple animations to the same object

To animate text using the Text Wizard

To preview the animations in a scene

Animating Multiple Objects


Previewing Animations

Simply 3D animates your scene (simulates motion) by rapidly displaying a sequence of snapshots called frames. Each frame depicts your scene as it would appear at a specific moment in time. Simply 3D creates the frames as you assign animations to objects.

Simply 3D lets you preview your animations, in wireframe or shaded view, using a VCR-like Animation Control toolbar.

Animation Control Toolbar

By previewing individual frames of your animation, you can see the relationship of an object to the camera and other objects at any point in time. You can render any animation frame as a still image and save it as an image file (for example, BMP or GIF).

You can save an animated scene as an AVI, animated GIF, or animated VRML 2.0 file.

Note

The buttons on the Animation Control toolbar are disabled (dimmed) until you add at least one animation to your scene.


To preview the animations in a scene

To step frame-by-frame through animations

To jump to a scene's first or last animation frame

To jump to a specific animation frame


Animating Multiple Objects

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats


To preview the animations in a scene

On the Animation Control toolbar, click the Play button [image].

Notes

If the Animation Control toolbar is not displayed, open the View menu, click Toolbars, and then click to select the toolbar.

The buttons on the Animation Control toolbar are disabled (dimmed) until you add at least one animation.


To step frame-by-frame through animations

To jump to a scene's first or last animation frame

To jump to a specific animation frame

Previewing Animations

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats


To step frame-by-frame through animations

On the Animation Control toolbar, click the Previous Frame [image] or the Next Frame [image] button. The frame counter is updated as you step.

Note

If the Animation Control toolbar is not displayed, open the View menu, click Toolbars, and then click to select the toolbar.


To preview the animations in a scene

To jump to a scene's first or last animation frame

To jump to a specific animation frame

Previewing Animations


To jump to a scene's first or last animation frame

On the Animation Control toolbar, click the Rewind button [image] or the Skip to End button [image].

Note

If the Animation Control toolbar is not displayed, open the View menu, click Toolbars, and then click to select the toolbar.


To preview the animations in a scene

To step frame-by-frame through animations

To jump to a specific animation frame

Previewing Animations


To jump to a specific animation frame

On the Animation Control toolbar, double-click the Frame Number box, type the frame number, and then press ENTER.

Note

If the Animation Control toolbar is not displayed, open the View menu, click Toolbars, and then click to select the toolbar.


To preview the animations in a scene

To step frame-by-frame through animations

To jump to a scene's first or last animation frame

Previewing Animations


To reverse the direction of an animation

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the animation. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Edit Animation to display the Animation Editor.

3	Click the "+" symbols to show the animation bar for the object you want to change.

4	Right-click the animation bar, and click Reverse Animation Path.


To speed up or slow down an object's animation

To adjust the timing of an object's animation

To add frames to the end of a scene

To remove empty frames from the end of a scene

Previewing Animations


To speed up or slow down an object's animation

1	If the Animation Editor is not displayed, click the Animation Editor button [image] on the Standard toolbar. The Animation Editor appears.

2	Click the "+" symbols to show the animation bar for the object you want to change.

3	On the object's animation bar, drag the start point and the end point as necessary to shorten or lengthen the animation's duration. Lengthen the duration to slow the animation; shorten it to speed up the animation.

Note

Although you cannot drag an end point past the scene's last animation frame, you can add empty frames to the end of the scene. You can then drag an end point into the new frames.


To reverse the direction of an animation

To adjust the timing of an object's animation

To add frames to the end of a scene

To remove empty frames from the end of a scene

Previewing Animations


To adjust the timing of an object's animation

1	If the Animation Editor is not displayed, click the Animation Editor button [image] on the Standard toolbar. The Animation Editor appears.

2	Click the "+" symbols to show the animation bar for the object you want to change.

3	Drag the object's animation bar to the left to start the animation sooner; drag to the right to start the animation later.

Tips

Although you cannot move an animation's end point past the scene's last animation frame, you can add empty frames to the end of the scene. You can then drag the animation bar into the empty frames.

You can create a pause between two animations by leaving several frames between the end point of one and the start point of the other.


To reverse the direction of an animation

To speed up or slow down an object's animation

To add frames to the end of a scene

To remove empty frames from the end of a scene

Previewing Animations


To reposition or rotate the path of a move animation

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the animation to select it.

2	In the Toolbox, click either the Move [image] or the Rotate [image] button, and then click the tool for the type of movement or rotation you want.

3	In any view, drag to move or rotate the path.


To scale the path of a move animation

To tilt the axis of a rotate animation

Previewing Animations


To scale the path of a move animation

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the animation to select it.

2	In the Toolbox, click the Scale button [image], and then click the tool for the axis that you want to scale.

3	In any view, drag to scale the animation path.


To reposition or rotate the path of a move animation

To tilt the axis of a rotate animation

Previewing Animations


To tilt the axis of a rotate animation

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object, and then click Add Parent. A new, parent object appears one level up from the original object.

2	Right-click the animation to display its shortcut menu, and then click Cut. The animation is removed from the original object and placed on the Clipboard.

3	Right-click the parent object you have created, and click Paste to apply the animation to the parent object. You can now rotate the animation without rotating the original object.

4	In the Toolbox, click the Rotate button [image], and then click one of the rotation tools.

5	In any view, drag to tilt the axis of the animation.


To reposition or rotate the path of a move animation

To scale the path of a move animation

Previewing Animations


To extend the duration of an animated scene
To add empty frames to a scene

1	If the Animation Editor is not displayed, click the Animation Editor button [image] on the Standard toolbar. The Animation Editor appears.

2	Right-click anyplace on the right-hand pane, and then click Add/Subtract Frames.

3	In the Animation Frame Count box, type the total number of frames that you want the scene to have.


To remove empty frames from the end of a scene

Previewing Animations


To remove empty frames from the end of an animated scene
To remove empty frames from the end of a scene

1	On the Standard toolbar, click the Animation Editor button [image]. The Animation Editor appears.

2	Right-click anyplace on the right-hand pane, and then click Add/Subtract Frames.

3	Change the number in the Animation Frame Count box:

To remove all empty frames, type 0 and press ENTER. Simply 3D removes only the empty frames at the end.

To remove some [image] but not all [image] of the empty frames, subtract from the current frame count the number of frames that you want to remove, type the result, and then press ENTER.

Note

You cannot accidentally remove frames that contain an animation.


To add frames to the end of a scene

Previewing Animations


To remove an object's animation

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the animation to select it.

2	Press the DELETE key.

Note

If necessary, click the "+" next to the object name to expand the hierarchy.


To animate an object using a catalog animation

To animate an object using a shortcut menu

To rename an object's animation

Previewing Animations


To rename an object's animation

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the object's animation.

2	Pause briefly, and then click the name a second time. A cursor appears, showing that you can now edit the name.

3	Type the new name, and then press ENTER.


To animate an object using a catalog animation

To animate an object using a shortcut menu

To remove an object's animation

Previewing Animations


List of topics in this file

Animating Multiple Objects

Previewing Animations

To animate an object using a catalog animation

To animate an object using a shortcut menu

To create animated text using the Text Wizard

To animate grouped objects together

To animate grouped objects separately

To apply multiple animations to the same object

To apply an edited animation to other objects

To preview the animations in a scene

To step frame-by-frame through animations

To jump to a scene's first or last animation frame

To jump to a specific animation frame

To reverse the direction of an animation

To speed up or slow down an object's animation

To adjust the timing of an object's animation

To reposition or rotate the path of a move animation

To scale the path of a move animation

To tilt the axis of a rotate animation

To extend the duration of an animated scene

To remove empty frames from the end of an animated scene

To remove an object's animation

To rename an object's animation


Objects.DOC

This document contains the 3D object topics for Simply 3D help.


To open an object from a 3D object file

1	On the File menu, click Open. The Open dialog box appears.

2	Next to Files of Type, click the arrow [image], and then click the type of 3D file (such as GED or DFX) that contains the 3D object.

3	Navigate to the folder containing the file, click the filename, and then click Open.


To add an object from a Simply 3D catalog

To add a Simply 3D primitive object

To copy an object to another Simply 3D project

To remove an object from the scene

To rename an object

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Moving Objects by Dragging

Rotating Objects by Dragging

Scaling Objects by Dragging


To add an object from a Simply 3D catalog

1	On the File menu, click Open Catalog. A catalog browser appears.

2	Click the name of the catalog you want to use.

3	Click Objects to display the catalog's available objects.

4	Drag the object that you want, and drop it on the project window. The object appears at the center of the scene.

Tip

If you want to add the new object as a child of another object, drop the new object on its parent object in the Scene Explorer.


To open an object from a 3D object file

To add a Simply 3D primitive object

To remove an object from the scene

To copy an object to another Simply 3D project

To rename an object

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Moving Objects by Dragging

Rotating Objects by Dragging

Scaling Objects by Dragging


To add a Simply 3D primitive object

In the Toolbox, click the Shapes button [image], and then click the button for the shape you want. The object appears in the center of the Simply 3D world.

Tip

If you manipulate the camera frequently, add a floor primitive [image] to serve as a visual reference. You can remove the floor before final rendering.


To open an object from a 3D object file

To add an object from a Simply 3D catalog

To remove an object from the scene

To copy an object to another Simply 3D project

To rename an object

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Changing the Appearance of an Object's Surface

Reshaping a 3D Object


To select an object using the project window

1	In the Toolbox, click the Pick button [image].

2	Click the object.

Note

In solid shaded preview, selected objects  in the project window are not highlighted. However, their names are highlighted in the Scene Explorer.


To select an object using the Scene Explorer

To select multiple objects using the project window

To select multiple objects using the Scene Explorer

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Moving Objects by Dragging

Rotating Objects by Dragging

Scaling Objects by Dragging


To select an object using the Scene Explorer

Click the name of the object.

Note

In wireframe preview, selected objects are shown in yellow (highlighted). Although objects are not highlighted in solid shaded view, the name of the selected object is highlighted in the Scene Explorer.


To select an object using the project window

To select multiple objects using the project window

To select multiple objects using the Scene Explorer

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Moving Objects by Dragging

Rotating Objects by Dragging

Scaling Objects by Dragging


To select multiple objects using the project window

1	In the Toolbox, click the Pick button [image].

2	In the project window, click one of the objects.

3	Press and hold the SHIFT key, and click each additional object.

Note

You can group multiple objects under a parent object and then move, rotate, scale, and animate them all by moving, rotating, scaling, and animating the parent. However, you cannot change other object properties (such as material) by selecting the parent; you must select the child object.


To select an object using the project window

To select an object using the Scene Explorer

To select multiple objects using the Scene Explorer

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Moving Objects by Dragging

Rotating Objects by Dragging

Scaling Objects by Dragging


To select multiple objects using the Scene Explorer

1	In the Scene Explorer, click one of the objects to select it.

2	Press and hold the SHIFT key, and click each additional object.

Note

You can group multiple objects under a parent object and then move, rotate, scale, and animate them all by moving, rotating, scaling, and animating the parent. However, you cannot change other object properties (such as material) by selecting the parent; you must select the child object.


To select an object using the project window

To select an object using the Scene Explorer

To select multiple objects using the project window

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Moving Objects by Dragging

Rotating Objects by Dragging

Scaling Objects by Dragging


 Moving Objects by Dragging

You can drag an object to a new position by selecting it and then choosing a tool from the Move button [image] in the Toolbox. The Move tools let you drag objects along any two axes [image] or along a single axis [image]  [image]  [image]. The specific axis depends on which view you use.

Suppose you want to move a vase directly toward the front of a table.

You can move the vase in one axis by choosing one of the single-axis Move tools and dragging in the appropriate nonperspective view (Top, Side, or Front). For example, you could use the Move Up/Down tool [image] in the Top view, because Up and Down in that view represent the back and front of the table. You could also use the Move Left/Right tool [image] in the Side view or the Move In/Out tool [image] in the Front view.

In this case, trying to move the vase forward by using the Move In/Out tool [image] in the Camera view has the wrong effect. It moves the vase toward the camera, raising it off the table.


To move an object by dragging

To move an object to specific coordinates

To center an object in the scene

To restore an object's original position


Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Rotating Objects by Dragging

Scaling Objects by Dragging

Changing the Appearance of an Object's Surface

Reshaping a 3D Object


To move an object by dragging

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the object's name to select it.

2	In the Toolbox, click the Move button [image], and then click the tool for the type of movement you want.

3	In any of the view panes, drag to move the object.

Tip

Objects moved in the Camera view are moved within the camera's coordinate system. If you want to move within the world coordinate system, drag in the Top, Side, or Front view.


To move an object to specific coordinates

To center an object in the scene

To restore an object's original position

To reset an object to its original location, rotation, and scale

Moving Objects by Dragging


To move an object to specific coordinates

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object's name to display its shortcut menu.

2	Click Properties to display the Object Properties dialog box.

3	Click the General tab.

4	In the Object Location group, type the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the new location.


To move an object by dragging

To restore an object's original position

To reset an object to its original location, rotation, and scale

To center an object in the scene

Moving Objects by Dragging


To restore an object's original position

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the object to select it.

2	In the Toolbox, click the Reset button [image].


To move an object by dragging

To move an object to specific coordinates

To reset an object to its original location, rotation, and scale

To center an object in the scene

Moving Objects by Dragging


Rotating Objects by Dragging

You can use the mouse to rotate an object by selecting it and then choosing a tool from the Rotate button [image] in the Toolbox. The Rotate tools let you drag objects around any two axes [image] or around a single axis [image]  [image]  [image]. The specific axis depends on which view you use.

Suppose you want to rotate a checkbook as it rests on a table.

You can rotate the checkbook in one axis by choosing one of the single-axis Rotate tools and dragging in the appropriate nonperspective view (Top, Side, or Front). For example, you could use the Rotate Clockwise/Counterclockwise tool [image] in the Top view, because clockwise and counterclockwise in that view suggest the type of rotation you want. You could also use the Rotate Left/Right tool [image] in the Side view or the Front view.

Because object rotation is always around the axes of the specific view, trying to rotate the checkbook by using the Rotate Left/Right tool [image] in the Camera view has the wrong effect. It rotates the checkbook to the camera's left and right instead of the table's left and right.


To rotate an object by dragging

To rotate an object to specific angles

To restore an object's original rotation


Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Moving Objects by Dragging

Scaling Objects by Dragging

Changing the Appearance of an Object's Surface

Reshaping a 3D Object


To rotate an object by dragging

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the object's name to select it.

2	In the Toolbox, click the Rotate button [image], and then click the tool for the type of rotation you want.

3	Drag in any view to move the object.

Tip

Objects rotated in the Camera view are rotated according to the camera's coordinate system. If you want to rotate objects in world space, make sure you drag in the Top, Side, or Front view.


To rotate an object to specific angles

To restore an object's original rotation

To reset an object to its original location, rotation, and scale

Rotating Objects by Dragging


To rotate an object to specific angles

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object's name. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties to display the Object Properties dialog box.

3	In the Object Rotation group, type the new rotation angles, in degrees, for the object's X, Y, and Z axes.


To rotate an object by dragging

To restore an object's original rotation

To reset an object to its original location, rotation, and scale

Rotating Objects by Dragging


To restore an object's original rotation

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object's name to display its shortcut menu.

2	Click Properties to display the Object Properties dialog box.

3	In the Object Rotation group, type 0 (zero) for each rotation axis that you want to reset.


To rotate an object by dragging

To rotate an object to specific angles

To reset an object to its original location, rotation, and scale

Rotating Objects by Dragging


Scaling Objects by Dragging

You can use the mouse to resize an object by selecting it and then choosing a tool from the Scale button [image] in the Toolbox. The Scale tools let you shrink or expand objects proportionately [image] or along a single axis [image]  [image]  [image].

Unlike the Move and Rotate tools, scaling is always based on the object's axes, regardless of the view in which you drag.

Enlarged with Scale XYZ tool		Enlarged with Scale X tool
Enlarged with Scale Y tool		Enlarged with Scale Z tool


To scale an object by dragging

To scale an object numerically

To reset an object to its original location, rotation, and scale


Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Moving Objects by Dragging

Rotating Objects by Dragging

Changing the Appearance of an Object's Surface

Reshaping a 3D Object


To scale an object by dragging

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the object's name to select it.

2	In the Toolbox, click the Scale button [image], and then click the tool for the type of scaling you want.

3	Drag in any view to scale the object.

Simply 3D always scales an object according to the object's own coordinate system, regardless of the view in which you drag. For example, scaling a waste basket in the Y axis always makes it taller or shorter [image] even if it is lying on its side.


To scale an object numerically

To reset an object to its original location, rotation, and scale

Scaling Objects by Dragging


To scale an object numerically

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object's name to display its shortcut menu.

2	Click Properties to display the Object Properties dialog box.

3	In the Object Scale group, type a value for each scaling axis that you want to change.


To scale an object by dragging

To reset an object to its original location, rotation, and scale

Scaling Objects by Dragging


Removed topic

 To restore an object's original scale

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object's name to display its shortcut menu.

2	Click Properties to display the Object Properties dialog box.

3	In the Object Scale group, type 0 (zero) for each scaling axis that you want to reset.


Removed topic

To scale an object by dragging

To scale an object numerically

To reset an object to its original location, rotation, and scale

Scaling Objects by Dragging


To reset an object to its original location, rotation, and scale

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the object's name to select it.

2	In the Toolbox, click the Reset button [image].

Note

Resetting an object does not cancel any reshaping.


To restore an object's original position

To restore an object's original rotation

To center an object in the scene

Moving Objects by Dragging

Rotating Objects by Dragging

Scaling Objects by Dragging


To center an object in the scene

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the object's name to select it.

2	In the Toolbox, click the Center button [image].

Tip

If the centered object is no longer in view of the camera, you can locate it by selecting Four Up view, clicking the Zoom button [image], and then clicking the Smart Zoom tool [image].


To restore an object's original position

To restore an object's original rotation

Moving Objects by Dragging


Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Grouping objects lets you select, move, rotate, scale, and animate them as if they were one object.

When you select the parent of a group and manipulate it, you automatically manipulate all of its child objects. However, when you select a child object and manipulate it, only the child object is affected.

Cylinders and cones grouped  to form a pencil		Pencil objects (renamed) in the Scene Explorer
You create groups within the Scene Explorer, using one of two methods. You can:

Make an object a "child" of another object by dropping it on the other object. This method works for simple cases, but it does not let you manipulate the parent object separately from the child.

Create a parent for one of the objects, and then drag the other objects to the new parent. This method, shown in the illustration, lets you manipulate any member of the group without affecting the other members. A parent created in this way is not visible in the project window; you can select it only by clicking it in the Scene Explorer. However, once you have selected the parent you can manipulate it just as any other object.

You  can move, rotate, scale, and animate objects grouped in this way by moving, rotating, scaling, and animating the parent. However, you cannot change other object properties (such as material) by selecting the parent; you must select the child object.

Creating a parent for a parent lets you put together complex animations, because you can assign a different animation to each parent. You could use this technique, for example, to create a text message in which each letter tumbles end-over-end as the message orbits a globe.


Moving Objects by Dragging

Rotating Objects by Dragging

Scaling Objects by Dragging

Animating Multiple Objects


To make one object a child of another object

To group multiple objects

To separate an object from a group


To make one object a child of another object

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the object that will become the child.

2	Drag the child to the object that will become the parent and drop it. One object is now a child of another object.

Note

With this method of grouping, you cannot move, rotate, scale, or animate the parent object without also changing the child. As an alternative, you could group the objects differently by creating a parent for one of the objects and then dragging the other object to the new parent. This method lets you manipulate one member of the group or change its properties without affecting the other member.


To group multiple objects

To separate an object from a group

To remove an object from the scene

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Moving Objects by Dragging

Rotating Objects by Dragging

Scaling Objects by Dragging


To group multiple objects

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click one of the objects. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Add Parent. Simply 3D creates a new object as the parent and attaches the original object as its child. The parent object is visible only in the Scene Explorer.

3	Drag the other objects and drop them on the new parent object. They become children of the parent object.

Note

You can move, rotate, scale, and animate objects grouped in this way by moving, rotating, scaling, and animating the parent. However, you cannot change other object properties (such as material) by selecting the parent; you must select the child object.


To make one object a child of another object

To separate an object from a group

To select multiple objects using the Scene Explorer

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects


To separate an object from a group

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the object's name to select it.

2	Drag the object, and drop it on the View (at the top of the Scene Explorer).


To group multiple objects

To make one object a child of another object

To select multiple objects using the Scene Explorer

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects


Changing the Appearance of an Object's Surface

Besides setting the properties of individual materials that cover an object, you can set object properties that have a universal effect on all of the object's materials.

Smoothing Options

Without smoothing, the individual polygons that form the surface of the object are visible as flat surfaces. Smoothing makes the surface appear rounded. You can choose to apply smoothing only to angles equal to or less than a specific angle. You can also choose Material Crease to make smoothing occur only for adjacent polygons covered with the same material.

Image-Mapping Options

Simple image	Each material on an object can have as many as three images: a texture map, a bump map, and an image reflection map. Mapping options let you change the way Simply 3D applies these images to the object. You can set the scale of the maps and you can cover the object with them in a variety of ways.
Unfold		Spherical		Cylindrical
Tiled (with scale -.76)		Orthographic		By Polygon
You can blur the boundaries between colors in all the images, and you can further blur the image reflection maps. If your materials use Bump Maps, increasing the Bump Height produces higher bumps and deeper valleys. Using a negative value for the Bump Height reverses the bumps and valleys.

Bump Map		Bump height set to 1		Bump height set to -1
Tip

For descriptions of the object properties, click the Help button on each tab of the Object Properties dialog box.


Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Moving Objects by Dragging

Rotating Objects by Dragging

Scaling Objects by Dragging

Reshaping a 3D Object


To tile material on an object

To select how materials are mapped to an object

To smooth an object

To smooth multiple objects


To tile material on an object

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties. The Object Properties dialog box appears.

3	Click the Mapping tab.

4	Under Mapping Type, make sure Tiled is selected.

5	Under Texture Repeat, make sure Stamp is selected.

6	Drag the Mapping Scale slider toward the left until it displays a value less than 0. Smaller values create more tiles.


To add a Simply 3D primitive object

To select how materials are mapped to an object

Changing the Appearance of an Object's Surface


To select how materials are mapped to an object

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object's name to display its shortcut menu.

2	Click Properties to display the Object Properties dialog box.

3	Click the Mapping tab, and then set the mapping options.

Note

The mapping options affect all materials applied to the object.


To add a Simply 3D primitive object

To smooth an object

To smooth multiple objects

To tile material on an object

Changing the Appearance of an Object's Surface


To smooth an object

1	In the Scene Explorer, click one of the objects to select it.

2	Press and hold the SHIFT key, and click each additional object.

3	On the Object menu, point to Smoothing and click All.

Note

In wireframe preview, the objects will appear the same. When you render the scene, the objects will be smooth.


To add a Simply 3D primitive object

To smooth multiple objects

To tile material on an object

To select how materials are mapped to an object

Changing the Appearance of an Object's Surface


To smooth multiple objects

1	In the Scene Explorer, click one of the objects to select it.

2	Press and hold the SHIFT key, and click each additional object.

3	On the Object menu, point to Smoothing and click All.

Note

In wireframe preview, the objects will appear the same. When you render the scene, the objects will be smooth.


To add a Simply 3D primitive object

To smooth an object

To tile material on an object

To select how materials are mapped to an object

Changing the Appearance of an Object's Surface


To remove an object from the scene

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the object's name to select it.

2	Press the DELETE key.

Tip

If you want to move the object to another Simply 3D project, cut it to the Clipboard and then paste it into the other project.


To copy an object to another Simply 3D project

To rename an object


To copy an object to another Simply 3D project

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the object's name to select it.

2	On the Edit menu, click Copy.

3	On the Window menu, click the name of the project that will receive the object. Its project window is activated.

4	On the Edit menu, click Paste.


To remove an object from the scene

To rename an object


To prevent an object from casting a shadow

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties. The Object Properties dialog box appears.

3	On the General tab, click the Cast Shadows option to deselect it.

Note

Simply 3D shadows:

-	Are visible only when you render the scene, and only if you activate shadows through the Tools/Render Settings menu item.

-	Are cast only if the object is set to cast shadows.

-	Are cast only by lights that are set to cast shadows.

-	Fall only on objects that are set to receive shadows.

-	Never show on the scene's background.


To smooth an object

To smooth multiple objects

To make an object receive shadows

Setting Shadow Properties


To make an object receive shadows

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties. The Object Properties dialog box appears.

3	On the General tab, click the Receive Shadows option to select it.

Note

Simply 3D shadows:

-	Are visible only when you render the scene, and only if you activate shadows through the Tools/Render Settings menu item.

-	Are cast only if the object is set to cast shadows.

-	Are cast only by lights that are set to cast shadows.

-	Fall only on objects that are set to receive shadows.

-	Never show on the scene's background.


To smooth an object

To smooth multiple objects

To prevent an object from casting a shadow

Setting Shadow Properties


To rename an object

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the name of the object.

2	Pause briefly, and then click the name a second time. A cursor appears, showing that you can now edit the name.

3	Type the new name, and then press ENTER.


List of topics in this file

Grouping and Ungrouping Objects

Moving Objects by Dragging

Rotating Objects by Dragging

Scaling Objects by Dragging

Changing the Appearance of an Object's Surface

To open an object from a 3D object file

To add an object from a Simply 3D catalog

To add a Simply 3D primitive object

To select an object using the project window

To select an object using the Scene Explorer

To select multiple objects using the project window

To select multiple objects using the Scene Explorer

To make one object a child of another object

To group multiple objects

To separate an object from a group

To move an object by dragging

To move an object to specific coordinates

To restore an object's original position

To rotate an object by dragging

To rotate an object to specific angles

To restore an object's original rotation

To scale an object by dragging

To scale an object numerically

To reset an object to its original location, rotation, and scale

To center an object in the scene

To tile material on an object

To select how materials are mapped to an object

To smooth an object

To smooth multiple objects

To remove an object from the scene

To copy an object to another Simply 3D project

To prevent an object from casting a shadow

To make an object receive shadows

To rename an object


Camera.DOC

This document contains the camera-related topics for Simply 3D help.


To select the camera using the project window

1	In the Toolbox, click the Pick button [image].

2	In the project window, click anyplace where there is no object.


To select the camera using the Scene Explorer


To select the camera using the Scene Explorer

In the Scene Explorer, click View (at the top of the list).


To select the camera using the project window


Moving the Camera

The camera is a valuable tool that can be manipulated to help you achieve an interesting visual perspective. By moving the camera, you can change the entire character of a scene.

Default Camera Position	Camera Moved to Different View
Working in Top, Side, and/or Front view, you can move the camera up-down, left-right, and in-out around it’s aiming point. As you move the camera, it automatically rotates so that the lens remains aimed at the aiming point.

Note

Moving the camera in Camera view moves both the camera and its aiming point. The camera does not rotate and the objects in your scene may not remain in view. Unless this is the effect you want, you must work in the other views.

Camera Moved Around Aiming Point

Using the rotate tools, you can move the camera and maintain a constant distance from the aiming point. The move process is reversed, as you rotate the camera around its aiming point, it automatically moves.

Two other camera moves are: (1) centering the camera to view all objects, and (2) resetting the camera to its original position. Reset also resets the lens angle.


To move the camera by dragging

To move the camera to specific coordinates

To move both the camera and its aiming point

To rotate the camera around its aiming point

To center the camera to view all objects

To reset the camera


Aiming the Camera

Rotating the Camera

Setting the Lens Angle


To move the camera by dragging

1	On the View menu, point to Point of View, and then click Four Up to display all four views.

2	In the Scene Explorer, click View to select the camera.

3	In the Toolbox, click the Move button [image], and then click the tool for the direction of camera movement you want.

4	In any view, drag to move the camera:

In the Camera view, you move both the camera and its aiming point.

In the Top, Side, or Front view, you move only the camera. Its aiming point remains stationary, and the camera rotates automatically to keep the aiming point centered.


To move the camera to specific coordinates

To move both the camera and its aiming point

To rotate the camera around its aiming point

To aim the camera by dragging

Moving the Camera

Aiming the Camera


To move the camera to specific coordinates

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click View to display the camera's shortcut menu.

2	In the shortcut menu that appears, click Properties.

3	On the dialog box, enter new values for the camera’s X, Y, and Z coordinates.

Tip

If you cannot see the camera in any of the Top, Side, or Front views, click the Zoom button [image] in the Toolbox, and then click the Smart Zoom tool [image].


To move the camera by dragging

To move both the camera and its aiming point

To rotate the camera around its aiming point

To aim the camera by dragging

Moving the Camera

Aiming the Camera


To move both the camera and its aiming point

1	In the Scene Explorer, click View to select the camera.

2	In the Toolbox, click the Move button [image], and then click the tool for the direction of camera movement you want.

3	In Camera view, drag to move the camera.

In the Camera view, you move both the camera and its aiming point.

In the Top, Side, or Front view, you move only the camera. Its aiming point remains stationary, and the camera rotates automatically to keep the aiming point centered.


To move the camera by dragging

To move the camera to specific coordinates

To rotate the camera around its aiming point

To aim the camera by dragging

Moving the Camera


To reset the camera

1	In the Scene Explorer, click View to select the camera.

2	In the Toolbox, click the Reset button [image].


To center the camera to view all objects

To select the camera using the project window

To select the camera using the Scene Explorer

Moving the Camera

Aiming the Camera

Rotating the Camera

Setting the Lens Angle


To center the camera to view all objects

1	In the Scene Explorer, click View to select the camera.

2	In the Toolbox, click the Center button [image]. Simply 3D moves the camera as necessary to view all objects in the scene.


To reset the camera

To select the camera using the project window

To select the camera using the Scene Explorer

Moving the Camera

Aiming the Camera

Rotating the Camera

Setting the Lens Angle


Aiming the Camera

The camera moves around an aiming point. Because it always aims directly at its aiming point, you can aim the camera in any direction by repositioning its aiming point.

You can aim the camera by:

Dragging its aiming point in the Top, Side, or Front view.

Specifying coordinates for the aiming point.

Setting the aiming point on an object.

Aiming point with specified coordinates	Aiming point set on an object


To aim the camera by dragging

To aim the camera at specific coordinates

To aim the camera at an object


Moving the Camera

Rotating the Camera

Setting the Lens Angle


To aim the camera by dragging

1	On the View menu, point to Point of View, and then click Four Up to display all four views.

2	In the Scene Explorer, click View to select the camera.

3	In the Toolbox, click the Aim button [image].

4	Drag in the Top, Side, or Front view to aim the camera. A small set of crosshairs shows the aiming point.


To aim the camera at specific coordinates

To aim the camera at an object

To move the camera by dragging

To move the camera to specific coordinates

Aiming the Camera

Moving the Camera

Rotating the Camera


To aim the camera at specific coordinates

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click View to display the camera's shortcut menu.

2	Click Properties to display the View Properties dialog box.

3	Under Target Location, type the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the aiming point. The camera will point to those coordinates until you specify a target object or aim the camera by dragging.


To aim the camera by dragging

To aim the camera at an object

To move the camera by dragging

To move the camera to specific coordinates

Aiming the Camera

Moving the Camera

Rotating the Camera


To aim the camera at an object

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click View to display the camera's shortcut menu.

2	Click Properties to display the View Properties dialog box.

3	Click the arrow [image] to show the list of objects in the scene.

4	Click the name of the object that you want to use as the camera’s target. The camera points to that object until you specify another object or aim the camera manually.

Note

The camera remains aimed at the object while you move the camera, but not while you move or animate the object.


To aim the camera by dragging

To aim the camera at specific coordinates

To move the camera by dragging

To move the camera to specific coordinates

Aiming the Camera

Moving the Camera

Rotating the Camera


Rotating the Camera

The camera moves and rotates around an aiming point. Using the rotate tools to rotate the camera around its aiming point offers a specialized way of moving the camera. As you rotate the camera, it automatically moves—maintaining a constant distance from the aiming point.

The only camera rotation that is independent of moving is twisting. Working in Top or Side view, you can rotate the camera to tilt the scene’s horizon.

Camera and Rotation	Rendered Scene Camera not Rotated	Rendered Scene Camera Rotated
Note

If you want to aim the camera instead of rotating it, refer to Aiming the Camera in the Related Topics.


To rotate the camera around its aiming point

To tilt the scene’s horizon


Moving the Camera

Aiming the Camera

Setting the Lens Angle


To rotate the camera around its aiming point

1	On the View menu, point to Point of View, and then click Four Up to display all four views.

2	In the Scene Explorer, click View to select the camera.

3	In the Toolbox, click the Rotation button [image], and then click the tool for the direction of camera rotation you want.

4	In any view, drag to rotate the camera.

Note

As you rotate the camera around its aiming point, the camera automatically moves, maintaining a constant distance from its aiming point.


To tilt the scene’s horizon

To aim the camera by dragging

To aim the camera at specific coordinates

To aim the camera at an object

Rotating the Camera

Aiming the Camera


To tilt the scene's horizon

1	On the View menu, point to Point of View, and then click Four Up to display all four views.

2	In the Scene Explorer, click View to select the camera.

3	In the Toolbox, click the Rotation button [image],

4	Click either the Rotate left to right tool [image] for working in Top view, or the Rotate up and down tool [image] for working in Side view.

5	In either the Top or Side view, drag to rotate the camera.


To rotate the camera around its aiming point

To aim the camera by dragging

To aim the camera at specific coordinates

To aim the camera at an object

Rotating the Camera

Aiming the Camera


Setting the Lens Angle

You can adjust the camera’s lens angle to change the amount of perspective seen through the camera lens. For example, a larger lens angle produces a wide-angle effect with increased perspective; a smaller lens angle produces a telephoto effect with decreased perspective.

Normal lens angle	Wide angle (fisheye)	Narrow angle (telephoto)
Note

Resetting the camera restores it to its original position and lens angle.


To set the camera's lens angle by dragging

To set the camera's lens angle numerically

To reset the camera


Moving the Camera

Aiming the Camera

Rotating the Camera


To set the camera's lens angle by dragging

1	On the View menu, point to Point of View, and then click Four Up to display all four views.

2	In the Scene Explorer, click View to select the camera.

3	In the Toolbox, click the Scale button [image].

4	In the project window, drag to change the lens angle.


To set the camera's lens angle numerically

To reset the camera

Setting the Lens Angle


To set the camera's lens angle numerically

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click View. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties to display the Camera Properties dialog box.

3	In the Lens Angle box, type the new lens angle in degrees from the camera's centerline.


To set the camera's lens angle by dragging

To reset the camera

Setting the Lens Angle


List of topics in this file

Moving the Camera

Aiming the Camera

Rotating the Camera

Setting the Lens Angle

To select the camera using the project window

To select the camera using the Scene Explorer

To move the camera by dragging

To move the camera to specific coordinates

To reset the camera

To center the camera to view all objects

To aim the camera by dragging

To aim the camera at specific coordinates

To aim the camera at an object

To rotate the camera around its aiming point

To tilt the scene’s horizon

To set the camera's lens angle by dragging

To set the camera's lens angle numerically


Lights.DOC

This document contains the lighting-related topics for Simply 3D help.


Adding and Removing Lights

To light a scene, you may use multiple lights with any combination of light types and properties. However, each light increases rendering time, so use the minimum number of lights needed to create an effect.

Default lighting (2 point lights)		Accent lighting (2 spotlights)
By default, Simply 3D lights a scene using two point lights. A point light shines in all directions and is used for general illumination. For a different effect, you can change a point light to a spotlight which will focus light on a specific area.

Point light selected	Spotlight selected
You can add more lights to your scene by copying and pasting existing lights,  and you can add a lighting scheme from the Simply 3D catalog.

Note

A scene must have at least one light source.


To add a light by copying and pasting

To add a lighting scheme from a catalog

To remove a light from a scene

To change a light's type

To select a light


Moving and Aiming Lights

Setting a Light’s Shadow Properties


To add a light by copying and pasting

1	In the Scene Explorer, click any light to select it.

2	On the Standard toolbar, click the Copy button [image], and then click the Paste button [image].

3	If you are not in Four Up view, open the View menu, point to Point of View, and click Four Up.

4	Use a Move tool to move the newly pasted light away from the original.


To add a lighting scheme from a catalog

To remove a light from a scene

To rename a light

Adding and Removing Lights


To add a lighting scheme from a catalog

1	If the catalog is not displayed, click the Catalog button [image] on the Standard toolbar.

2	In the left pane of the catalog, click Lights, and then use the scroll bar to view the available lighting schemes.

3	Drag the thumbnail image of the lighting scheme that you want, and drop it anyplace on your project window.


To add a light by copying and pasting

To select a light

To select multiple lights

Adding and Removing Lights

Setting a Light’s Shadow Properties


To remove a light from a scene

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the light you want to remove.

2	Press the DELETE key.


To add a light by copying and pasting

To add a lighting scheme from a catalog

To select a light

To select multiple lights

Adding and Removing Lights


To select a light

1	If you are not in Four Up view, open the View menu, point to Point of View, and click Four Up.

2	In the Scene Explorer, click the name of the light to select it.

Note

If you don’t know the name of the light, click the light names one-by-one. The selected light is shown in yellow (highlighted).


To select multiple lights

Adding and Removing Lights


To select multiple lights

1	If you are not in Four Up view, open the View menu, point to Point of View, and click Four Up.

3	In the Scene Explorer, click one of the lights.

2	Press and hold the SHIFT key, and click each additional light.


To select a light

Adding and Removing Lights


To change a light's color

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the name of the light. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Color to display the color picker.

3	Either click a color in the palette or click Define Custom Colors.

4	If you are defining a custom color, enter the values for the new color or drag the sliders. Then, click Add to Custom Colors

5	Click OK to apply the color to the light.


To select a light

To select multiple lights

To change a light's brightness

To change a light's type

Moving and Aiming Lights

Setting a Light’s Shadow Properties


To change a light's brightness

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the name of the light, and then click Properties.

2	Drag the Brightness slider to change the light's brightness setting.


To select a light

To select multiple lights

To change a light's color

Moving and Aiming Lights

Setting a Light’s Shadow Properties


To change a light's type

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the name of the light. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click either Point Light or Spotlight to select the type of light.


To select a light

To select multiple lights

To set the angles of a spotlight

Adding and Removing Lights

Moving and Aiming Lights


To move a light by dragging

1	If you are not in Four Up view, open the View menu, point to Point of View, and click Four Up.

2	In the Scene Explorer, click the name of the light to select it.

3	In the Toolbox, click the Move button [image], and then click the tool for the type of move.

4	Drag in any of the views to move the light.

Tip

Objects moved in the Camera view are moved within the camera's coordinate system. If you want to move within the world coordinate system, drag in the Top, Side, or Front view.


To select a light

To select multiple lights

To move a light to specific coordinates

To aim a light by dragging

To aim a light at specific coordinates

To aim a light at an object

Moving and Aiming Lights


To move a light to specific coordinates

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the name of the light.

2	On the shortcut menu, click Properties.

3	On the Light Properties dialog box, under Light Location, type the object's new X, Y, and Z coordinates.


To select a light

To select multiple lights

To move a light by dragging

To aim a light by dragging

To aim a light at specific coordinates

To aim a light at an object

Moving and Aiming Lights


Moving and Aiming Lights

The direction in which a light is aimed is important only for spotlights. Although you can aim spotlights and point lights, point lights always shine in all directions.

Like the camera, each light moves around an aiming point. Because a light always aims directly at its aiming point, you can aim a light in any direction by repositioning the point.

You can aim a light by:

Dragging its aiming point.

Specifying coordinates for the aiming point.

Setting the aiming point on an object.

Aiming point with specified coordinates	Aiming point set on an object


To move a light by dragging

To move a light to specific coordinates

To aim a light by dragging

To aim a light at specific coordinates

To aim a light at an object

To change a light's type

To set the angles of a spotlight


Adding and Removing Lights

Setting a Light’s Shadow Properties


To aim a light by dragging

1	On the View menu, point to Point of View, and then click Four Up to display all four views.

2	In the Scene Explorer, click the light to select it.

3	In the Toolbox, click the Aim button [image].

4	In any view, drag to aim the light. A small set of crosshairs shows the aiming point.


To select a light

To select multiple lights

To aim a light at specific coordinates

To aim a light at an object

To change a light's type

To set the angles of a spotlight

Moving and Aiming Lights


To aim a light at specific coordinates

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the light. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties to display the Light Properties dialog box.

3	Under Target Location, type the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the aiming point. The light will point to those coordinates until you specify a target object or aim the light manually.


To select a light

To select multiple lights

To aim a light by dragging

To aim a light at an object

To change a light's type

To set the angles of a spotlight

Moving and Aiming Lights


To aim a light at an object

1	If you are not in Four Up view, open the View menu, point to Point of View, and click Four Up.

2	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the name of the light to display its shortcut menu.

3	Click Properties. The Light Properties dialog box appears.

4	Click the arrow [image] to show the list of objects in the scene.

5	Click the name of the object that you want to use as the light’s target. The light points to that object until you specify another object or aim the light manually.

Note

The light remains aimed at the object while you move the light, but not while you move or animate the object.


To select a light

To select multiple lights

To aim a light by dragging

To aim a light at specific coordinates

To change a light's type

To set the angles of a spotlight

Moving and Aiming Lights


To set the angles of a spotlight

1	If you are not in Four Up view, open the View menu, point to Point of View, and click Four Up.

2	In the Scene Explorer, click the name of the light to select it. (If you do not see angle lines for the light, right-click the light, and then click Spot Light.)

3	In the Toolbox, click the Scale button [image], and then click the Change Spot Angle tool [image].

4	In any view, drag right or left to change the angle of the spotlight.

Tip

To narrow a spotlight's "soft angle" (the wider of the two angles shown in the nonperspective views), continue dragging after the "hot angle" closes. When the soft angle is as narrow as you want it, drag in the opposite direction to reopen the hot angle. To restore the default soft angle, select the spotlight and click the Reset button [image] in the Toolbox.


To select a light

To select multiple lights

To aim a light by dragging

To change a light's type

Setting a Light’s Shadow Properties


Setting a Light's Shadow Properties

Using shadows adds an element of depth and realism to your rendered 3D scene. There are times, however, that you may want to control whether shadows are rendered and how. Simply 3D provides several options.

The method used to render shadows determines the visual effect.

Ray Tracing. Ray-traced shadows have a harder edge than those produced by shadow mapping. Use ray tracing to produce realistic shadows for outdoor scenes and those that have high contrast (light to dark) lighting. Also, rendering shadows using ray tracing is the only way to produce realistic shadows for semi-transparent objects.

Shadow Mapping (default). Shadow-mapped shadows have a softer edge than ray-traced shadows. Use shadow mapping to produce realistic shadows for indoor scenes and those with soft lighting.

Ray-traced Shadows	Shadow Mapped Shadows (Shadow Map Size value of 50)
Note

Simply 3D shadows:

-	Are visible only when you render the scene, and only if you activate shadows through the Tools/Render Settings menu item.

-	Are cast only if the object is set to cast shadows.

-	Are cast only by lights that are set to cast shadows.

-	Fall only on objects that are set to receive shadows.

-	Never show on the scene's background.


To turn a light's shadows on or off

To set shadow rendering options

To prevent an object from casting a shadow

To make an object receive shadows

To activate shadow rendering


Adding and Removing Lights

Moving and Aiming Lights


To turn a light's shadows on or off

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the light. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties to display the Light Properties dialog box.

3	Click the Cast Shadows option to select it.

Note

Simply 3D shadows:

-	Are visible only when you render the scene, and only if you activate shadows through the Tools/Render Settings menu item.

-	Are cast only if the object is set to cast shadows.

-	Are cast only by lights that are set to cast shadows.

-	Fall only on objects that are set to receive shadows.

-	Never show on the scene's background.


To set shadow rendering options

To prevent an object from casting a shadow

To make an object receive shadows

To activate shadow rendering

Setting a Light’s Shadow Properties


To set shadow-rendering options

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the light. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties to display the Light Properties dialog box.

3	Verify that Cast Shadows is selected.

4	Click Ray Traced or Shadow Mapped, depending on the shadow rendering method you want.

5	If you clicked Shadow Mapped, you can adjust the values for Shadow Bias and Shadow Map Size.

Note

Shadow Bias controls the point at which an object begins to cast a shadow. In most cases, the default value of 0.100 produces a correctly rendered shadow. Values range from 0.000 through 1.000. At 0.000, an object will cast a shadow onto itself. At 1.000, an object will cast no shadows.

Shadow Map Size controls the sharpness of shadow edges. Smaller values produce softer edges, and larger values produce sharper edges. The default value is 400.


To turn a light’s shadows on or off

To prevent an object from casting a shadow

To make an object receive shadows

To activate shadow rendering

Setting a Light’s Shadow Properties


To rename a light

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the name of the light.

2	Pause briefly, and then click the name a second time. A cursor appears, showing that you can now edit the name.

3	Type the new name, and then press ENTER.


To add a light by copying and pasting

To add a lighting scheme from a catalog

To select a light

To select multiple lights

Adding and Removing Lights


List of topics in this file

Adding and Removing Lights

Moving and Aiming Lights

Setting a Light’s Shadow Properties

To add a light by copying and pasting

To add a lighting scheme from a catalog

To remove a light from a scene

To select a light

To select multiple lights

To move a light by dragging

To move a light to specific coordinates

To aim a light by dragging

To aim a light at specific coordinates

To aim a light at an object

To change a light's color

To change a light's brightness

To change a light's type

To set the angles of a spotlight

To turn a light's shadows on or off

To set shadow-rendering options

To rename a light


Material.DOC

This document contains the material-related topics for Simply 3D help.


To apply a catalog material to an object

1	If the catalog is not displayed, click the Catalog button [image] on the Standard toolbar.

2	In the left pane of the catalog, click Materials, and then use the scroll bar to view the available materials.

3	Drag the thumbnail image of the material from the catalog and drop it on the object.

Tips

If the object is obscured or it intersects other objects, drop the material on the object's name in the Scene Explorer.

If you are replacing one of several materials on an object, drop the new material on the old material's name in the Scene Explorer.


To copy a material

To paste a Clipboard image to a material

To assign a bitmap file as a material's image

To edit a material's texture map with Picture Publisher

To remove a material's texture map

To rename a material


To copy a material

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the material that you want to copy.

2	On the material's shortcut menu, click Copy.

3	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the material that you want to receive the copied material.

4	On the material's shortcut menu, click Paste.

Tip

You can also use this method to copy a material from one Simply 3D project to another.


To apply a catalog material to an object

To rename a material


To change the color of a material

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the "+" symbols to show the object's materials.

2	Right-click the specific material that you want to edit. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Color. The Color palette opens.

3	Either click a color in the palette or click Define Custom Colors.

4	If you are defining a custom color, enter the values for the new color or drag the sliders. Then, click Add to Custom Colors

5	Click OK to apply the color to the material.


To remove a material's texture map

To lighten or darken a material


To assign a bitmap file as a material's image

1	In the Scene explorer, right-click the material. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Point to Texture, and then click Browse.

3	Navigate to the folder that contains the bitmap file, and double-click the filename. The bitmap image becomes the material's texture map.

Tip

You can also drag a bitmap file directly from the Windows Explorer and drop it on a material in the Scene Explorer.


To apply a catalog material to an object

To edit a material's texture map with Picture Publisher

To remove a material's texture map


To paste a Clipboard image to a material

1	In the Scene explorer, right-click the material. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Point to Texture, and then click Paste.

Note

Make sure that the program you use to copy the image to the Clipboard places the image there as a bitmap.


To apply a catalog material to an object

To copy a material

To assign a bitmap file as a material's image

To edit a material's texture map with Picture Publisher

To remove a material's texture map


To lighten or darken a material

1	In the Scene explorer, right-click the material. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Color to display the color picker.

3	Click Define Custom Colors.

4	Drag the brightness slider up or down to lighten or darken the color.

5	Click Add to Custom Colors

6	Click OK to apply the color to the material.


To change the color of a material

To make a material shiny or dull


To remove a material's texture map

1	In the Scene explorer, right-click the material. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties to display the Material Properties dialog box.

3	Click the Surface tab, and then right-click the thumbnail of the Texture Map. A shortcut menu appears.

4	Click Clear to remove the image.


To paste a Clipboard image to a material

To assign a bitmap file as a material's image

To edit a material's texture map with Picture Publisher


To make a material shiny or dull

1	In the Scene explorer, right-click the material. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Point to Shiny, and then click Off, Low, Medium, or High.

Tip

For finer control of the shininess, click Properties on the shortcut menu, and then drag the sliders for Material Shininess and Highlight Size.


To make a material reflect a specific image

To remove a material's image reflection map

To make a material reflect its surroundings

To make a material semi-transparent


To add texture to a material  by using a bump map

1	In the Scene explorer, right-click the material. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Point to Bump, and then click Browse.

3	Navigate to the folder that contains the bitmap file you want to use as a bump map, and then double-click the filename. The bitmap image becomes the material's bump map.

Tip

If you are pasting a bitmap image from the Clipboard, click Paste instead of Browse in step 2.


To adjust the height of a material's bump map

To remove a material's bump map


To adjust the height of a material's bump map

1	In the Scene explorer, right-click the material's object. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties to display the Object Properties dialog box.

3	Click the Mapping tab, and drag the object's Bump Height slider.

Note

The object's Bump Height setting affects all of the object's materials that use a bump map.


To add texture to a material  by using a bump map

To remove a material's bump map


To remove a material's bump map

1	In the Scene explorer, right-click the material. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties to display the Material Properties dialog box.

3	Click the Surface tab, and then right-click the thumbnail of the Bump Map. A shortcut menu appears.

4	Click Clear to remove the image.


To add texture to a material  by using a bump map

To adjust the height of a material's bump map


To make a material reflect a specific image

1	In the Scene explorer, right-click the material. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties to display the Material Properties dialog box.

3	Click the Reflection tab, and then click the Browse button under Image Reflect.

4	Navigate to the folder that contains the bitmap file you want to use as the material's reflection.

5	Click the filename, and then click OK. The material will now reflect the image.


To remove a material's image reflection map

To make a material reflect its surroundings

To make a material semi-transparent


To remove a material's image reflection map

1	In the Scene explorer, right-click the material. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties to display the Material Properties dialog box.

3	Click the Reflection tab, and then right-click the thumbnail labeled Image Reflect. A shortcut menu appears.

4	Click Clear to remove the reflection.


To make a material reflect a specific image

To make a material reflect its surroundings

To make a material semi-transparent

To rename a material


To make a material reflect its surroundings

1	In the Scene explorer, right-click the material to display its shortcut menu.

2	Click Properties to display the Material Properties dialog box.

3	On the Reflection tab, click Use Ray Tracing to select it.

4	Drag the Ray Reflect slider or type a value between 0.000 and 1.000. Higher values produce brighter reflections.


To make a material reflect a specific image

To remove a material's image reflection map


To make a material semi-transparent

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the material. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Point to Transparent, and then click High, Medium, or Low.

Tip

To make the material completely transparent, right-click the material, and then click Properties. Click the Transparency tab and drag the slider to the right.


To lighten or darken a material

To change the color of a material

To make a material shiny or dull


To rename a material

1	In the Scene Explorer, click the name of the material.

2	Pause briefly, and then click the name a second time. A cursor appears, showing that you can now edit the name.

3	Type the new name, and then press ENTER.


To copy a material


List of topics in this file

To apply a catalog material to an object

To copy a material

To paste a Clipboard image to a material

To assign a bitmap file as a material's image

To remove a material's texture map

To lighten or darken a material

To change the color of a material

To make a material shiny or dull

To add texture to a material  by using a bump map

To adjust the height of a material's bump map

To remove a material's bump map

To make a material reflect a specific image

To remove a material's image reflection map

To make a material reflect its surroundings

To make a material semi-transparent

To rename a material


Backgnd.DOC

This file contains the "Changing the Background" topics for Simply 3D help.


 Changing the Background

Every Simply 3D scene has a background. Unless it is obscured by objects, the background is always in view. You can change the background color (the default is black), or use a bitmap or Clipboard image as the background.

Custom color as background	Bitmap image as background
When you use an image as the backgound for your scene, Simply 3D automatically stretches or compresses the image to fit the size of your project window. The image may become distorted in the process. If this happens, you can change the aspect ratio of your project window or select an image with the same aspect ratio as your project window.

Note

The Background does not receive shadows. If you want the objects in your scene to cast shadows on a flat surface, add a wall or floor to receive the shadows.


To set a scene's background color

To lighten or darken the background color

To paste a Clipboard image as the background

To use a bitmap file as the background

To remove the image from the background


To set a scene's background color

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click View. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Point to Background, and then click Color.

3	Either click a color in the palette or click Define Custom Colors.

4	If you are defining a custom color, enter the values for the new color or drag the sliders. Then, click Add to Custom Colors

5	Click OK to apply the color to the background.

Note

If your background consists of an image, the new background color replaces the image.


To lighten or darken the background color

To paste a Clipboard image as the background

To use a bitmap file as the background

To remove the image from the background

Changing the Background


To lighten or darken the background color

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click View. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Point to Background, and then click Color.

3	Click Define Custom Colors.

4	Drag the brightness slider up or down to lighten or darken the color.

5	Click Add to Custom Colors

6	Click OK to apply the color to the background.


To set a scene's background color

To paste a Clipboard image as the background

To use a bitmap file as the background

To remove the image from the background

Changing the Background


To paste a Clipboard image as the background

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click View. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Point to Background, and then click Paste.

Note

Make sure that the program you use to copy the image to the Clipboard places the image there as a bitmap.


To set a scene's background color

To lighten or darken the background color

To use a bitmap file as the background

To remove the image from the background

Changing the Background


To use a bitmap file as the background

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click View. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Point to Background, and then click Browse.

3	Navigate to the folder that contains the bitmap file, and double-click the filename. The bitmap image becomes the scene's background.

Tip

You can also drag a bitmap file directly from the Windows Explorer and drop it on View in the Scene Explorer.


To set a scene's background color

To lighten or darken the background color

To paste a Clipboard image as the background

To remove the image from the background

Changing the Background


To remove the image from the background

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click View. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties to display the View Properties dialog box.

3	Right click the thumbnail of the background image, and then click Clear.


To set a scene's background color

To lighten or darken the background color

To paste a Clipboard image as the background

To use a bitmap file as the background

Changing the Background


List of topics in this file

Changing the Background

To set a scene's background color

To lighten or darken the background color

To paste a Clipboard image as the background

To use a bitmap file as the background

To remove the image from the background


Reshape.DOC

This document contains the reshaping topics for Simply 3D help.


Reshaping a 3D Object

Reshape Tools

Simply 3D gives you four powerful editing tools for reshaping objects. You can use these tools on any 3D object, including objects dragged from a Simply 3D catalog, 3D text that you create, 3D objects that you import from other file formats, and Simply 3D primitive shapes.

The Axis Editor lets you bend, stretch, compress, or otherwise distort an object's main axis.

The Envelope Editor lets you reshape a 3D object indirectly by distorting its envelope, or box-shaped container.

The Push/Pull Editor lets you reshape an object by dragging a selection rectangle around its vertices and manipulating the vertices as a group. You can move, rotate, and scale the vertices, and you can deform the object as if it were elastic.

The Profile Editor lets you reshape an object by dragging to mold its top profile and side profiles.

Reshaped with the Axis Editor		Reshaped with the Envelope Editor
Reshaped with the Push/Pull Editor		Reshaped with the Profile Editor
Preview and Acceleration Options

You can right-click in any editor to display a shortcut menu for setting preview and acceleration options for the editor.

Solid Shaded	Previews the object as a solid, shaded image instead of as a wireframe.

Draw Backface Polygons	Lets you see the inside of an open object (such as a wall or vase) or the inside of a semitransparent closed object (such as a sphere).

3D or OpenGL	Previews the object using 3D acceleration.

Texture Map	Shows the object's material. Available only if you select Solid Shaded and either Direct 3D or OpenGL.


To reshape an object by bending its axis

To reshape an object by deforming its envelope

To reshape an object using the push-pull editor

To reshape an object by changing its top and side profiles


To reshape an object by bending its axis

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object to display its shortcut menu.

2	Point to Edit, and then click Axis. The Axis Editor appears and opens the object for reshaping. The object's axis is shown in red, and two or more keys are shown in blue.

3	If necessary, adjust the number of Keys (points that you can manipulate) and Divisions (segments between keys).

4	Click the tool for the type of reshaping you want to perform.

5	Point to the key at which you want to reshape. The key becomes highlighted.

6	Drag to reshape. Use the right and bottom scroll bars as necessary to change the effect of a tool or to view your changes from different angles.

Tip

For descriptions of the axis-reshaping tools, click the Help button at the bottom of the editor.


To reshape an object by deforming its envelope

To reshape an object using the push-pull editor

To reshape an object by changing its top and side profiles

Reshaping a 3D Object


To reshape an object by deforming its envelope

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object to display its shortcut menu.

2	Point to Edit, and then click Envelope. The Envelope Editor appears and opens the object for reshaping. The object's envelope is shown in red.

3	If necessary, adjust the X, Y, and Z resolution of the envelope. To see the Z resolution, you can move the right and bottom scroll bars slightly off center.

4	Click the Pick tool [image], and drag a selection rectangle around the envelope vertices that you want to manipulate. The included vertices become highlighted.

5	Click the tool for the type of envelope reshaping you want to perform.

6	Drag to reshape. Use the right and bottom scroll bars as necessary to change the effect of a tool or to view your changes from different angles.

Tip

For descriptions of the envelope-reshaping tools, click the Help button at the bottom of the editor.


To reshape an object by bending its axis

To reshape an object using the push-pull editor

To reshape an object by changing its top and side profiles

Reshaping a 3D Object


To reshape an object using the push-pull editor

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object to display its shortcut menu.

2	Point to Edit, and then click Push-Pull. The Push-Pull Editor appears and opens the object for reshaping.

3	If you want elastic effects, click the Elastic button [image]. If you don't want elastic effects, click the Linear button [image].

4	Click the Pick tool [image], and drag a selection rectangle around the object vertices that you want to manipulate. The included vertices become highlighted. If you have selected elastic effects, a sphere representing the area of influence also appears.

5	If you are using elastic effects, click the Set Area of Influence button [image], and drag to resize the sphere. You can also drag the Slack slider to make the object more or less malleable.

6	Click the tool for the type of reshaping you want to perform.

7	Drag to reshape. Use the right and bottom scroll bars as necessary to change the effect of a tool or to view your changes from different angles.

Tip

For descriptions of the push-pull reshaping tools, click the Help button at the bottom of the editor.


To reshape an object by bending its axis

To reshape an object by deforming its envelope

To reshape an object by changing its top and side profiles

Reshaping a 3D Object


To reshape an object by changing its top and side profiles

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the object to display its shortcut menu.

2	Point to Edit, and then click Profile. The Profile Editor appears and opens the object for reshaping.

3	Click Top Cap or Bottom Cap as necessary to remove or restore the object's caps.

4	In the Section group, set options for reshaping the object cross-sections as viewed from the top (shown in the upper-left window).

Type the number of section divisions that you want between each pair of section keys.

Type the number of section Keys that you want to be able to manipulate.

If you want reshaping to affect only one section at a time, click Separate Section.

If you want to eliminate the curvature at the section keys, click Linear Section.

5	In the Profile group, set options for reshaping the object as viewed from the side. (shown in the lower-left window)

If you want to give an open object thickness, drag the Thickness slider.

If you want to eliminate the curvature at the profile keys, click Linear Profile.

Type the number of profile divisions that you want between each pair of profile keys.

Type the number of profile Keys that you want to be able to manipulate.

6	On the Editor's toolbar, click the Pick button [image], and then point to the keys you want to edit. A rectangle appears around the key or keys to show that they have been selected.

7	On the Editor's toolbar, click the button for the type of reshaping that you want to perform.

 Pick [image] Lets you move the key.

 Edit Curve Linked [image] Lets you reshape the axis as a Bezier curve at the selected key. As you drag, the tangent for the selected key follows the mouse pointer.

 Edit Curve Unlinked [image] Similar to the previous tool, except that you can drag one half of the tangent without disturbing the other half.

8	Drag to reshape. Use the right and bottom scroll bars as necessary to view your changes from different angles.

Tips

For descriptions of all controls in the Profile Editor, click the Help button on the right-hand side of the editor.


To reshape an object by bending its axis

To reshape an object by deforming its envelope

To reshape an object using the push-pull editor

Reshaping a 3D Object


List of topics in this file

Reshaping a 3D Object

To reshape an object by bending its axis

To reshape an object by deforming its envelope

To reshape an object using the push-pull editor

To reshape an object by changing its top and side profiles


Internet.DOC

This document contains the Internet topics for Simply 3D help.


To save an animated scene as an animated GIF file

1	On the File menu, click Save As. The Save As dialog box appears.

2	Click the arrow [image] to display a list of file types, and then click Animated GIF File Format.

3	If necessary, type new values for the height and width of the animation.

4	If you want the background of the scene to be omitted, click the Transparent option.

5	In the Filename box, type the name you want for the animated GIF file.

6	Click the Save button. A dialog box appears.

7	Set the options for the GIF animation. For a description of the items, click the Help button.

8	Click OK to save the file. A dialog box reports the progress of the save operation until the file has been saved.

Tip

Before saving any scene in an animation file-format, save it as a Simply 3D (S3D) file. If you encounter a problem while saving the animation file, you can recover the scene.


To save a new scene as a Simply 3D file

To save a scene as an interactive VRML "world"

To save an animated scene as an AVI file

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats


To save a scene as an interactive VRML "world"

1	On the File menu, click Save As. The Save As dialog box appears.

2	Click the arrow [image] to display a list of file types, and then click VRML File Format.

3	In the Filename box, type the name you want for the WRL (world) file.

4	Click the Save button. The VRML Export dialog box appears.

5	Set the options for the VRML file. For a description of the items, click the Help button.

6	Click OK to save the file.

Tips

Before saving any scene in an animation file-format, save it as a Simply 3D (S3D) file. If you encounter a problem while saving the animation file, you can recover the scene.

If you want the animated objects in your scene to be animated in the VRML file, make sure you deselect the Export as VRML 1.0 option.


To save a new scene as a Simply 3D file

To save an animated scene as an animated GIF file

To save an animated scene as an AVI file

Saving Scenes in Different File Formats


List of topics in this file

To save an animated scene as an animated GIF file

To save a scene as an interactive VRML "world"


OthrProg.DOC

This document contains the "Other Programs" topics for Simply 3D help.


To edit a rendered scene in Picture Publisher

1	On the Standard toolbar, click the Render button [image] to Render the scene.

2	Click the Copy button [image] to copy the scene to the Clipboard.

3	In Picture Publisher, open the Edit menu, and click Paste As New Image.

Note

Picture Publisher receives a two-dimensional "snapshot" of the rendered scene. After editing the image in Picture Publisher, you can use it in Simply 3D only as a background image, texture map, bump map, or image reflection map.


To edit a material's texture map with Picture Publisher

To use a bitmap file as the background


To edit a material's texture map with Picture Publisher

1	In the Scene Explorer, right-click the material. A shortcut menu appears.

2	Click Properties to display the Material Properties dialog box.

3	Click the Surface tab, and then right-click the thumbnail of the Texture Map. A shortcut menu appears.

4	Click Copy to copy the image to the Clipboard.

5	Start Picture Publisher. On the Edit menu, click Paste As New Image.

6	When you finish editing the image in Picture Publisher, click the Copy button [image] on the Standard toolbar.

7	To apply the edited image in Simply 3D, right click the thumbnail of the Texture map, as in step 3.

8	Click Paste.


To edit a rendered scene in Picture Publisher

To paste a Clipboard image to a material

To assign an image to a material from a bitmap file


List of topics in this file

To edit a rendered scene in Picture Publisher

To edit a material's texture map with Picture Publisher


CSH_Dlog.DOC

This document contains the context-sensitive topics for all Simply 3D 2.0 windows and dialog boxes.


Open dialog box
Open

The Open dialog box lets you open a Simply 3D project. It also lets you open other types of projects and import 3D object files into your scene.

The effect of opening a file depends on the type of file.

File Extension	Effect

S3D 	Opens the Simply 3D project.

E3D 	Opens an Instant 3D project case as a Simply 3D project.

EYE	Opens a Renderize project file as a Simply 3D project.

GED	Opens a Visual 3D geometry file as a Simply 3D object.

DXF	Opens the 3D AutoCAD model as a Simply 3D object
Note: Do not open 2D DXF files. Simply 3D can only use DXF files that contain 3D objects.


Save As

Print


Save As dialog box
Save As

The Save As dialog box lets you save your 3D scenes. You can save a scene as a Simply 3D project (S3D file), a bitmap file, an animation file, or even a 3D virtual "world" file for the World Wide Web. To select from a list of file types, click the arrow [image] and then click the type that you want to use.

Note

You cannot convert the other formats back into an S3D file. To open the the scene in Simply 3D, you must save it as a Simply 3D Project.

Bitmap Images

When saving a scene as a bitmap image, you specify the height and width in pixels, and you select the color depth (from 256 to 16.7 million colors). If you want to save a specific frame of an animated scene as a bitmap image, use the Animation Control toolbar to display that frame before using the Save as command.

When you save a scene as a bitmap image, Simply 3D saves the most recently rendered image unless you change the width or height settings in the Save As dialog box. This characteristic can save time, especially for a scene that takes a long time to render. However, if you make changes to a scene after rendering it, the saved image will not show those changes.

Animation formats

The animation formats are listed only if you are saving a scene that contains one or more animations. When you click the Save button after selecting an animation format, a dialog box appears with options for that specific animation format.


Saving Scenes in Different File Formats

Open

Print


Print dialog box
Print

The Print dialog box lets you select which printer you want to use (if you have more than one), and it lets you set some of the properties of the printer, such as paper size and print resolution.

You can choose to print the scene as a full-page, half-page, or quarter-page image. Simply 3D scales the printed version of the scene as necessary.

Before printing the scene, Simply 3D renders it in memory. A progress message appears while the scene is being rendered. You can cancel the print job by clicking the Cancel button.


Save As


Main window (any one)


This is a Simply 3D project window.

To open a window for a new Simply 3D project, select New on the File menu.  To choose objects, lighting, and so on for a scene, select Catalog on the View menu, select a catalog, and then drag items from the catalog into the project window.

To get help for a specific toolbar button or a menu item, click the Help button [image] on the Standard toolbar, and then click the button or menu item.


Project window (any one)


This is a project window, where you build a 3D scene.

To choose objects, materials, lighting options, and animations for your scene, click Catalog on the View menu.

To save the scene, click Save or Save As on the File menu.

To get help with a specific toolbar button or a menu item, click the Help button [image] on the Standard toolbar, and then click the button or menu item.

To view the Help table of contents, open the Help menu and click Simply 3D Help.


Window controls


Shows the name of this window and provides an easy way to drag the window.


Reduces this window to a button. To restore the window, click the button.


Enlarges this window to its maximum size.


A scroll bar lets you use the mouse to bring other parts of the window into view. If the entire window is visible, the scrollbar controls are dimmed.


Provides a place for docking a toolbar.


Provides a place for docking a toolbar.


Provides a way to drag the Standard toolbar to a different location.


Provides a way to drag the Toolbox to a different location.


Provides a way to drag the Toolbox to a different location.


Provides a way to drag the Point of View toolbar to a different location.


Provides a way to drag the Point of View toolbar to a different location.


Provides a way to drag the Animation Control toolbar to a different location.


Provides a way to drag the Animation Control toolbar to a different location.


The Status Bar shows current information about your scene.

As you move the object, the Status Bar shows the object's location as 3D coordinates.

As you rotate the object, the Status Bar shows the relative rotation in all three axes.

As you size the object, the Status Bar shows the object's scale along all three axes.

As you adjust the camera's lens angle (with the Custom Lens Angle tool), the Status Bar shows the angle in degrees from the camera's centerline.

During rendering, the Status Bar shows the task's progress.

The Status Bar also shows "hints" as you point to tools and menu items.


Set Aspect Ratio

This dialog box lets you choose the aspect ratio (width-to-height ratio) of your scene. You can choose from three pre-defined ratios, use a variable ratio, or specify a ratio of your choosing.

You can change the aspect ratio of a project at any time.

Controls

Ratio list	Shows the list of choices for setting the aspect ratio. Click the arrow [image], and then click one of the choices.

4 x 3	Sets the aspect ratio to 4 units wide by 3 units high.

3 x 4	Sets the aspect ratio to 3 units wide by 4 units high.

1 x 1	Sets a square aspect ratio.

Any	Lets you vary the dimensions of your scene by dragging any corner of the project window.

User Defined	Uses the values in the Height and Width boxes (below) as the aspect ratio.

Height, Width	If you clicked User Defined, above, type the height and width that you want for your scene, in pixels. (If Simply 3D cannot create a window of the size you request, it creates a smaller window with the same aspect ratio.)

Save as Default	Saves the aspect ratio as your default. The saved ratio will be used for new projects that you create.


Save As

Options


Using the Scene Explorer

The Scene Explorer lists each resource (camera [image], object [image], material [image], light [image], and animation [image]) in your scene. You can select a resource by clicking it, display its shortcut menu by right-clicking it, and even rename it.

A "+" symbol accompanies each parent (a resource that contains other resources). To expand the list to show the resources belonging to the parent,  click the "+" symbol. The list expands, and the symbol changes to a "-" symbol. Click the "-" symbol to collapse the list again.

To select a resource, click it. The Scene Explorer uses highlighting to show which resources are selected. To select multiple resources of the same type, hold down the SHIFT or CTRL key as you click.

To display a resource's shortcut menu, right-click the resource.

To rearrange the hierarchy of an object, drag it to its new parent object.

To rename an item, click its name, pause briefly, and then click the name a second time.

To display the Scene Explorer as a separate window, drag it from its border. To restore the Scene Explorer to its most recent docked location, double-click its title bar.

Tip

If you want to see a thumbnail image of each resource by pausing the mouse pointer over the resource, Open the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Scene Explorer Thumbnails option to select it.


Using a Catalog

Options


Using the Scene Explorer

The Scene Explorer lists each resource (camera [image], object [image], material [image], light [image], and animation [image]) in your scene. You can select a resource by clicking it, display its shortcut menu by right-clicking it, and even rename it.

A "+" symbol accompanies each parent (a resource that contains other resources). To expand the list to show the resources belonging to the parent,  click the "+" symbol. The list expands, and the symbol changes to a "-" symbol. Click the "-" symbol to collapse the list again.

To select a resource, click it. The Scene Explorer uses highlighting to show which resources are selected. To select multiple resources of the same type, hold down the SHIFT or CTRL key as you click.

To display a resource's shortcut menu, right-click the resource.

To rearrange the hierarchy of an object, drag it to its new parent object.

To rename an item, click its name, pause briefly, and then click the name a second time.

Tip

If you want to see a thumbnail image of each resource by pausing the mouse pointer over the resource, Open the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Scene Explorer Thumbnails option to select it.


Using a Catalog

Options


Catalog Browser dialog box
Catalog Browser

This dialog box lets you open a Simply 3D catalog. A typical Simply 3D catalog contains 3D objects, materials you can use to cover objects, lighting schemes, and animations.

To open a catalog, click its name in the Catalog List, and then click OK.

Controls

Catalog List	Lists the Simply 3D catalogs available in the current folder. Click the arrow [image] and then click the catalog that you want.

Description	Provides additional information about the selected catalog.

Browse	Displays the Open dialog box to let you open a catalog from a folder of your choice. Click this button, for example, to open a catalog on the installation CD.

If you do not install all the catalogs on your local hard disk, you can find all of the Simply 3D catalogs on the installation CD labeled "Clip Art 1."  To open a catalog stored on the CD, insert the CD, click the Browse button, navigate to the S3D2ART folder, and then select the catalog that you want.


Using a Catalog

Using the Scene Explorer

Options


Using a Simply 3D Catalog

Simply 3D catalogs contain collections of related 3D objects, materials, animations, and lighting schemes. The catalog shows each available resource as a small thumbnail picture.

You add catalog resources to your scene by dragging the thumbnails from the catalog and dropping them in the scene or in the Scene Explorer.

The resource types (Objects, Materials, Lights, and Animations) are listed along the left side of the catalog, and the thumbnails for the selected type are shown on the right. You can click the "+" symbol to expand each type and show its subdivisions, or you can click the type name to show the thumbnails.

Note

When dragging material to an object that contains more than one material: Either drop the new material on a part of the object that contains the material you want to replace, or drop it on the material's name in the Scene Explorer. All parts of the object with matching material adopt the new material.


Using the Scene Explorer

Catalog Browser


Using a Simply 3D Catalog

Simply 3D catalogs contain collections of related 3D objects, materials, animations, and lighting schemes. The catalog shows each available resource as a small thumbnail picture.

You add catalog resources to your scene by dragging the thumbnails from the catalog and dropping them in the scene or in the Scene Explorer.

The resource types (Objects, Materials, Lights, and Animations) are listed along the left side of the catalog, and the thumbnails for the selected type are shown on the right. You can click the "+" symbol to expand each type and show its subdivisions, or you can click the type name to show the thumbnails.

Note

When dragging material to an object that contains more than one material: Either drop the new material on a part of the object that contains the material you want to replace, or drop it on the material's name in the Scene Explorer. All parts of the object with matching material adopt the new material.


Using the Scene Explorer

Catalog Browser


Animation Editor

This editor lets you speed up and slow down animations, shift an object's animation along the timeline, reverse the direction of an animation.

Each object's animation is represented by an animation bar on the right side of the editor. Click the "+" symbols on the left to show the animation bar for the object you want to change.

You can drag the start point and the end point of an animation bar as necessary to shorten or lengthen the animation's duration. You can also drag the entire animation bar.

A right-click on an animation bar displays a shortcut menu that lets you reverse the direction of an animation, adjust its timing numerically, and make the animation repeat (loop) a specified number of times.

Use the Scale slider at the bottom of the Animation Editor to change the magnification of the time line.


3D Text wizard

Add/Subtract Scene Animation Frames

Expand/Contract Animations

Set Start and End Frames

Loop Animation


Toolbars dialog box

This dialog box lets you choose which toolbars Simply 3D displays, how you want the buttons on the toolbars to look, and whether or not you want to see ToolTips when you pause the mouse pointer over the buttons.

Click each item to turn it on or off, and then click OK to update the project window.

Toolbars

Standard	Shows or hides the Standard toolbar. If you hide this toolbar, you can still access many of its tools by using menus.

Toolbox	Shows or hides the Toolbox, which lets you move, rotate, and resize objects.

Point of View	Shows or hides the Point of View toolbar, which lets you display the Camera view, Top view, Side view, Front view, or the Four Up view.

Animation Control	Shows or hides the Animation Control toolbar, which has VCR-like buttons for previewing your scene's animations. Simply 3D shows this toolbar automatically when you first add an animation to a scene.

Status Bar	Shows or hides the Status bar at the bottom of the Simply 3D Window. This bar displays useful messages and information as you work.

Other

Color Buttons	Shows toolbar buttons in color or in black and white. Black and white button symbols may be easier to interpret on some laptop computer screens.

Large Buttons	Shows large or small toolbar buttons. Select this option if you have difficulty seeing the symbols on the toolbar buttons.

Show ToolTips	Shows or hides the ToolTip that appears when you pause the mouse pointer over a toolbar button.


Set Aspect Ratio

Options


Options dialog box
Options

This dialog box lets you choose the method that Simply 3D uses to preview objects, the color scheme for the views, the amount of ray-tracing detail shown, the number of actions you can undo with the Undo command.

Drawing Method

Wireframe	Previews the object as a wireframe image.

Solid Shaded	Previews the object as a solid, shaded image.

Four-Up View	Displays all four views of the scene: Camera view, Top view, Side view, and Front view.

Bounding Box	Previews the object as a bounding box as you drag it and as a wireframe image when it is at rest.

Polygon Reduction	Speeds up wireframe display by displaying only some of the object's polygons as you drag it.

Color Scheme

Gray, Black, or White	Sets the colors for the Top, Side, and Front views. Does not affect the rendered scene's background.

Acceleration

Method	Lists the display-acceleration options available on your system. Click the arrow [image] and then click the method that you want.

Double Buffered	Prevents the scene from flickering as you move, rotate, or scale its resources (camera, objects, lights, and animations).

Texture Map	Previews objects complete with their materials. Available only if you select Solid Shaded previewing and either Direct 3D or OpenGL as the acceleration method.

Anti Alias	Smooths the edges of objects while drawing them. Available only if you select Solid Shaded previewing and either Direct 3D or OpenGL as the acceleration method.

Advanced	Displays a dialog box of advanced options for Direct 3D or OpenGL acceleration. The dialog box lets you bypass the 3D hardware acceleration of your graphics card. This button is enabled only if you select Direct 3D or OpenGL as the drawing Method (above).

Object Options

Center on Import	Forces imported 3D objects to appear in the center of the Simply 3D "world."

Show Object Axes	Displays labeled X, Y, and Z axes for each selected object in the scene.

Other

Maximum Undo Levels	Type the number of commands you want to be able to undo. For example, if you want the option to undo your 10 most recent changes while using Simply 3D, enter 10. Higher numbers require more memory. The default is 7.

Undo Object Deletion	Select this option if you want to be able to use the Undo feature to restore an object after accidentally deleting it. If you select this option and then delete an object, Simply 3D saves a temporary copy of the object on your hard disk. If you don't select this option, Simply 3D displays a warning before deleting an object. You can disable the warning message.

Ray Bounces	Type the number of bounces you want the ray-tracing engine to track as it traces each ray of light. Higher numbers produce more realistic results but take longer. The default is 1.

Scene Explorer Thumbnails	Select this option if you want to see thumbnail images of scene resources when you pause the mouse pointer over their names in the Scene Explorer.


Set Aspect Ratio

Toolbars dialog box


3D Text Editor dialog box


3D Text Editor, Text tab

The Text dialog box lets you create 3D text for your scene. For help on any tab of the Text Editor, click the tab and then click the Help button at the bottom.

The Text tab lets you type or edit a line of text that you want to use as a 3D object.

Choose the font and point size by clicking the arrow [image] and selecting from the list.

Click Bold [image] if you want bold text and [image] if you want italic text.

You can click one of the other tabs (Shape, Bevel, Path, or Deform) to change the 3D characteristics of your text. When satisfied with the settings, either click OK to accept the text or click Apply to view the text in the Simply 3D window.

Toolbar

 Cut	Cuts any highlighted text in the text box to the Clipboard.

 Copy	Copies any highlighted text in the text box to the Clipboard.

 Paste	Pastes Clipboard text into the text box at the cursor position.

 Bold	Makes all text in the text box bold.

 Italic	Makes all text in the text box italic.

Other

Create text as separate objects	Creates the 3D text object as a parent, with each letter as a child object.

You can move, rotate, scale, and animate the letters by moving, rotating, scaling, and animating the parent. However, you cannot change other object properties (such as material) by selecting the parent; you must select the letter.

Font list	Lists the fonts available for the currently active printer on your system. Click the arrow [image] and then click the font that you want.

Text box	Type the text here that you want to make into a 3D object.


3D Text Editor, Shape tab

3D Text Editor, Bevel tab

3D Text Editor, Path tab

3D Text Editor, Deform tab

3D Text wizard


3D Text Editor, Shape tab

The Shape tab lets set the extrusion depth, height to width ratio, and curve resolution of your 3D text object.

You can click one of the other tabs (Text, Bevel, Path, or Deform) to edit your text or change its other 3D characteristics. When satisfied with the settings, either click OK to accept the text or click Apply to view the text in the Simply 3D window.

Controls

Extrusion Depth	Changes the depth of the text. Either click the Extrusion Depth box and type a new value, or drag the slider right or left.

Height/Width Ratio	Makes the text tall and thin or short and wide. Either click the Height/Width Ratio box and type a new value, or drag the slider right or left.

Preview	Shows your changes (to a sample letter) as you make them.

Sample Letter	Type the letter you want used for the Preview.

Curve Resolution	Makes curved parts of the text curve more smoothly or less smoothly. Click Low, Medium, or High. High looks best but takes the longest to display.


3D Text Editor, Text tab

3D Text Editor, Bevel tab

3D Text Editor, Path tab

3D Text Editor, Deform tab

3D Text wizard


3D Text Editor, Bevel tab

The Bevel tab lets you shape the faces of the letters in your 3D text.

You can click one of the other tabs (Text, Shape, Path, or Deform) to edit your text or change its other 3D characteristics. When satisfied with the settings, either click OK to accept the text or click Apply to view the text in the Simply 3D window.

Controls

Bevel Type	Lists the specific bevel types available. Click the arrow [image] and then click the type that you want.

Bevel Depth	Adjusts how deeply the bevel shape is cut into the letters of the text. Either click the Bevel Depth box and type a new value, or drag the slider right or left.

Preview	Shows your changes (to a sample letter) as you make them.

Sample Letter	Type the letter you want used for the Preview.

Bevel Profile	Shows a profile of the type of bevel you choose.


3D Text Editor, Text tab

3D Text Editor, Shape tab

3D Text Editor, Path tab

3D Text Editor, Deform tab

3D Text wizard


3D Text Editor, Path tab

The Path tab lets you align the letters of your 3D text to one of several paths.

You can click one of the other tabs (Text, Shape, Bevel, or Deform) to edit your text or change its other 3D characteristics. When satisfied with the settings, either click OK to accept the text or click Apply to view the text in the Simply 3D window.

Controls

Select path for text to follow	Lists the available paths for aligning the text. Click the arrow [image], and then click a path.

Path diagram	Shows the shape of the path you choose.

Horizontal Spacing	For paths with a horizontal component, makes the letters closer or farther apart horizontally. Click the Horizontal Spacing box and type a new value. Larger values spread out the letters more.

Vertical Spacing	For paths with a vertical component, makes the letters closer or farther apart vertically. Click the Vertical Spacing box and type a new value. Larger values spread out the letters more.


3D Text Editor, Text tab

3D Text Editor, Shape tab

3D Text Editor, Bevel tab

3D Text Editor, Deform tab

3D Text wizard


3D Text Editor, Deform tab

The Deform tab lets you shape the 3D text object as a whole.

You can click one of the other tabs (Text, Shape, Bevel, or Path) to type your text or change its other 3D characteristics. When satisfied with the settings, either click OK to accept the text or click Apply to view the text in the Simply 3D window.

Controls

Deformation Type	Lists the available deformation shapes. Click the arrow [image], and then click the deformation that you want.

Preview Cube	Shows the effect (on a sample cube) of the deformation you choose.

Smooth Deformation	Makes the deformation smooth instead of sharply angled. The smooth deformation is not shown in the Preview Cube, but the Simply 3D window shows it.


3D Text Editor, Text tab

3D Text Editor, Shape tab

3D Text Editor, Bevel tab

3D Text Editor, Path tab

3D Text wizard


Text wizard


3D Text wizard

The 3D Text wizard helps you create a 3D text object.

On the "Enter Your Text" screen:	Click the arrow [image] and select the font you want to use. Click the large text box and type your line of text. Click the Next>> button to continue. (You cannot proceed to the next screen until you enter at least one letter of text.)

On the "Choose Bevel" screen:	Click the thumbnail sample that matches how you want the edges of your text to be shaped. If you don't want any beveled edges, Click the None sample. Click the Next>> button to continue.

On the "Choose Material" screen:	Click the thumbnail sample of the material that you want for your text.  Click the Next>> button to continue.

On the "Choose Animation" screen:	If you want the wizard to animate your text, click the thumbnail sample of the animation. Note that some animations treat the letters as separate objects. Click the Finish button to continue. The text wizard builds your 3D text object.


3D Text Editor, Text tab

3D Text Editor, Shape tab

3D Text Editor, Bevel tab

3D Text Editor, Path tab

3D Text Editor, Deform tab


VRML Export

This dialog box lets you create a VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) world of your 3D scene as a WRL file for the Internet. Users with 3D browsers can move through your scene and click objects to link to other sites or VRML worlds.

Controls

Animation Options	Lists options for storing animation information. Click the arrow [image], and then click the option that you want to use:

Key Frames Only [image] Produces smallest WRL file but creates coarse approximations of amination paths.

Compress Frames [image] Produces medium-size WRL files and medium-quality animation paths.

Every Frame [image] Produces best animation paths but creates largest WRL files.

Image Export Type	Lists options for storing animation information. Click the arrow [image], and then click the option that you want to use.

You can either embed the scene's image maps as part of the WRL file or store them as separate GIF, JPG, or PNG files on your Web server.

Compress To __ percent	If you choose to store the scene's image maps as JPG files, set the JPEG compression level by dragging the slider or typing a percent in the box.

Subfolder for Images	If you choose separate GIF, JPG, or PNG files for the scene's image maps, type the name of the subfolder in which you want them saved.

Open in Browser	Lets you test the WRL file by opening it in your Web browser.

Save Embed Tag	Creates an HTML file with the appropriate <Embed> tag to open the VRML file and display it in a window in your Web browser.

Copy Tag to Clipboard	Copies the HTML <Embed> tag to the Clipboard so you can easily paste it into your HTML files.

Export as VRML 1.0	Select this option to exclude VRML 2.0 options (such as object animation) from the WRL file. Deselect this option if your users' browsers support VRML 2.0.

Image Width	Type the width, in pixels, that you want the WRL scene to occupy on the user's screen.

Image Height	Type the height, in pixels, that you want the WRL scene to occupy on the user's screen.


Save As

Animation Editor


DXF Options

This dialog box appears when you open a DXF file to import its 3D model.
Note: Do not open 2D DXF files. Simply 3D can only use DXF files that contain 3D objects.

Controls

Create Materials From	Lets you assign materials for the imported objects by layer, color, or block. If you assign materials by color, for example, Simply 3D creates a unique material for each color in the DXF model.

Create Objects From	Lets you specify how to divide the DXF model into objects. You can open the model by layer or color, or you can open the entire "block" as a single object. For example, if a model consists of multiple layers, you can choose to combine all the layers into a single object.


Animated GIF Settings

This dialog box lets you specify how your animated scene should be displayed by Web browsers that handle animated GIF files.

Controls

Playback Frame Rate	Drag this slider to set the maximum frame rate, in frames per second, that you want Web browsers to use when playing the animation. The message below the slider describes the selected rate.

Playback Loops	Drag this slider to set the number of times that you want the animation to repeat each time the HTML page is displayed. The message below the slider describes the current setting.

Make Background Transparent	Select this option if you want the animation to show the HTML page as the background instead of showing the scene's background.


Save As

Animation Editor

VRML Export


Video Compression

This dialog box lets you specify the compression method used when you save an animated scene as an AVI file.

Controls

Compressor	Lists the video compression methods available on your system. Click the arrow [image], and then click the method that you want to use.

Compression Quality	Drag this slider toward the right for higher quality. Drag it toward the left for greater compression.

Key Frame Every __ frames	A key frame contains all of the image data for the frame, rather than just the data for the changed pixels. More frequent key frames may make the animation images more accurate, but they add to the size of the AVI file. To specify key frames, click the option to select it, and then enter a value.

Data Rate __ KB/sec	Some AVI compression schemes let you specify the expected data-transfer rate at playback. The video compressor uses this information to determine how much information to include on each frame; with higher data rates, more information can be stored, and quality is better.

Configure	This button may show additional configuration options, depending on the compression method selected.

About	Shows information about the compression scheme, such as version number and developer name.


Save As

Animation Editor


Rendering

Simply 3D displays this message box while creating an animation file, such as an AVI, Animated GIF, or WRL file.

To cancel a rendering in progress, Click the Cancel button or press the ESC key.

Progress bars

Rendering Progress	Shows the progress of each frame.

Animation Progress	Shows the overall progress of the Save operation.


Save As

VRML Export

Animated GIF Settings

Video Compression


Add/Subtract Animation Frames
Add/Subtract Scene Animation Frames

This dialog box gives you a way to either add empty animation frames or remove unused frames from the end of your animated scene.

Enter the new number of total animation frames for the scene. If you are reducing the number of frames, Simply 3D removes only unused frames at the end of the scene.


Animation Editor

Expand/Contract Animations

Set Start and End Frames

Loop Animation


Expand/Contract Animations

This dialog box gives you a way to speed up or slow down all the animations in the scene by typing a new total frame count.

To speed up all animations, enter a frame count that is smaller than the current total. To slow all animations, enter a count that is larger than the current total.


Animation Editor

Add/Subtract Scene Animation Frames


Set Start and End Frames

This dialog box gives you a way to set the timing of an object's animation by typing the exact frames at which the animation starts and ends. The result is the same as dragging the animation's start point and end point to specific frame numbers.

Controls

Animation Starts at Frame	Type the frame number or drag the slider to set the frame number at which you want the animation to start.

Animation Ends at Frame	Type the frame number or drag the slider to set the frame number at which you want the animation to end. The maximum value is the scene's highest numbered frame. If you need more frames, you can add some at the end using the Add/Subtract Scene Animation Frames feature.


Animation Editor

Add/Subtract Scene Animation Frames

Expand/Contract Animations

Loop Animation


Loop Animation

This dialog box lets you make an animation repeat.

If you want each repetition to use the same number of frames as the original animation, click the "Animation playlength is constant" option to select it, and then enter the number of times you want the animation to repeat after its first revolution. A value of 0 specifies no repetitions; the object will be animated through a single revolution. A value of 2 specifies two additional revolutions, or a total of three.

You may need to add empty animation frames to make space for the repititions

If you want a complete series of  repetitions to fit in the same number of frames as the original animation, click "Auto downsize animation playlength" to select it, and then drag the slider or enter the number of times you want the animation to repeat.


Animation Editor

Add/Subtract Scene Animation Frames

Expand/Contract Animations

Set Start and End Frames


Axis Editor

This shaping editor lets you reshape a 3D object by bending, stretching, compressing, or otherwise distorting its main axis. You point to one of the keys on the axis to select it (indicated by highlighting). You can then use the tools on the editor to manipulate the axis.

Note

You can right-click in the editor to display a shortcut menu for setting preview and 3D acceleration options for the editor. Information about these options is available under the help topic Reshaping a 3D Object.

A large preview window shows an isometric (nonperspective) preview of the object, with the axis shown in red. Scroll bars let you rotate and magnify the object for viewing and reshaping purposes [image] they do not change the original rotation of the object.

Toolbar

 Pick	Lets you bend the axis by moving the selected key. Use the bottom and right scroll bars to change the direction of movement.

 Twist	Rotates all the vertices surrounding the selected key around the axis.

 Scale	Moves all the vertices surrounding the selected key closer to or farther from the axis.

 Edit Curve Linked	Lets you reshape the axis as a Bezier curve at the selected key. As you drag, the tangent for the selected key follows the mouse pointer.

 Edit Curve Unlinked	Similar to the previous tool, except that you can drag one half of the tangent without disturbing the other half.

 Reset All	Cancels your axis-reshaping actions.

Axis

Keys	Lets you add or remove keys (points along the axis that you can manipulate).


Envelope Editor

Push-Pull Editor

Profile Editor

Reshaping a 3D Object


Envelope Editor

This shaping editor lets you reshape a 3D object indirectly by distorting its envelope, or box-shaped container. You drag a selection rectangle to define the envelope vertices that you want to manipulate. You can then use the editor's tools.

Note

You can right-click in the editor to display a shortcut menu for setting preview and 3D acceleration options for the editor. Information about these options is available under the help topic Reshaping a 3D Object.

A large preview window shows an isometric (nonperspective) preview of the object. Scroll bars let you rotate and magnify the object for viewing and reshaping purposes [image] they do not change the original rotation of the object.

Toolbar

 Pick	Lets you drag a new selection rectangle.

 Move	Moves the selected envelope vertices. Use the bottom and right scroll bars to change the direction of movement.

 Rotate	Lets you drag to rotate the selected envelope vertices around the envelope's center of change. Use the Set Center of Change button [image] to move the point.

 Scale	Scales the selected envelope vertices, similar to scaling an object.

 Set Center of Change	Lets you reposition the envelope's center of change (shown as a small set of crosshairs). Click this button, and then click where you want the center.

 Linear	Click this button to make the envelope-reshaping effects produce sharply angled surfaces.

 Elastic	Click this button to make the envelope-reshaping effects produce smoothly curved surfaces.

 Reset All	Cancels your envelope-reshaping actions.

Envelope Resolution

X, Y, and Z	If you need to make finer changes to the shape of the envelope, increase these numbers before reshaping.


Axis Editor

Push-Pull Editor

Profile Editor

Reshaping a 3D Object


Push-Pull Editor

This shape editor lets you reshape an object by dragging a selection rectangle around its vertices and manipulating the vertices as a group. You can move, rotate, and scale the vertices, and you can deform the object as if it were elastic.

Note

You can right-click in the editor to display a shortcut menu for setting preview and 3D acceleration options for the editor. Information about these options is available under the help topic Reshaping a 3D Object.

A large preview window shows an isometric (nonperspective) preview of the object. Scroll bars let you rotate and magnify the object for viewing and reshaping purposes [image] they do not change the original rotation of the object.

Toolbar

 Pick	Lets you drag a new selection rectangle.

 Move	Moves the selected object vertices. Use the bottom and right scroll bars to change the direction of movement.

 Rotate	Lets you drag to rotate the selected object vertices around the object's center of change. Use the Set Center of Change button [image] to move the point.

 Scale	Scales the selected object vertices, similar to scaling an object.

 Set Center of Change	Lets you reposition the object's center of change (shown as a small set of crosshairs). Click this button, and then click where you want the point.

 Set Area of Influence	Lets you drag to resize the area of influence (shown as a sphere). Vertices outside this sphere are not affected by the push-pull tools. This button is enabled only when you select Elastic [image] reshaping.

 Linear	Click this button to turn off the area of influence and its elastic effects. All selected objects are equally affected by moving, scaling, and rotating.

 Elastic	Click this button to display the sphere for the area of influence and produce elastic effects as you move, scale, and rotate the selected vertices.

 Reset All	Cancels your reshaping actions.

Slack

If you are using elasticity, you can drag this slider toward the left to make the object more malleable. Drag it toward the right to make the object more rigid.


Axis Editor

Envelope Editor

Profile Editor

Reshaping a 3D Object


Profile Editor

This shape editor lets you reshape an object by dragging to mold its top profile and side profiles.

Note

You can right-click in the editor to display a shortcut menu for setting preview and 3D acceleration options for the editor. Information about these options is available under the help topic Reshaping a 3D Object.

Three preview windows show isometric (nonperspective) previews of the object. Scroll bars let you rotate and magnify the object for viewing purposes only [image] they do not change the original rotation of the object.

Toolbar

 Pick	Lets you distort the object by moving the selected key or pair of keys. Use the bottom and right scroll bars to change the direction of movement.

 Edit Curve Linked	Lets you reshape the axis as a Bezier curve at the selected key. As you drag, the tangent for the selected key follows the mouse pointer.

 Edit Curve Unlinked	Similar to the previous tool, except that you can drag one half of the tangent without disturbing the other half.

 Pan View	Lets you drag the object in the section or profile window.

 Reset All	Cancels your profile-reshaping actions.

Section

Separate Section	Select this option if you want reshaping to affect only the active key's section instead of all sections.

Linear Section	Select this option to eliminate the curvature at the section keys. You can still achieve rounded shapes by adding keys, provided the additional complexity is acceptable.

Divisions	Type the number of divisions that you want between each pair of section keys. Higher values result in a more flexible [image] but more complex [image] object.

Keys	Type the number of keys (points you can manipulate) that you want the section window to display.

 Reset Section	Cancels all changes you have made to all the sections.

 Reset Section Curve	Cancels only the changes you have made to the currently selected section key.

Profile

Thickness	Drag this slider to quickly give an open object thickness. Creating thickness approximately doubles the complexity of the object.

Linear Profile	Select this option to eliminate the curvature at the profile keys. You can still achieve rounded shapes by adding keys, provided the additional complexity is acceptable.

Divisions	Type the number of divisions that you want between each pair of profile keys. Higher values result in a more flexible [image] but more complex [image] object.

Keys	Type the number of keys (points you can manipulate) that you want the profile window to display.

Mirror, Symmetric, Asymmetric	Click Mirror to make an adjacent key act as a mirror image when you drag the active key. Click Symmetric to make the two keys move in the same direction. Click Asymmetric to drag a single key.

 Reset Profile	Cancels all changes you have made to the profile.

 Reset Profile Curve	Cancels only the changes you have made to the currently selected profile key.

Other

Top Cap	Removes or restores the top cap of the object.

Bottom Cap	Removes or restores the bottom cap of the object.


Axis Editor

Envelope Editor

Push-Pull Editor

Reshaping a 3D Object


Camera Properties dialog box
Camera Properties

This dialog box lets you position the camera at precise "world" coordinates. It also lets you aim the camera at a precise point in space or at a specific object in the scene.

You can right-click on the Background preview to change the background color or specify an image as the background, and you can adjust the camera's lens angle numerically.

Camera Location

X, Y, and Z	These boxes show the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the camera's current location. To move the camera to specific coordinates, type the new coordinate values.

Target Location

X, Y, and Z	These boxes show the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the camera's current aiming point. To aim the camera at a specific point in space, type the new coordinate values.

Target Object	Lists each object in the scene so you can set the camera's aiming point at a specific object. Click the arrow [image], and then click the name of the object.

Other

Background	This thumbnail picture shows the current background image or color. Right-click the thumbnail to display a shortcut menu for the scene's background. The menu lets you specify a solid Color, Browse for a background image, Restore the previous image (before clicking OK), or Clear the image. You can also Cut, Copy, and Paste the background image.

The default is a black background.

Lens Angle	Type an angle in degrees from the camera's centerline. A small angle produces a telephoto effect; a large angle produces a fisheye-lens effect.


Using the Scene Explorer

Options


Light Properties dialog box
Light Properties

This dialog box lets you position a light at precise "world" coordinates. It also lets you aim the light at a precise point in space or at a specific object in the scene.

You can make the light act as a point light (a light bulb) or a spotlight, adjust its brightness, and change its color.

Shadow options let you specify whether or not the light casts shadows. You can choose the shadow-rendering method.

Light Location

X, Y, and Z	These boxes show the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the light's current location. To move the light to specific coordinates, type the new coordinate values.

Target Location

X, Y, and Z	These boxes show the current X, Y, and Z coordinates of the light's aiming point. To aim the light at a specific point in space, type the new coordinate values.

Target Object	Lists each object in the scene so you can set the light's aiming point at a specific object. Click the arrow [image] and then click the name of the object.

Color

Sample swatch	Shows a sample of the light's color.

Change button	Displays the Color Palette dialog box to let you change the light's color. The default color for lights is white.

Brightness	Drag this slider to the left to make the light dimmer; drag to the right to make it brighter.

Type

Point light, Spotlight	Shows the type of light. Click Point Light for a light that extends in all directions. Click Spotlight for a light that is focused in one direction.

Shadows

Cast Shadows	Activate this option to make the light cast shadows. Deactivate it if you want the light to illuminate objects without casting their shadows.

Ray-Traced Shadows	Select this option if you want Simply 3D to use ray tracing to create highly realistic shadows. Ray-Traced shadows take longer than Shadow-Mapped shadows.

Shadow Mapped	Select this option for the fastest shadow rendering. This method also lets you use the Shadow Map Size setting to soften shadow edges.

Shadow Bias	Enter a value within the range 0.000 through 1.000. Values too close to 0 can produce strange patterns, and values too high produce shadows that do not meet their origin. The default value is 0.100

Shadow Map Size	This value controls the sharpness of shadow edges. Small values produce soft edges, and large values produce sharp edges. The default value is 400.


Setting a Light’s Shadow Properties

Adding and Removing Lights

Moving and Aiming Lights

Using the Scene Explorer

Options


The Object Properties dialog box


Object Properties, General tab

This dialog box gives you numeric equivalents to using the mouse for moving, rotating, and scaling objects. You can also specify rendering options that control the smoothness of an object's surface, how its image maps are applied to the surface, and how it handles shadows. An Internet tab lets you make the object an interactive component of a virtual-reality world.

The General tab lets you type numeric values to set the object's location, rotation, and scale. You can also choose options for smoothness and shadows.

Object Location

X, Y, and Z	These boxes show the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the light's current location. To move the light to specific coordinates, type the new coordinate values.

Object Scale

X, Y, and Z	These boxes show the object's current X, Y, and Z scale. To change the scale, type the new value or values.

The X, Y, and Z scale labels refer to the object's axes, which rotate with the object. To see the axes, select the object, click Options on the Tools menu, and then click Draw Object Axes.

Object Rotation

X, Y, and Z	These boxes show the rotation of the object's X, Y, and Z axes, measured from the scene's axes. To change the rotation, type the new value or values.

Other

Cast Shadows	Deactivate this option if you want lights in the scene to illuminate the object but not cast shadows of it.

Receive Shadows	Deactivate this option if you don't want the shadows of other objects to fall on this object.

Render Backface	Activate this option if you want to see the inside of an open object (such as a wall or vase) or the inside of a semitransparent closed object (such as a sphere). Rendering takes longer with this option activated.

Smooth	Activate this option if you want the surface to appear rounded. Smoothing is a rendering effect; the object's geometry does not change.

Angle	If you activate smoothing but you want to limit the smoothing effect, activate this option and then type an angle in the box. Smoothing is not applied to angles greater than the angle you type.

Material Crease	Select this option if you have activated smoothing for the object, but you want to see sharp creases between polygons of different materials.  Smoothing occurs only for adjacent polygons covered with the same material.


Object Properties, Mapping tab

Object Properties, Internet tab

Reshaping a 3D Object


Object Properties, Mapping tab

The Mapping tab lets you control how Simply 3D maps the images assigned to the object's materials. Note that the settings on this tab affect all materials on the object.

Controls

Mapping Type	Lists the available mapping methods. Click the arrow [image], and then click the method that you want. The same method is used for the object's  texture maps, image reflection maps, and bump maps.

Image Repeat	Click one of these options to specify how you want images in the object's material to be repeated, or tiled, when the image is smaller than the object.

Stamp [image] Select this option if you are using an image designed to be repeated without showing any visible seams between the repetitions.

Flip [image] Select this option if you want to hide the seams when tiling an image that was not designed for seamless repetition. Simply 3D attempts to hide the seams by alternating the normal orientation of the image with a flipped orientation.

Decal [image] Select this option if you want a single, opaque copy of the image mapped to the object. Note that with this option, material color doesn't tint the image, but is applied to all the remaining parts of the object. The mapping engine ignores the material's transparency setting.

Mapping Scale	Lets you shrink (negative values) or magnify (positive values) all mapped images. Either drag the slider or type a value in the box. The Image Repeat effects may not be apparent if the scale is too large.

Color Blur	Specifies how much you want to soften the boundaries between contrasting colors in the images. Drag the slider or type a value in the box. The default value is 1.

Reflect Blur	For materials on the object that use an image reflection map, this slider controls how much the reflected image is blurred. Drag the slider or type a value in the box. The default value is 1.

Bump Height	For materials on the object that use a bump map, this slider controls the apparent height of the bumps. Drag the slider or type a value in the box. Negative values reverse the effect of the bump map. The default value is 1.

Bump Blur	For materials on the object that use a bump map, this slider controls how much the bump image is blurred. Drag the slider or type a value in the box. The default value is 1.


Object Properties, General tab

Object Properties, Internet tab

Changing the Appearance of an Object's Surface

Reshaping a 3D Object


Object Properties, Internet tab

The Internet tab lets you specify how the object behaves if you include it in a scene that you save as a VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) file.

Controls

Target URL	Type the Internet (or Intranet) URL that you want to become the object's target. For example, type http://w3.ourcompany.com/page2.htm. When users who browse your scene with a VRML browser click the object, they are transported to the target URL.

Target Description	Type a short description of the object's target. For example, type Click to go to our company's home page. Some browsers display this description in their status bar when users move the mouse pointer onto the object.


Object Properties, General tab

Object Properties, Mapping tab

Save As

Reshaping a 3D Object


The Material Properties dialog box


Material Properties, Surface tab

The Material Properties dialog box lets you control many characteristics of the materials that cover Simply 3D objects. You can apply bitmap images to a material in several ways, specify the color and shininess of a material, set how the material reflects and refracts light, and even adjust the material's transparency.

The Surface tab lets you set the material's color, its shininess, and its texture map and bump map.

Controls

Preview	Shows a sample of the material. The sample is updated automatically as you change settings.

Texture Map	Shows a thumbnail of the material's bitmap image. Right-click this thumbnail to display a shortcut menu that lets you Browse for an image, Restore the previous image (before clicking OK), or Clear the image. You can also Cut, Copy, and Paste the texture map. If you clear the texture map, a solid color is mapped to the material.

Bump Map	Shows a thumbnail of the material's bump map, an image that gives texture to a material. Right-click this thumbnail to display a shortcut menu that lets you Browse for an image, Restore the previous image (before clicking OK), or Clear the image. You can also Cut, Copy, and Paste the bump map.

Material Color	Shows a color swatch of the material's color. If the material has a texture map, this color lightens, darkens, or tints the image. To set the color, click the Change button.

Material Shininess	Shows the shininess setting of the material. To change the shininess, drag the slider or type a value in the range 0.00 through 1.00. The preview sample shows the effect.

Highlight Size	To change the material's highlight size, drag the slider or type a value in the range 0.00 through 5.00. The preview sample shows the effect.

Although you can specify different images for different materials, those images are mapped to each object according to the object's properties. For example, you can specify which image you want as the bump map for a material, but that bump map shares a single height setting with the object's other bump maps.


Material Properties, Reflection tab

Material Properties, Transparency tab

Light Properties

Object Properties, Mapping tab


Material Properties, Reflection tab

The Reflection tab let you control the reflective characteristics of objects covered with this material.

Preview	Shows a sample of the material based on its surface and transparency properties. Reflection changes are shown when you render the scene.

Image Reflect	Shows a thumbnail of the material's image reflection map, an image that shows as a reflection in the material if you do not choose ray tracing. Right-click this thumbnail to display a shortcut menu that lets you Browse for an image, Restore the previous image (before clicking OK), or Clear the image. You can also Cut, Copy, and Paste the image.

Reflect Color	Shows a color swatch of the material's reflection color. You can assign a color to lighten, darken, or tint the image reflection map. To set the color, click the Change button.

Use Ray Tracing	When selected, uses ray tracing to render reflections of the material's actual surroundings instead of using an image reflection map.

Ray Reflect	Adjusts the material's reflectivity for ray-tracing purposes. To adjust, select the Use Ray Tracing option, and then drag the slider or type a value in the range 0.000 through 1.000.


Material Properties, Surface tab

Material Properties, Transparency tab

Light Properties

Object Properties, Mapping tab


Material Properties, Transparency tab

The Transparency tab lets you make a material semi-transparent or completely transparent. For semi-transparent materials, you can use ray tracing to simulate refraction (how the material bends light that passes through it).

Preview	Shows a sample of the material. The sample is updated automatically as you change settings.

Transparency Level	Drag the slider or type a transparency value in the range 0.00 through 1.00. The preview sample shows the changes.

Edge Transparency	Drag the slider or type a value in the range 0.00 through 1.00. The preview sample shows the changes.

Use Alpha	If you select this option when the texture map for your material contains an Alpha channel, you apply your transparency settings directly to the Alpha channel. If you do not select this option (or you select it when the image has no Alpha channel), you apply your transparency setting to the entire image.

Note: An Alpha channel contains pixel-by-pixel transparency information. Programs that let you create an Alpha channel (such as Micrografx Picture Publisher) let you use the channel to make parts of the image more transparent than other parts. Only 32-bit bitmap file-formats support an Alpha channel.

Use Ray Tracing	When selected, renders the material's actual surroundings according to the setting of the Ray Refraction Level.

Ray Refraction Level	Adjusts the material's refraction. To adjust, select the Use Ray Tracing option, and then drag the slider or type a value in the range 0.80 through 2.00.


Material Properties, Surface tab

Material Properties, Reflection tab

Light Properties

Object Properties, Mapping tab


About Simply 3D screen

This screen tells you the version number, date, and other information about your copy of Simply 3D. This information may help you determine whether or not you need to upgrade in the future.

To close the screen, click OK or press the ENTER key.


List of topics in this file that can be used as Related Topics

Open

Save As

Print

Set Aspect Ratio

Using the Scene Explorer

Catalog Browser

Using a Catalog

Animation Editor

Toolbars dialog box

Options

3D Text Editor, Text tab

3D Text Editor, Shape tab

3D Text Editor, Bevel tab

3D Text Editor, Path tab

3D Text Editor, Deform tab

3D Text wizard

VRML Export

DXF Options

Animated GIF Settings

Video Compression

Rendering

Add/Subtract Scene Animation Frames

Expand/Contract Animations

Set Start and End Frames

Loop Animation

Axis Editor

Envelope Editor

Push-Pull Editor

Profile Editor

Camera Properties

Light Properties

Object Properties, General tab

Object Properties, Mapping tab

Object Properties, Internet tab

Material Properties, Surface tab

Material Properties, Reflection tab

Material Properties, Transparency tab

About Simply 3D


CSH_Menu.DOC

This document contains the context-sensitive popup topics for all Simply 3D menu and submenu items.


Common menu (and button) commands


Removes the selected resource from the scene and places it in the Windows Clipboard.


Copies the selected resource to the Windows Clipboard.


Pastes the contents of the Clipboard into the active project.


Displays the Properties dialog box for the currently selected scene resource (camera, object, material, animation, or light). If you have selected more than one resource, displays the Camera Properties dialog box.


Shows or hides the selected object, animation, or light.

Hiding an object prevents it from being rendered or shown in any of the views.  A hidden object is visible only in the Scene Explorer. Hiding a parent object automatically hides its child objects.

Hiding an animation suspends the animation of the associated object. Hiding a parent object's animation, however, does not suspend the animations of its child objects.

Hiding a light prevents it from illuminating the scene. A hidden light is visible only in the Scene Explorer.


Unique shortcut menu items


Pastes the Clipboard contents as the background image. The Clipboard must contain a bitmap image.


Displays the Open dialog box to let you specify a bitmap file to be used as the scene's background image.


Displays the color picker so you can specify a color for the scene's background. If you have specified a bitmap image as the background, the solid color replaces the image.


Creates a parent object for the currently selected object. With a parent object, you can create a group of objects by dropping other objects on the parent.

When you move, rotate, scale, or animate a parent object, you automatically perform the same operation on all of its child objects. Parent objects are visible only in the Scene Explorer.

Note

Although you can move, rotate, scale, and animate objects grouped under a parent by manipulating the parent, you cannot change other object properties (such as material) by selecting the parent; you must select the child objects.


Displays the color picker so you can specify a color for the selected material. If you have specified a texture map, the image is tinted with the color.


Sets the selected material's shininess to Off so that the material will not show highlights. For finer control over the shininess, select the material's properties.


Sets the selected material's shininess to Low. For finer control over the shininess, select the material's properties.


Sets the selected material's shininess to Medium. For finer control over the shininess, select the material's properties.


Sets the selected material's shininess to High. For finer control over the shininess, select the material's properties.


Sets the selected material's transparency to Off so that the material will be opaque. For finer control over the transparency, select the material's properties.


Sets the selected material's transparency to Low. For finer control over the transparency, select the material's properties.


Sets the selected material's transparency to Medium. For finer control over the transparency, select the material's properties.


Sets the selected material's transparency to High so that the material is barely visible. For finer control over the transparency, select the material's properties.


Pastes the Clipboard contents as the selected material's texture map. The Clipboard must contain a bitmap image.


Displays the Open dialog box to let you specify a bitmap file to be used as the material's texture map.


System menus (for the main window and any child window)


Restores this window from maximized to its previous size and location.


Lets you move this window using the arrow keys on the keyboard.


Lets you change the size of this window using the arrow keys on the keyboard.


Reduces this window to a button. To restore the window, click the button.


Enlarges this window to its maximum size.


Closes all open projects and then exits Simply 3D.

If you have made changes to a project, Simply 3D prompts you to save the changes before the project's window closes.


File menu


Creates a new, empty Simply 3D scene (Keyboard shortcut CTRL+N). The new scene is untitled until you save it.


Displays the File Open dialog box, which lets you open a previously saved Simply 3D scene. (Keyboard shortcut CTRL+O) The folder shown is the last folder in which a Simply 3D scene was opened.


Closes the active Simply 3D scene. If you have made changes that you have not saved, Close prompts you to save the changes.


Saves the currently active scene.

Note

If this is the first time you have saved the scene, Save displays the Save As dialog box to let you give the scene a file name.


Opens a dialog box that lets you assign a file name to the current scene or make a copy of the scene under a different file name.


Displays the Aspect Ratio dialog box to let you set a fixed or variable height-to-width ratio for your scene.


Displays the Print dialog box to let you print the current scene. Also lets you change the target printer.


Prepares the current Simply 3D scene to be sent as electronic mail.

Note

This item is enabled only if you have installed a MAPI-compatible mail program (such as Microsoft Mail).


This is the name of an Simply 3D project you have used recently. You can open it by clicking its name in the File menu, provided you have not renamed or moved it since you last used it.


This is the name of an Simply 3D project you have used recently. You can open it by clicking its name in the File menu, provided you have not renamed or moved it since you last used it.


This is the name of an Simply 3D project you have used recently. You can open it by clicking its name in the File menu, provided you have not renamed or moved it since you last used it.


This is the name of an Simply 3D project you have used recently. You can open it by clicking its name in the File menu, provided you have not renamed or moved it since you last used it.


Closes all open projects and then exits Simply 3D.

If you have made changes to a project, Simply 3D prompts you to save the changes before the project's window closes.


 Edit menu


Reverses the last edit or change to an object, except that:

You cannot undo texture changes to an object.

You cannot undo changes to animations.

You cannot restore a deleted light by using undo.

You cannot restore a deleted parent object by using undo.

Undo is not available after you change the background color.


Cancels the effect of your most recent Undo command.


Removes all components from the project. Use this command only if you want to discard all components of the scene except the project name.


Removes the selected components from the project.


Selects all objects in the scene if you have an object selected, or selects all lights in the scene if you have a light selected.


View menu


Uses the project window to display the scene as viewed through the camera lens.

The Camera view is the view in which all rendering takes place, and it is the only perspective view of the scene.


Uses the project window to display the scene as viewed from above.

Top view is a fixed, nonperspective view.


Uses the project window to display the scene as viewed from the side.

Side view is a fixed, nonperspective view.


Uses the project window to display the scene as viewed from the front.

Front view is a fixed, nonperspective view.


Displays all four views of the scene: Camera, Top, Side, and Front views.


Displays a dialog box to let you select which toolbars are displayed, and lets you choose other toolbar-related options, such as whether you want toolbar buttons to be large or small.


Shows or hides the catalog, which lets you add professionally developed objects, materials, lighting schemes, and animations to your scenes.


Shows or hides the Scene Explorer. The Scene Explorer lists all the resources that make up your scene (camera, objects, materials, animations, and lights) and shows their relationships.


Shows or hides the Animation Control toolbar, which has VCR-like buttons for previewing your scene's animations.


Shows or hides the Animation Editor, which graphically illustrates the timing of each animation in your project.

You can use the Animation Editor to slow down or speed up an animation, make an animation repeat, shift an animation forward or back in time, or reverse an animation's direction.


Tools menu


Opens the Text tool with the Text tab selected. Use the Text tab to enter your text and to set its attributes (such as font, point size, bold, and italic). Use the other tabs to set the 3D characteristics of your text.


Starts the Text Wizard, which helps you create a text object by breaking the process into a few simple steps and displaying your text options in graphic form.


Opens the Axis editor, a tool that lets you reshape an object by bending its axis.


Opens the Envelope editor, a tool that lets you reshape an object by distorting its bounding box.


Opens the Push-Pull editor, a tool that lets you reshape an object by dragging specific points or groups of points on the object.


Opens the Profile editor, a tool that lets you reshape an object by changing its side or top profile.


Displays the Camera Properties dialog box.


Sets the rendering quality to Good. With this setting, Simply 3D renders the scene quickly but does not perform edge smoothing.


Sets the rendering quality to Better. With this setting, Simply 3D renders the scene at moderate speed and some edge smoothing.


Sets the rendering quality to Best. With this setting, Simply 3D renders more slowly but performs high-quality edge smoothing.


Turns shadow rendering on or off. When this setting is off, objects in the scene do not cast shadows.

Note

Simply 3D shadows:

-	Are visible only when you render the scene.

-	Are cast only if the object is set to cast shadows.

-	Are cast only by lights that are set to cast shadows.

-	Fall only on objects that are set to receive shadows.

-	Never show on the scene's background.


Produces a photo-realistic view of the scene. If the scene contains animations, the current animation frame is rendered.

To stop rendering, press the ESC key or click the Stop Rendering button [image].

Rendering takes lighting into account and shows shadows and reflections, provided you have activated them. Rendering also shows the effects of the texture maps, bump maps, and image reflection maps of all materials in the scene.


Displays a dialog box that lets you change many Simply 3D default settings to your own preferred settings.


Object menu


Object/Create submenu items


Adds a sphere to the scene. This is one of ten 3D primitives you can create.


Adds a cube to the scene. This is one of ten 3D primitives you can create.


Adds a cylinder to the scene. This is one of ten 3D primitives you can create.


Adds a cone to the scene. This is one of ten 3D primitives you can create.


Adds a torus (donut) to the scene. This is one of ten 3D primitives you can create.


Adds a wall to the scene. This is one of ten 3D primitives you can create.


Adds a box with rounded corners to the scene. This is one of ten 3D primitives you can create.


Adds a box with a hole in the middle to the scene. This is one of ten 3D primitives you can create.


Adds a vase to the scene. This is one of ten 3D primitives you can create.


Adds a floor to the scene. This is one of ten 3D primitives you can create.


Shades the selected object by displaying each polygon with a single color. This makes the small flat surfaces that simulate curves more apparent.

The Object Properties dialog box (available when you right-click an object) gives you more control over smoothing.


 Shades the selected object by averaging the color of each polygon with its surrounding polygons. The small flat surfaces that simulate curves are less apparent with smooth shading.

The Object Properties dialog box (available when you right-click an object) gives you more control over smoothing.


Specifies that you want the selected object to cast shadows.

Note

Simply 3D shadows:

-	Are visible only when you render the scene, and only if you activate shadows through the Tools/Render Settings menu item.

-	Are cast only if the object is set to cast shadows.

-	Are cast only by lights that are set to cast shadows.

-	Fall only on objects that are set to receive shadows.

-	Never show on the scene's background.


Specifies that you want the selected object to receive shadows.

Note

Simply 3D shadows:

-	Are visible only when you render the scene, and only if you activate shadows through the Tools/Render Settings menu item.

-	Are cast only if the object is set to cast shadows.

-	Are cast only by lights that are set to cast shadows.

-	Fall only on objects that are set to receive shadows.

-	Never show on the scene's background.


Specifies that you want to render both sides of all the polygons that make up an object. Rendering the backfaces takes longer, and it is not necessary with most closed, opaque objects.


Object/Animate submenu items


Spins the selected object 360 degrees around a vertical axis.

Additional animations are available in Simply 3D catalogs.


Tumbles the selected object 360 degrees around a horizontal axis.

Additional animations are available in Simply 3D catalogs.


Rotates the selected object 360 degrees clockwise.

Additional animations are available in Simply 3D catalogs.


Moves the selected object toward the camera along a wave-shaped path.

Additional animations are available in Simply 3D catalogs.


Moves the selected object toward the camera along a circular path.

Additional animations are available in Simply 3D catalogs.


Moves the selected object up, then down, and then back to its starting position.

Additional animations are available in Simply 3D catalogs.


Moves the selected object around a circular path. The object faces in one direction; it does not rotate as it moves.

Additional animations are available in Simply 3D catalogs.


Displays the Animation Editor.


Window menu


Arranges all open windows so that the title bar of each scene is visible.


Stacks all open project windows so that a view of each project is visible.


Arranges all open project windows side-by-side so that a view of each project is visible.


Aligns all of the icons of minimized scenes in the Simply 3D window.


This list gives you a quick way to display a specific scene when you have several scenes open.

Tip

To cycle among multiple project windows, press CTRL+F6 repeatedly.


Help menu


Displays a list of help topics for Simply 3D.


Describes Simply 3D's compatibility with the Microsoft Office standard.


Displays the Simply 3D Welcome screen. On this screen, you can examine Tips of the Day. You also can choose whether or not to display the Welcome screen when Simply 3D starts.


Shows a screen with the version number, date, and other information about your copy of Simply 3D.


CSH_Tool.DOC

This document contains the context-sensitive popup topics for all Simply 3D tools and buttons whose commands are not already in CSH_MENU.DOC.


Standard Toolbar buttons

Note: Topics for some standard buttons, such as New and Copy, are in CSH_Menu.doc.


Stops rendering the scene. You can also press the ESC key to stop rendering.


Used with Wireframe viewing, Bounding Box determines whether you see a wireframe image or a bounding box as you manipulate the object. Although Bounding Box does not show the shape of the object until you finish dragging, it produces the fastest screen updates as you drag.

Notes

You must select Wireframe view to select or deselect this option.

You can select this as a default setting by clicking Options on the Tools menu.


Previews the object as a either a wireframe image or a bounding box as you drag it, and as a wireframe while it is at rest.

To preview the object as a wireframe as you drag it, deselect the Bounding Box button [image].

To preview the object as a bounding box as you drag it, select the Bounding Box button [image].

Tip

You can select this as a default setting by clicking Options on the tools menu.


Previews objects as solid, shaded objects. Provides a more realistic picture of the object than wireframe or bounding-box preview, but it might not draw as quickly.

Tip

You can select this as a default setting by clicking Options on the tools menu.


Displays a catalog browser (which lets you open a Simply 3D catalog) and displays the catalog that you open.

Simply 3D catalogs let you add professionally developed objects, materials, lighting schemes, and animations to your scenes.


Shows the current magnification setting and lets you select from several other settings. To change the setting, click the arrow next to the value and choose a setting from the menu. The view magnification does not affect how the scene is printed.


Lets you display help information about any button or menu item.

Click this button and then click the item for which you want help.


Toolbox buttons


The Pick button lets you select the camera, an object, a light, or an animation path, by clicking it in the project window.

To select an object, click the object.

To select the camera, click the background area.

Tip

When you are using the Four Up view, the Pick button gives you a handy way to select how you preview animations. Click the view from which you want to see the animation, and then click the Play button [image] on the Animation Control toolbar.


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


The Move tools let you drag to move the selected resource (camera, objects, animation paths, or lights).

Tool	Directions of Movement*

Left, right, up, down, and diagonal movement

Right and left movement only

Up and Down movement only

Forward and Backward movement only

*	The view in which you drag determines how Simply 3D interprets the drag. The directions here refer to the specific view's right, left, up, down, front, and back. If you want to limit movement to directions that are parallel to the "world" axes, drag in one of the fixed views (Top, Side, or Front).

Note

Dragging the camera in the Camera view is a special case that moves both the camera and its aiming point.


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


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Stub aliased to a real topic, above


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Stub aliased to a real topic, above


The Rotation tools let you drag to rotate the selected resource (camera, objects, animation paths, or lights). Rotating the camera or a light rotates the item around its aiming point.

Tool	Directions of Rotation*

Right, left, up, down, and diagonal rotation

Right and left rotation only

Up and Down rotation only

Clockwise and counterclockwise rotation only

*	The view in which you drag determines how Simply 3D interprets the drag. The directions here refer to the specific view's right, left, up, down, clockwise and counterclockwise. If you want to limit rotation to axes that are parallel to the "world" axes, drag in one of the fixed views (Top, Side, or Front).


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


The Scale tools let you drag to resize objects and animation paths, adjust the camera's lens angle, and adjust the angle of a spotlight.

Tool	Effect on object or animation path	Effect on camera or spotlight
	Resizes the object proportionally in all three axes.	Widens or narrows the camera or spotlight angle.
	Scales the object only along its X (width) axis.	Not applicable
	Scales the object only along its Y (height) axis.	Not applicable
	Scales the object only along its Z (depth) axis.	Not applicable
Note

Object and animation-path scaling are always along the item's X, Y, and Z axes [image] regardless of the item's current orientation, the camera's viewing angle, and the view in which you drag.


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


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Centers the camera, selected objects, or selected lights.

Resource	Effect of centering

Camera	Moves the camera to a position that shows all the objects in the scene.

Objects	Moves the selected objects to the origin of Simply 3D's world coordinate-system.

Lights	Moves the selected lights to the camera's position and sets their aiming points at the center of the scene.


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Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Resets certain properties of the camera, selected objects, selected lights, or selected animations.

Resource	Effect of resetting

Camera	Resets the original position, rotation, and lens angle of the camera.

Objects	Resets the original position, rotation, and scale of the object. Does not cancel reshaping.

Animations	Resets the original position, rotation, and scale of the animation.

Lights	Resets the original position, rotation, and angle of the light.


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Lets you aim the camera or a selected light by dragging an aiming point in space.

This button is enabled only when you have selected the camera or a light.


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Stub aliased to a real topic, above


Displays 10 primitive 3D shapes (such as a sphere or a cone). Click any of the shapes to add it to your scene.


The Text tools let you add 3D text to your scene. You can choose either the Text Wizard or the Text tool.


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Displays the following Zoom tools for setting the viewing magnification in the fixed views (Top, Side, and Front).

Zoom In/Out [image] Zooms in at the point where you click. To zoom out, press either the SHIFT or CTRL key while you click.

Smart zoom [image] Sets the magnification of all three fixed views so that the camera and all objects are shown.

Autozoom [image] Turns the Autozoom feature on and off. This feature automatically adjusts the zoom to show the camera and all objects as you move items around in the scene.

Note

You cannot use a Zoom tool in the Camera view.


Zooms in at the point where you click. To zoom out, press either the SHIFT or CTRL key while you click.

Note

You cannot use a Zoom tool in the Camera view.


Sets the magnification of all three fixed views so that the camera and all objects are shown.

Note

You cannot use a Zoom tool in the Camera view.


Turns the Autozoom feature on and off. This feature automatically adjusts the zoom to show the camera and all objects as you move items around in the scene.

Note

You cannot use a Zoom tool in the Camera view.


Animation Control toolbar buttons


Shows the current frame number of the scene's animations.


Jumps to the scene's first animation frame. Enabled if you have animated at least one object in the scene.


Displays the previous frame of the scene's animations. Stops at Frame 1. Enabled if you have animated at least one object in the scene.


Stops an animation preview and displays the current frame number.


Previews the scene's animations, beginning at the current frame number. If you are at the ending frame, rewinds to frame 1. Enabled only if you have animated at least one object in the scene.

Note

To give you smooth animation when you are using the Four Up view, Simply 3D previews the animation only in the most recently used view. When the animation stops, the other three views are updated.


Displays the next frame in a scene's animations. Stops at the ending frame. Enabled if you have animated at least one object in the scene.


Displays the scene's ending animation frame. Enabled if you have animated at least one object in the scene.


Point-of-View toolbar buttons


These are all handled in CSH_Menu.doc, under the View menu.


Videos.doc

This file contains the topics that play video clips for Simply 3D help.


Show me: Getting Help

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Moving a Light

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Adding an Object from the Catalog

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Selecting an Object

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Selecting Multiple Objects

Note

You must hold down the SHIFT key or the CTRL key to select multiple objects as shown in this video clip.

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Moving an Object by Dragging

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Rotating an Object by Dragging

To stop the video and close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Selecting Points of View

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Selecting Preview Options

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Setting the Lens Angle

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Aiming the Camera

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Moving the Camera

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Rotating the Camera

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Scaling Objects by Dragging

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Previewing Animations

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Adding an Animation

To close this window, press the ESC key.


Show me: Rendering Scenes

To close this window, press the ESC key.