![]() |
![]() |
AXEL Basics > The AXEL Workflow
The AXEL workflow
The AXEL workflow is represented by the layout of the menu bar at the top of the work area.
The main steps are described in the following sections.
Modeling
AXEL provides the modeling tools to create preset curves or surfaces or to design your own. There are revolution and extrusion tools that create customized surfaces based on a drawn curve. There are bone structures to which you can apply skin surfaces. All curves and surfaces are editable - you can change their size, orientation, position, point positions, and so on. Import of VRML2.0 files is also supported for importing objects. For more information, see Chapter 4, "Modeling."
Adding Relations
Adding relations between objects provides a way of creating constrained movement. A large variety of relations are available: pose, distance, direction, spring, and snap, to name a few. For more information, see Chapter 5, "Relations."
Visualization
You can use a variety of tools to change the look of your content. Add color and texture to surfaces. Increase the depth of the 3D World by adding webcams. Add drama to the World using additional lights. Use a clip box to limit what the webcam displays and help increase playback performance. For more information, see Chapter 6, "Visualization."
Animation
Animation is simple. Select any object's parameter and press the Record button. Change the value of the parameter. Voila! You have created animation. You can also add particles, waves, and other animation effects. For more information, see Chapter 7, "Animation."
Adding Interaction
Interaction in the 3D World makes it come to life. Use a series of preset handles to quickly add interaction to the models. Create your own reactions such as starting an animation or playing a sound. Connect the reactions to sensors, such as mouse buttons, so the reactions can be triggered in a web page. For more information, see Chapter 8, "Interaction."
Web Integration
Test the World in AXEL as if you were browsing it on the Internet. Use the host web page view to see what the content will look like in its web page. Use Browse mode to test the content as it runs in the webcam, simulating a browser.
When it comes time to distribute the 3D World, choose the size of the 3D window as well as any DHTML parameters you want to use. An AXEL stream file is created; in the stream file all the objects, textures and sounds are compressed. Open an existing web page to host the 3D content or let AXEL create a host web page for you. For more information, see Chapter 9, "Web Integration."
![]() |
![]() |