This Help will allow you to find information on all of the functions of ModelPro. It is set-up with the topics based on the menus, with the menus being the main topics, and each menu item being a sub-topic.
To use ModelPro Help:
◊ Pick Help… from the Apple Menu. (All right, so you've done that already.)
◊ Click on the menu name of the topic you are interested in.
◊ At this point the right-side window will display information about that topic.
◊ Click on the parent indicator of the sub-topic on which you need info.
◊ Repeat steps 2 through 4 until you get to the topic you want.
To use the Topic window:
◊ Click on a closed topic to open the next level.
◊ Click on an open topic to close it and all of the sub topics opened under it.
To move sequentially through topics:
◊ Click on the upper right of the Page Flip icon to move forward through the topics.
◊ Click on the lower right of the Page Flip icon to move backwards through the topics.
To FIND topics:
◊ Type the name of the topic you wish to find in the Text Edit.
◊ Click the FIND button.
To FIND the next instance of that topic:
◊ Click on the NEXT button.
`Command, Option and Shift
Command Key
(with ‘.’) Abort a Bevel, Duplicate, Find(Help), Volume Calculation.
Will Move a window without selecting it (in title bar).
Will override length lock in line drawing
Will cause a tool to reset when selected (when coming from another tool)
Will cause all groups inside folder to have the same display level.
Will cause a offline library to remount if possible.
Will cause the Rotate 3D tool to bank the object.
Will invoke selector tool (temporarily) when in other tools.
Will select a rib from a spline mesh (only while in selection tool).
Will cause random color assignments if held when changing a color.
Will Zoom in/out when used in Angled window with hand tool.
Will cause all objects windows to go to full scale (fit to window).
Option Key
Will cause a rainbow for a selection of colors in the color palette.
Will cause a tool to reset when selected (when coming from another tool).
Will cause object to be selected as a group and not use all the vertices on mouse down.
Will cause a object to clone/duplicate when held on mouse release.
Will cause a group to display at extent level when used in 'D' column of group palette.
Will cause a folder to open with all internal folders closed.
Will cause a offline library to remount if possible.
Will cause the Rotate 3D tool to bank the object.
Will cause random color assignments if held when changing a color.
Will shrink object when hand is in use (not in angled view).
Will Move object when hand is in use (angled view only).
Will cause object windows to zoom/shrink 4 times faster.
Control Key
Will cause a offline library to remount if possible.
Will cause control handles to be dragged from a vertex.
Will cause the angled window to bank when hand is in use.
Will cause all objects windows to go to full scale (fit to window).
Will bring text cursor back after initial text placement has been selected.
Will switch between add and remove vertex.
Will draw a polygon with sides of equal length(when inside a square).
Shift Key
Will constrain to straight lines and diagonals.
Will select multiple objects and vertices.
Space Bar
If released quickly will set the default drawing depth(lock).
Will invoke the Hand Tool (temporarily)
`View Windows
There are four windows that appear in ModelPro. These include the Orthographic Windows (Top, Front, Right), and the Angled Window which can be set to any view, including Perspective.
Command key will move a window without selecting it (in title bar).
``Orthographic Window Controls
The Top, Front, and Right drawing windows are where you will do most of your model creation. All actions involving the graphic placement of geometry take place here. Each window shows the model from a different 90° viewpoint. All orthographic views are displayed without perspective, so there is no distortion of the displayed geometry of your model. However, this also means that when placing an object in one window, its depth must be defined in another window.
The features specific to ModelPro appear in the lower right corner of each view. The window controls include:
Zoom All - Clicking on this sizes the entire extent of your model to fit within the window. This does not affect the dimensions of your model, only the scale factor of a given window. If the Command key is held while clicking on the Zoom-All button of any of the four view windows, then all four windows will “fit to window”.
Zoom In Icon - Clicking or holding on this icon moves your viewer position closer to the model, thus enlarging the model in the window view. The Option key will make object windows zoom 4 times faster. The Command key will cause all three orthogonal view windows to take on the view scale of the window whose Zoom-In button you are pressing. The three windows will align themselves to each other, and all three view windows will zoom in simultaneously.
Zoom Out Icon - Clicking or holding on this icon moves your viewer position away from the model, thus showing more of the model in the window. The Option key will make object windows zoom 4 times faster. The Command key will cause all three orthogonal view windows to take on the view scale of the window whose Zoom-Out button you are pressing. The three windows will align themselves to each other, and all three view windows will zoom out simultaneously.
``Angled Window Controls
The 3D window is a multi-purpose tool for editing, analysis, and shading. It can be used for dynamically rotating objects. Original object creation does not occur in the 3D window, but selection of object and vertices can be accomplished.
“T”, “F”, “R” buttons - These are on/off toggle switches that turn on a grid plane in each of the three orthogonal directions; Top, Front, and Right. Only one of the three grid planes can be turned on at a time. They can all be turned off at the same time.
Wireframe View or Shaded View buttons - These buttons select the display method for the window.
Snap Shot - Copies the current screen image into a PICT file onto the hard drive.
Zoom All Icon - This item, on the left, resizes the image so that all of the currently displayable objects are within the view. When the Command key is held, all four view windows invoke the zoom-all command.
Zoom In Icon - This icon brings the objects in the view window closer, to see more detail. Option key will make object windows zoom 4 times faster.
Zoom Out Icon - This icon pulls away from the objects in the view, showing more of them, but less detail. Option key will make object windows zoom 4 times faster.
Title Bar PopUp Menu - This title is that of the currently selected view. Clicking on it shows the six regular orthogonal views, as well as Orthogonal view selection and a Perspective check item.
Perspective - will take the current view of your drawing and apply the mathematical perspective calculation, where Z goes to infinity, X and Y goes to the middle of the window.
``Guides
ModelPro provides several different types of guides. These guidelines help to place objects accurately in the drawing universe.
The three types of guides are placed on the screen by dragging out from the pop-up menu in the upper left corner of each of the three orthogonal view windows. Just press and hold on the pop-up box to display the menu, drag down to the guide type you want, drag out on to the screen to the location where you want place the guide, and release the mouse.
The snap modes can be utilized when placing guides or markers. Just activate the snap mode you want by clicking on its icon in the snap palette, or typing the key that corresponds to that snap mode. Then when you drag the guide, release the mouse on the object itself that you want to snap to, and do it near the snap point. The guide or marker will snap to the snap point.
To delete guides and markers, pick the “Clear All Guides” and “Clear All Markers” commands in the Options menu.
◊ “G” = X,Y,Z Guidelines
Select this icon to place a horizontal and vertical guide in the orthogonal view window that you are working in. The third dimension is defined by the Depth origin in the other two view windows. All tools will snap to this guide.
To set a single guideline drag off the ruler itself onto the screen. A single guideline will appear. Drag off the top Ruler to get a Horizontal guideline. Drag off the left side Ruler to get a Vertical guideline.
◊ Marker Icon
A Marker is like a guide point rather than a guideline. Select this type of guide to place a crosshair with a small number on the drawing area that will be referred to by various dialog boxes as a Marker #. It is used when you need to set a point of reference, such as a center of rotation for a polar duplication. Placing a new Marker will add to the Marker list until 9 are placed. If no marker has been placed, and you select the Marker option in a dialog box, such as Polar Duplicate, a marker value will default to (0, 0, 0).
◊ Origin Guide Icon
Select this type of guide to set the point on the drawing area which represents the center (0, 0, 0) of the drawing universe. All subsequent references to coordinate space will refer to this origin position.
`Apple Menu
The Apple menu gives you access to the About dialog, ModelPro Help, and desk accessories.
``About ModelPro…
Displays information about the version and creators of ModelPro.
`` Help…
You're Here! Please see 'About Help' for more information.
`` Desk Accessories
ModelPro Professional allows for normal access to all Desk Accessories.
`File Menu
The File Menu, as in most Macintosh applications, contains commands for Opening, Closing, Saving, and Printing files. You can also merge (Import) files together, and access your libraries.
``New
The New Command presents you with a blank untitled workspace, as though you were just starting the program. You can have multiple files open at one time.
``Open…
Open allows you to choose and open a file which was previously created and stored on the hard disk. Upon opening the file, ModelPro repositions the windows to the configuration they were in when the file was closed.
``Close
If you attempt to Close a design that has not been saved since making changes, you will be prompted to do so.
``Save
If this is the first Save of a new design, you will be presented with a dialog box identical to the one shown under Save As... After that, this command overwrites the original version of the file on the hard drive.
``Save As…
To save without overwriting the original file, choose Save As... and specify a different file name. If you designate a name that already exists on the disk, ModelPro will present a choice to either overwrite the old file or select a different name for the new one. The Save As… command is also used when the current file must be saved to a different folder or disk.
``Revert to Saved
Returns the current document to the state it was in after the last Save. This is useful when serious design errors occur that cannot be undone.
``Open Library…
This will open a model previous made in ModelPro. It will then be placed in the Library palette for use.
``Import…
Import is used to add non-ModelPro databases to the current design.
``Page Setup…
This is the standard Macintosh Page Setup command and is used to set the page characteristics for your printouts based on the current print device that you have selected in the Chooser. Please refer to your printer manual for additional information.
``Print…
This command prints selected views and information on the active printer or to a file on disk. The windows to be printed can be tiled on one page or printed on separate pages. The Page Preview will display the page layout. There are two options when printing one page per object window:
Enlarge Window to Paper - enlarges the window printed on that page so that it fills the entire page.
Use Window Scale & Centering - This option prints the desired window(s) at the scale and position shown on-screen. A line measuring 3 inches on screen will measure 3 inches on paper.
``Render/Animation
This command transfers control to the Presenter module.
``Quit
This command exits ModelPro and returns you to the Macintosh desktop. If you attempt to Quit a design without saving changes, you will be prompted to do so.
`Edit
The Edit Menu contains commands for screen data manipulation. This menu allows you to use the Macintosh's desktop environment to Cut, Copy, and Paste selections of your model. There are also commands for Clone, Duplicate and setting Preferences.
ModelPro uses its own clipboard for moving 3D data and does not support the Macintosh clipboard. This means that Model’s information cannot be pasted into other programs.
``Undo
The Undo command negates the most recent operation performed . This is especially useful for correcting erroneous additions to (or removals from) the Work Group. You can undo the last 10 operations.
``Cut
The Cut command removes the current selection (collection of groups, elements and/or surfaces) from a design and places it in a temporary ModelPro clipboard (not to be confused with the standard Macintosh Clipboard). All attributes pertaining to that group are removed from the current database. Cutting a folder removes all elements contained in it.
If a folder or element is Cut unintentionally, you can return it with the Undo or Paste command. Each time the Cut command is used, the cut selection replaces anything previously in the ModelPro clipboard.
``Copy
The Copy command works like Cut, but does not remove the group from the current design. A copy is placed in the ModelPro clipboard for later placement in the same or different design. The copied data replaces anything previously in the ModelPro clipboard. Duplication of the current selection can save valuable time in designs requiring repetition.
``Paste
The Paste command places the last Cut or Copied selection into a model. The data remains in the ModelPro clipboard and can be pasted as many times as needed. The Group window does not need to be visible in order to Paste a group. Pasting a group overlays the original in the drawing windows. (Use the Group Pointer Tool to select and move the groups so that they no longer lie on top of each other.)
``Clear
Clear works like the Cut command but does not save the cut elements in the temporary ModelPro clipboard. Instead, Clear removes data permanently from a model. If a group is cleared unintentionally, it can only be returned by Undoing the Clear. It is suggested that you always use Cut rather than Clear to delete groups.
``Select All
The Select All command selects all the elements of the model. Any operations which you perform will effect all elements of the model. The keyboard equivalent is Command-A.
``Redo
The Redo command negates the Undo performed . This is especially useful when you Undo to quickly and go back to far. You can only Redo the last 10 Undos.
``Clone
Makes a copy of the selection and pastes it in the same place as the cloned selection. A new object appears in the Group palette at the location of the insertion pointer.
``Duplicate…
This dialog is used for making multiple copies of a selection with a translation and a rotation for each copy. A new folder is automatically created and all of the copies, including the original object, appear in that folder. There are a number of options which affect the way the duplicate command operates. Most of them are applicable to both Linear and Polar Duplication.
Total #: - Use this field to indicate how many total objects you want (including the original) after the duplication operation is complete. (The default is 2.) If you enter a very large value for Total # (by mistake or not), you can use ‘Command-period’ to abort this operation.
Move - These three data fields define an offset vector that is used for moving the copied object(s) relative to the original object.
Resize - Each of these three data fields specify a value that ModelPro will use to resize the selected object(s) in each of the three axis’. They are in the form of a ratio, so values smaller than 1.0 will reduce the size of the object(s) and values greater than 1.0 will enlarge the objects. For example, to make each of the new copies half-again as big as the previous copy, put a value of 1.50 in each of the three resize data fields.
Rotate - When using the Polar Duplicate mode, the values in the Top (XZ), Front (XY), Side (YZ) data fields determine how much rotation will be used for the duplication operation. The rotation defined by each value occurs in the plane of the window for which it is defined. The Incremental and Distributive radio buttons define whether to use the specified angle as the amount to rotate each copy relative to the last, or as the total rotation of all the copies. When using the Linear Duplicate mode, the Rotate Copies check-box must be checked in order for each copy to be rotated in addition to the linear offset that is defined.
Rotate Copies - when this option is checked, each copy will rotate about an axis of rotation that goes through the point that is defined as the Center of Rotation.
Center of Rotation (CoR) - This pop-up menu has several commonly-used points that can be used as a Center of Rotation. The X, Y, Z data fields allow an arbitrary point in space to be set for the CoR. If a choice from the pop-up menu is used, then the values of this point are automatically entered by ModelPro into the CoR data fields.
Method - These two radio buttons allow you to define the type of duplication that is to occur.
◊ Polar - This mode sets ModelPro to do an angular duplication of the selected objects about the Center of Rotation. Most commonly when using this mode, the Move values will all be zero. But an offset could be defined to be included in a polar duplication.
◊ Linear - This mode set ModelPro to do a linear, or vector-based duplication of the selected objects. Most commonly when using this mode, the Rotate values will all be zero. But the objects could be caused to rotate along with the linear duplication.
Distribution - These two buttons allow you to define how ModelPro will interpret the data in the Move and Rotate Copies data fields
◊ Incremental - Moves each of the copies the distance shown in the Move data fields. --and-- Rotates each of the copies the angular amount shown in the Rotate Copies data fields.
◊ Distributes the total number of copies over the distance between the selection's original position and the offset shown in the Move data fields. --and-- Distributes the total number of copies over the rotational angle between the selection's original position and the angle shown in the Move data fields.
Rotate Copies - If this field is checked, then the selected object(s) will rotate according to the values in the Rotate Copies data fields while a linear duplication operation is carried out. This check-box has no effect when the Polar button is picked.
Resize Affects Rotation - If this field is checked, then the selected object(s) will resize according to the values in the Resize data fields during a polar duplication operation.
Default Values - sets all values back to the original values.
``Preferences…
Save Preferences - makes these options the default for New documents.
Cancel Button - Ignore changes made. Dismiss the dialog box.
OK Button - Use changes that have been made. Dismiss the dialog box.
Icons on the left side represent different preferences that can be changed. For each icon that you pick, a host of settings appear in the right side of the dialog box.
```General
Beep After Long Functions - ModelPro will beep once after finishing any function which takes over 3 seconds for the program to accomplish. This done so that in case you don’t happen to be looking right at your computer when the operation is finished, you get an audible alert to signal you.
Auto-Update Library Items - Library objects will use newer information, if available.
Library Instances to Separate Groups - I don’t rightly know what this does.
Delete Spline After 3D operation - This will remove the spline that an operation is based on. For example, if this check-box is not checked, when you Extrude an ellipse, a new extrusion object gets created, and it appears in the Group palette. The original ellipse is still there, but it is automatically changed to be invisible. (The black box in the “D” column turns to white for the ellipse.) This allows you to go back and work with the original ellipse later for any reason. But, if you put an “x” in the check-box, then when you extrude the ellipse, the new extrusion object still gets created, but the original ellipse object gets deleted from the Group palette.
3D Operations Create Folders - This will put the original spline and the operation result into a new folder. The original spline is also “turned off”.
Faster Spline Drawing - This will draw splines in a little bit more jagged this way. However, this will enable the display to be faster.
Facet shading to Angled view. This is slightly faster and provides shading at the facet level. This allows you to see the geometry better in certain cases.
```Screen
1, 3, & 5 Pixels radio buttons - these let you choose the size of your vertices based on the number of pixels. Larger vertices make it easier to determine the state of each vertex (is it visible or selected?) but the can clog up the view when there are lots of vertices to display.
Origin Lines- If there is an “x” in this box then ModelPro displays axis lines through absolute 0,0,0 in all the view windows. The option is on by default.
Depth Lines- If there is an “x” in this box then ModelPro displays dotted axis lines through a temporary “depth origin”. This depth origin moves each time the space bar is hit while the cursor is in one of the orthogonal view windows..
Axis Indicators- If there is an “x” in this box then ModelPro displays a graphic in the lower left side of the drawing windows showing the orientation of the coordinate axis’ in each of the orthogonal view windows. These are the small arrows with “X”, “Y”, or “Z” labels. This option is on by default.
```Drawing
Scale Options - The Scale options provide the ability to set the data accuracy and units used.
◊ Decimal Places PopUp Menu - This lets you vary the data accuracy display by factors of 10: 1.0, 1.00, to 1.00000000. This is the precision for numbers that are displayed in the data fields throughout ModelPro. This setting does not affect the fact that ModelPro is keeping track of your geometry with full floating point precision regardless of how the display setting is made.
◊ Units PopUp Menu - lets you design your drawing in the units which are most appropriate for the model you are constructing. Note: The “Feet” option uses feet and fractions of inches.
Cursor Types radio buttons - The cursor usually used for the drawing tools in the drawing windows is selectable using this option.
◊ Arrow
◊ Crosshair
◊ Bullseye
◊ Window Crosshair
◊ Multi-Window Crosshair
```Grid
Grid Options - These define grid spacing, visibility, and locking.
◊ Visible Grid check box - will display a grid, with the spacing determined by the data fields, which will not affect the drawing tools and is only visible for guidance.
◊ Locking Grid check box - places an invisible constraining grid over the drawing surface to which all cursor controlled actions will snap when the Grid snap option in the Snap palette is activated.
◊ Y and Z Linked check boxes - when these are checked, the program will use the values of the X axis data fields to and will automatically assign those for the Y and Z axes as well. When these are unchecked, the three data fields are allowed to act independently.
```Colors
Background - Background color for all windows
Depth Lock - Color of depth lines going through the Depth Origin.
Camera Window Grid - Color of the Grid in the Angled window
Drawing Window Grid - Color of the Grid in the Top , Front and Right windows
Origin - Color of the zero lines going through the absolute Origin (0,0,0).
Guides - Color of guides
Markers - Color of markers
Default Drawing Color - Color that is set in the Color palette by default. This will be the color of any new objects that are created.
`Windows Menu
This menu controls display of all the windows and palettes that ModelPro uses. PICT images and QuickTime movies can be displayed from the Windows Menu.
``Re-display
Re-display redraws the drawing windows when selected. Use the Command-D combination to immediately redraw the screen.
``Orthographic Windows
The orthographic windows are the main working windows. Each view is fixed to be rotated 90° from each other, thereby giving you a view of all of the 3 dimensions of the universe. There is no perspective distortion in the orthogonal views. Changes in any window are reflected in all others.
Top - Shows the top view of the model. This view looks along the Y axis directly at the X-Z plane.
Front - Shows the front view of the model. This view looks along the Z axis directly at the X-Y plane.
Right - shows the right view of the model. This view looks along the X axis directly at the Y-Z plane.
Angled- used for viewing the model from any angle, with or without perspective distortion. The default window shows the model from 30° to the left and 30° above a Front View.
``Palettes
This pop-up menu is used for activating and deactivating ModelPro's palettes. The individual palettes are:
◊ Statistics
◊ Tools
◊ Snapping
◊ Group
◊ Tool Info
◊ Status Line
◊ Libraries
```Statistics Palette
This palette has a pop up menu at the top which allows you to select from three sets of data that can be displayed.
GENERAL - This option gives information about the object name and rotation point. If an “x” is put in the “Show Rotation Point” check-box, then a small hollow circle appear along with all selected objects and groups to display where the location of the Rotation Point for that object or group is currently. The three data fields show the coordinate values of that point. This Rotation point indicator stays on even if the Status palette is closed, if the “Show Rotation Point” check-box stays checked.
VOLUME - This option gives information about the volume contained inside of spline meshes. There are pop-up menus for choosing the units you would like to display the values in. The first pop-up menu of each pair shows Imperial units, and the second pop-up of each pair shows Metric units.
The “Suspend” button allows you to interrupt a volume calculation if ModelPro is taking too long. The button changes to “Continue” which allow you to let ModelPro resume the calculation.
AREA - This option gives information about the surface area of spline meshes. There are pop-up menus for choosing the units you would like to display the values in. The first pop-up menu of each pair shows Imperial units, and the second pop-up of each pair shows Metric units.
There is a “Thickness” data field. When you enter a value here, ModelPro assumes that the entire spline mesh has that thickness. It then is able to calculate a volume for the “skin” itself.
The “Suspend” button allows you to interrupt an area calculation if ModelPro is taking too long. The button changes to “Continue” which allow you to let ModelPro resume the calculation.
```Tool Palette
This palette provides access to all of the tools in ModelPro. These tools are used to create, edit, modify, and view objects and groups. Many of the tools can be activated by pressing the appropriate key on the keyboard. These tools are marked with a small letter that indicates which key to use. The small letter that are colored red also have a small carat symbol in front of them to indicate that the Shift key must be used as well.
```Snap Palette
This palette is used for controlling how the cursor snaps to existing geometry on the screen.
If you pick one of the snapping icons by clicking on it once, or by pressing it’s key once, it’s palette icon will turn light green and that snapping mode will be temporarily turned on for the next click or press of the mouse. After that, the snapping mode will automatically return to Free or Grid, whichever was the previously selected snap mode.
If you pick one of the snapping icons by clicking on it twice, or by pressing it’s key twice, it’s palette icon will turn dark green and that snapping mode will be permanently turned on until you change it by selecting a different snap icon. This is useful if you want to connect new lines from endpoint to endpoint to endpoint, or center to center to center of existing objects without having to re-select the snap mode each time.
As an example of using the Snap palette, this is how to use it to help you draw a new line that goes from the corner of a rectangle to the center of a circle:
1) Pick the Line tool from the Tool palette.
2) Click on the Vertex snap icon in the Snap palette (or press the “V” key on the keyboard).
3) Press and hold the mouse button with the cursor near the desired corner of the rectangle, making sure that the cursor is on the edge of the rectangle. (The beginning of the line appears right at the corner of the rectangle.)
4) Drag the mouse to the Snap palette and release it on the Center snap icon (or press the “C” key on the keyboard).
5) Move the cursor to a point anywhere on the outer radius of the circle.
6) Release the mouse button. (The endpoint of the line snaps right to the center of the circle.)
The Snap icons:
(F)ree - This turns snapping completely off. The cursor will move freely about the screen. If you double-click on this icon in the Snap palette (or press it’s key twice) the Preferences dialog box will come up. This will allow you to set Snapping Grid increments if you like.
(G)rid - This sets a general snapping condition where the cursor automatically and continuously snaps to invisible grid increments as defined by the Snapping Grid option in Edit/Preferences. This mode can be temporarily overridden by selecting one of the snap modes, and once that snap operation is complete, the snap mode returns to Grid snapping. If you double-click on this icon in the Snap palette (or press it’s key twice) the Preferences dialog box will come up. This will allow you to set Snapping Grid increments if you like.
(V)ertex - This sets temporary snapping mode where ModelPro will attempt to snap the cursor exactly to the nearest vertex of the object that is clicked on next. If you click within three pixels of an object (anywhere on that object), ModelPro will snap the cursor to the nearest vertex of that object. If you are more than three pixels away, ModelPro will beep, and the cursor will not snap. After that single click, the snap mode will automatically go back to Free or Grid, whichever was the previously selected snap mode.
(O)n Contour - This will snap the cursor exactly “onto” an object at the nearest point along the object where the cursor is when the mouse is clicked or pressed. You must be within three pixels of the object in order to snap to it.
(J) marker - This will snap the cursor exactly to a Marker that has been place in the drawing area. You must be within three pixels of the Marker in order to snap to it.
(M)idpoint - This will snap the cursor exactly to the midpoint between the nearest two vertices of the object upon which you click or press the mouse. You must be within three pixels of the object in order to snap to it.
(C)enter - This snap the cursor exactly to the geometric center of the object upon which you click or press the mouse. • If you click or press on a line, the cursor will snap to the midpoint of that line. • If you click or press on an open curve (a spline or arc), ModelPro will connect an imaginary line from beginning to end of that curve and the cursor will snap to the geometric center of that “closed” curve. • If you click or press on a closed curve (a polygon, ellipse, or closed spline), the cursor will snap to the geometric center of that closed curve. • If you click or press on a 3D primitive, the cursor will snap to the volumetric center of that primitive. • If you click or press on a 3D spline mesh object (an extruded or lathed form for example), the cursor will snap to the volumetric center of that object.
(I)ntersection - This snap the cursor exactly to the intersection of two objects on the screen. You must be within three pixels of the intersection point in order to snap to it. If the two objects don’t actually intersect, even though they appear to in one of the windows (for example, two lines may cross in the top view, but in the front view they can be seen to be at different elevations), the Intersect snap mode will still work. It will snap to any intersection that is seen in a particular view window, regardless of the different depths of the objects.
```Groups Palette
The Groups Palette is used for viewing and placing objects in a hierarchical order. Objects are grouped in hierarchical order to ease the building of a scene by giving control over what can be moved together and how. This makes animation in Presenter easier because related moving parts have already been grouped together and makes global changes easier to do because a change at one level is implemented at all lower levels.
The group structure works such that any object or set of objects is a Group. Copying and Pasting a group from one position within the Group palette to another, does not change its coordinates in the universe, it only changes its place in the hierarchy. Then, when alterations are made to that group they are made to all the groups and objects below it in the hierarchy.
The Groups Palette shows the hierarchy as a list with each successive level indented one increment to the right of the previous level.
Lock Icons - use these to lock or unlock select objects (does not work on folders).
Tree/List Icon - use this to change the group list display method.
Insert Column - The "I" Column displays the Insertion Pointer. The Insertion Pointer dictates the placement of objects in the hierarchy.
Insertion Pointer - the hollow, right pointing arrow in the I Column, which indicates where the next group will be inserted. An insertion can either be a new Folder or Object being created via the New Folder or New Object command from the Group Menu, or a Folder or Object which is Pasted from the Edit Menu.
Display - The "D" Column makes Groups invisible so that it is easier to see what is being worked on. The display column displays its information based on the hierarchy of the window, so if a folder is turned off, then all of its objects will be turned off, too. There are two levels of display: Invisible(white), and Full(black). Command key will cause all groups inside folder to change to the same display level. (A third display level, Extents (gray), can be utilized by clicking in the Display column with the Option key held down.)
Name Column - The Name Column displays whether a group is a folder or an object, whether the folder is open or closed, its depth in the hierarchy, and the objects name.
Folder Arrow - When pointing to the right, the folder is closed. When pointing down, the folder is open with contents listed below. Option key will open folder with all internal folders closed. Shift key will open folder with all internal folders opened.
Icon - Indicates what kind of group is listed. Pencils are objects and Folders are, well, kind of, Folders. Other kinds of icons are libraries.
```Tool Info Bar
Displays information and controls which ease the use of a tool or command. Usually this is where numerical input is taken from the keyboard to define the creation of objects. The contents of the palette are different for each tool of the Tool Palette, and certain tools from the Tool Menu. The contents of this window are explained with each tool to which they correspond.
In the Tool Info Bar:
◊ A CheckBox locks a variable in a data field so that it cannot be changed by the cursor in the drawing windows. The value of that data field is then used to define the operation.
◊ The Data Fields reflect the status of the cursor in the drawing window unless there is a CheckBox locking them to a value. They may, however, be edited at any time.
```Status Bar
Displays a help line as well as information on the position of the cursor relative to the origin.
X,Y,Z Data Fields - always reflect the position of the cursor in the drawing universe relative to the 0,0,0 point.
```Libraries Palette
This window acts as a mini-finder for use with libraries. To use the Libraries palette you must first open an existing ModelPro file with the “Open Library” command in the File menu. The file that you pick will appear in the Libraries palette. You can open multiple files as libraries at one time. They will all be available in the Libraries palette.
Directly under the title bar of the Libraries palette is a small pop-up menu. This menu displays the hierarchical structure as you go deeper into the parts of the model. If you bring this menu up by pressing and holding on it, you will see that the bottom-most label is “Library Top”. When you select this from the menu, the Libraries palette changes to show the file you opened as a ModelPro icon just as it appears in the Finder, along with a Trash Can. If you open multiple files, they all appear here.
To close a library file, simply go to “Library Top” in the pop-up menu of the Libraries palette and drag the file icon into the trash can. (The trash can in this case is actually labeled, “Close”.)
When you double-click on one of these files, it opens to give two folders; one called “Library Holder”, and the other is the top-most folder of that model. A small picture of that group is shown on the folder. You can open that folder by double clicking on it. All of its contents are now displayed in the Libraries palette. Anything inside that is a group is shown as folder with its picture on it. Anything inside that is an object is shown just as a square with its picture on it. You can keep going deeper into the hierarchy by double-clicking on folders that are found inside folders. You can go back up the hierarchy by pulling down on the pop-up menu and picking the folder name that is at the level you want.
To place an object or group from the Libraries palette into the current drawing, just click on the box that is the object or group you want, the box will turn black. Move your cursor out into one of the three orthogonal windows. A bounding box that encloses the object or group will appear hooked to your cursor. Click as many times as you want to place multiple instances of that object or group. A new object appears in the Group palette for each time you click. The icon it carries there is a small library icon. The name of the object is shown in italics.
These new objects that are copies of the original library object are “linked” to that original object. If the original object is edited or changed, then all of the instances of it will be automatically updated to the new version.
``Display Image/Movie...
The Display command allows you to look at completed renderings or movies. A standard Macintosh “open” dialog box comes up, and the file you select appears in its own window.
PICT to Database - used for putting a PICT file into the database as a drawing element. It can then be moved, scaled, and grouped as any other drawing element, and also used as a tracing template. The PICT image may only be placed in the Front View.
``Clean-Up Windows
The Clean-Up Windows Command arranges the windows and palettes to fit on the screen with a minimum of overlap. It tries to take into account where tools and status bars have been moved to.
`Options Menu
The Options Menu allows you to select special program features and the type of design information to be displayed in the windows. This includes ruler, guide, screen and drawing information.
``Show Rulers
The Show Ruler command makes the guide/ruler bar visible or not invisible in each of the three orthogonal view windows. This makes it possible to either have more space on the screen, or the use of the measurement tools.
``Show Guides
When Show Guides is checked, it makes the guides visible on the drawing area. When guides are not displayed, normal horizontal and vertical guides cannot be pulled out from the rulers or Guides pop-up, snapped to, or locked. The Origin Guide, and Markers are still available and able to be moved.
``Show Grid
Displays uniform locking grid as set up in Preferences-Grid.
``Show Depth Line
Show current depth line.
``Show Markers
Shows all Makers currently in use.
``Snap to Guides
When Snap to Guides is checked, drawing tools will jump to guides when they are within a 5 pixel distance.
``Lock Guides
When Lock Guides is checked, no guides may be moved after placement until Lock Guides is unchecked. This has the same effect on the Origin guides as well.
``Clear All Guides
Will delete all guides from the screen.
``Clear All Markers
Will delete all active markers from the screen.
`Groups Menu
The Group Menu provides control over how elements are grouped.. A Group is either an Object or a Folder. Local libraries have the combined properties of Object groups and library groups.
``Group
The Group command will take all selected objects and put them into a new folder which will appear in the Group palette at the insertion point.
``UnGroup…
The UnGroup command takes the currently selected folder and disassembles it into individual objects.
``Create Folder…
The Create Folder command inserts a new Folder at the Insertion Pointer of the Group Info Palette. A Folder is a structure which can hold other Folders and Objects.
``Information…
The Information command is only available when at least one object is selected. When the command is executed, a dialog box comes up that gives information about that object or group. This is the same dialog box that appears when you double-click on an object either in one of the drawing windows, or in the Group palette.
If you double-click on a Primitive object, the then lower half of this dialog box displays specific information about the dimensions of that primitive. You can edit this information to resize the primitive.
The following items are always present in the Information dialog box:
Name - This is a pop-up menu that is paired with a Name data field. The name of the currently selected object or group appears in both places.
You can change the name of the object by typing a new name into the Name data field. The new name will be accepted after you hit the OK button (which also dismisses the dialog box.) This is the same as changing its name in the Group palette.
The pop-up menu can be used to pick a different object for which you want to display the information. Thus, you can display the information for any object or group in the file without having to dismiss the Information dialog box.
Info - This section of the Information dialog box displays the Type of object it is, the Size of the object in Kbytes of computer memory, and the Path, or hierarchy within the file.
Options - This section of the dialog box has two controls.
The first is “Filled/Capped”. If this options is checked then object is filled with a solid color if it is a 2D closed curve, or it is capped if it is an extruded, lathed, or swept 3D spline mesh. Clicking on this check-box will remove the “X” and will remove the fill or the cap from the selected object(s).
The second control is “Assembly”. It is only available when a group is selected. And then, well, I’m not really sure what it does.
Rotation Point - With this section of the dialog you can see, and then if you like, change the location of the Rotation Point. The Rotation Point is a special point to ModelPro. It is used as a reference point for various operations. And then in Presenter it is used to define a pivot point for rotations of the object in animations.
You can enter any values for the x,y, and z data fields to define the location you want for the rotation point.
There is a small right-facing arrow, under which is a pop-up menu that contains several other pre-defined reference points whose locations can be used as a rotation point.
Size - This section displays the size of the bounding box that contains the object(s). These values are for reference only. They cannot be edited.
Unlink button - This button only activates when you select an item that has been placed from the library. If you then click on this button, it will sever the ties between this instance, and the original object in the library file. Now, changes made to the original will not be reflected in this instance.
Make Local - When we figure out what this does, we’ll let you know. Nice looking button though, don’t you think?
`Operations Menu
The Operations Menu has functions which allow you to manipulate the drawing objects.
◊ For any of the commands in the Operations menu to function, at least one drawing elements must be selected.
Transform - Resize or Move an object.
Join Elements - To put splines paths or spline meshes together.
Align - To line up objects or distribute evenly.
Move To - To move an object to a specific spot (numeric).
``Transform…
The Transform dialog allows you to make multiple specific adjustments to the placement and size of selected elements.
◊ When the program does the Transform it does the operation in a specific order which can affect how the selection will be changed. The order is Resize, Rotate, and then Translate.
(I) Translate: X,Y,Z
Moves the selection the desired distance. The values typed in here are treated as offsets. The values are not read as absolute coordinate locations relative to the origin.
(II) Rotate: Top, Front, Side
Rotates the select object(s) the amount set in the data fields. The rotation takes place about the point set in the Center of Transform section of this dialog box.
(III) Resize
Resize has two options. Sets the dimensions of the selection to either match the size in the data fields, or changes the size according to a factor that is in each of the data fields.
(A) X,Y,Z - where you can set amount of change.
(B) Ratio - multiplies the size of the selection by the contents of the data fields. To make the object(s) enlarge, use a value greater than 1.0. To reduce the size of the object(s), use a value smaller than 1.0.
(C) Actual Size - adds or subtracts what is needed to make the selection fit the values in the data fields.
(III) Center of Transform:
The coordinates entered here define the axis point for the Rotate function and the anchor point for the Resize function. There is a pop-up menu that contains several pre-defined reference points whose locations can be used as a center point. You can also enter any values for the x,y, and z data fields to define the location you want for the center point.
(A) Pop-up menu:
(1) User’s Choice - The user enters a coordinate set to define the Center of Transform point.
(2) Rotation Point - Uses the Rotation Point, as defined by the Information dialog for the selected object or group.
(3) Selected Vertex(s) - Finds the geometric center of the selected vertex(s) and uses that as the center point. If only one vertex is selected, then that is used.
(4) Center of Object(s) - Finds the volumetric center of the selected object or group and uses that as the center point.
(5) Galactic Core - uses the Origin (0,0,0) of the drawing universe.
(IV) Default Values:
Sets the values in all of the data fields back to the default values that come up when ModelPro is first launched.
``Join Elements
Will join selected spline paths and spline meshes into a single object. When joining two spline paths where one path is contained within another and both are closed, the join will set up a object with a hole in it.
``Align…
The Align command allows you to take a selection of objects and arrange them in space relative to each other in a very controlled way.
(I) X,Y,Z Check-boxes
Determines the choice of axis which the selection is going to be aligned to or distributed along. To activate an axis, put an “x” in its check-box by clicking on it. A sample 3D space is shown to represent what the results of the alignment settings will be.
(A) Align - Sets up all the selected items so that the are lined up along a single line.
(B) Distribute - Takes the selected items and spreads them out evenly between the two items which are farthest apart.
(C) Left, Center, Right, Width - defines what boundary of the objects are to be aligned.
``Move To…
Use this dialog box to move object(s) or groups to a specific location. You will see a box representing the bounding box of the selected object(s). Control points on this box can be selected to represent a point within the object space. A location can then be selected, all objects will then translate(move) to that location.
(I) Section pop-up - Use this pop up to move the sample section to one of the three default locations in the sample bounding box; Front, Middle or Back.
(II) Object Extents Box - This is a sample bounding box that allows you select one of 27 different control points along the centers and edges of that space to be used as a reference point for the move operation. Move the section line with the Section pop-up and select the desired control point by clicking on it to make it white.
(III) From/To Pop-up menus: - Use these pop-up menus to take advantage of standard reference points to move the selected objects. Pick the point of your choice in each of the menus and the object will be moved accordingly.
(IV) Move data fields - The four sets of coordinates are used to give information about location of selected points and about the move operation.
(A) Current Location - This set of coordinates show the x,y,z values for the selected control point in the Object Extents Box.
(B) Arrows - The four right-facing arrows are used to transfer coordinate data from the “Current Location” coordinate set to the “Move To:” data fields. The top-most arrow transfers all three coordinates at once. Each of the other arrows move just that one value.
(C) Last offset - This retains the offset values of the last move operation and displays them here for reference.
(D) New offset: - This shows what the actual offset will be for this move operation as a result of the settings made in this dialog box.
(V) Again button - This will repeat the move operation, using the values currently set in the dialog box.
`Tools - Selectors
These tools allow selection of objects and vertices.
◊ Lasso Selector Tool
◊ Element Selector Tool
◊ Direct Selector Tool
``Lasso Selector Tool
This tool is only able to select vertices from an object for modifying.
``Element Selector Tool
This pointer allows you to select drawing elements so that they can be moved or Reshaped. This tool is activated by Palette, the "S" key, or temporarily by the Command key while it is held down.
``Direct Selector Tool
This tool is like the element selector, however it will always select the most basic object. This is done by going inside closed folders which the Element Selector Tool will not do. This tool is very useful once folders and hierarchies have been created.
`Tools - View
The two View Tools provided on the Tool Palette, the Hand and Magnifying Glass, offer alternate methods for scrolling, zooming, and scaling the view windows. The view tools are:
◊ Hand
◊ Magnifying Glass
``Hand Tool
This tool allows you, along with the scroll bars, to shift an image horizontal and vertically in the drawing window. It does not change the coordinates, just moves the image so that you can see different parts of it. The Hand tool can be selected by Palette, the "H" Key, or temporarily by holding down the Space Bar.
``Magnifying Tool
This tool, along with the Zoom boxes, and Scale PopUp menu, allows you to change the amount of the drawing you can see by changing its relative size in the drawing windows. This tool is activated by Palette, the "M" key, or temporarily by the Space Bar and Option Key while they are held down. Holding the option key down sets the Magnifying Glass to Zoom Out.
The Magnifying Tool has several options located on the Tool Info Bar.
Zoom In -Sets the percentage of the view you will see if you just click in the drawing area.
Zoom Out - Sets the percentage that the view you will see if you click in the drawing area while holding down the Shift Key.
`Tools - Modification
These tools allow you to edit drawing elements. The three element tools are:
◊ Scaling Tool
◊ Rotation Tool
◊ 3D Rotation Tool
◊ Mirror Tool
◊ Add Vertex Tool
◊ Remove Vertex Tool
◊ Scissors Tool
◊ Fillet Tool
``Scaling Tool
This allows scaling of vertices or whole objects. The center of expansion is define by the first mouse down location or by Pop-Up menu item. The expansion starts an the second mouse down location (first when using Pop-Up menu) and continues from there. It is best if you expand from a point on the object, this will give you a better feel for the graphic feed back.
``Rotation Tool
This allows rotation of vertices or whole objects. The center of rotation is define by the first mouse down location or by Pop-Up menu item. The rotation starts an the second mouse down location (first when using Pop-Up menu) and continues from there. It is best if you rotate from a point on the object, this will give you a better feel for the graphic feed back.
Incremental Setting - constrains the rotation of the selection to multiples of the angles set in the Text Edit.
Center - Pop-Up Menu
Free Origin Point - this method is for rotating around arbitrary rotation point. Set by first mouse down.
Selected Vertices - center of object or vertices if selected.
Selected Object - center of object regardless of vertices selected.
Drawing Universe - (0,0,0)
``3D Rotation Tool
Used to rotate in three dimension like moving in the Angled window. The center of rotation is define by the first mouse down location or by Pop-Up menu item. The rotation starts an the second mouse down location (first when using Pop-Up menu) and continues from there. It is best if you rotate from a point on the object, this will give you a better feel for the graphic feed back.
Use control key to bank (2D rotate).
Center - Pop-Up Menu
Free Origin Point - this method is for rotating around arbitrary rotation point. Set by first mouse down.
Selected Vertices - center of object or vertices if selected.
Selected Object - center of object regardless of vertices selected.
Drawing Universe - (0,0,0)
``Mirror Tool
Used to create a mirror image of an object. Click to set center of mirror and the drag to set rotation of mirrored object. Only works on entire object and does not affect individual vertices.
``Add Vertex Tool
Add a vertex to a spline path or a rib to a spline mesh. Click the mouse along the spline. If to close to an existing vertex the program will beep and skip the operation.
Use Control key to invoke remove vertex temporarily.
``Remove Vertex Tool
Remove a vertex from a spline path or a rib from a spline mesh. For spline path, click on the vertex. For spline mesh click on a rib, that rib will then be removed.
Use Control key to invoke add vertex temporarily.
``Scissors Tool
The Scissors Tool allows splines or spline meshes to be cut. When cutting a closed object at will simply create an open object. When cutting an open object a second group will be create with the other part of the object. A new point along a spline will be made if cut is not vertex. A Spline mesh will separate on the rib selected and no new vertices will be created.
``Fillet Tool
Will create a fillet of a given radius at the vertex of two lines along a spline path. (rectangles are actually spline paths made of lines)
`Tools - Drawing
The Draw Tools are grouped under four icons in the Tool Palette; the Line Tools, Polygon Tools, Circular Tools, and Spline Tool. These tools are used for creating contours, profiles and paths.
◊ Line
◊ Polygon (Triangle, Rectangle, Pentagon, …)
◊ Rounded Rectangle
◊ Spline Mesh
◊ Spline
◊ Ellipse
◊ 90° Arc
◊ General Arc
◊ Text
``Line Tool
This tool is used to construct lines. (The Power Key is "L".)
Click and drag to make a line. If you click on the end of a previous line(and its selected) you will join to it. If you also drag to the start of the previous line and release the line will be closed.
The Line Tool has several options located on the Tool Info Bar.
Length Options - lets you set the length of the line. Once the first point is set the line will spin at a radius of the length around that point.
Angle Options
None - line functions normally.
Fixed - when the Radio Button is selected this option allows lines to be drawn at the angle specified in the Text Edit.
Constraint - when this Radio Button is selected a line can be snapped to a multiple of the number in the Text Edit.
To start a line at the end point of the previous line without connecting, hold the Command key (temporary selector) and click in an open area to deselect the line.
``Polygon Tool
This collection of Draw Tools is used to create closed objects with variable number of sides. The Shift Key temporarily constrains the polygon tool to drawing a polygon whose dimensions on its horizontal and vertical axis are the same. The Control Key will draw a polygon with sides of equal length(when used with Shift Key).
# of sides - sets the number of sides , from 3 to 90.
Horizontal, Vertical - contains the current size of the object.
``Rounded Rectangle
Draw a rounded rectangle with corners round to a preset radius. The width and length may also be entered and locked in.
``Spline Mesh
A Spline mesh is a grid of points connected by splines. After setting the approximate spacing for the distance between points simply drag a grid out in one of the drawing windows.
``Spline Tool
The Freeform Spline Tool is used to set straight or smooth spline segments linked end to end. The Spline Tool can be activated by Palette and the "B" Key.
By click the mouse once without dragging a hinged vertex is created. If the mouse is dragged a line will be shown to represent the curve at the smooth vertex.
To start a spline at the end point of the previous spline without connecting, hold the Command key (temporary selector) and click in an open area to deselect the spline.
``Ellipse
The Ellipse Tool is used for creating an ellipse by two points diagonally set across a rectangle.
Radius - displays the value of the horizontal radius and lets you lock the dimensions for the next circle to be drawn.
``90° Arc
This is used to draw quick ninety degree arcs in a clockwise fashion.
Radius - displays the value of the horizontal radius and lets you lock the dimensions for the next portion of the circle to be drawn.
``General Arc
This is used to draw a general arc. Two options are available:
Start to Center - from start of arc to middle of circle then set the arc length.
Center To Start - from middle of circle to start of arc then set the arc length.
``Text
This is used to import the splines of a font for certain characters or words.
Font is controlled in a pop-up menu inside the tool information area.
Text is entered in the information area. Update of text will not occur until mouse is over a drawing window.
To set location for text place click and drag a box for the position of the text. Text will always be draw left to right and top side up no matter how box is drawn.
To change size of text placement drag control points. Holding shift key will cause controls to conform to the size of the text. By moving the control point the text can be drawn upside down or backwards.
Control key will allow a new placement position to be selected without the current text being placed.
`Tools - 3D Primitives
The 3D tools consist of common three-dimensional objects that can be used to speed up the construction of your images. All of these 3D primitives contain three-dimensional surfaces which can be manipulated to form an infinite variety of objects. The 3D Primitive Tools are:
Cube
Prism
Pyramid
Cone
Cylinder
Sphere
Torus
The 3D Primitive Tools have several options in common which are located on the Tool Info Bar.
Horizontal, Vertical, and Depth (Length) check boxes - used to lock the dimensions set in the Text Edit boxes.
Horizontal, Vertical, and Depth (Length) Text Edit boxes - used to modify any of the three dimensions. This provides you with a fixed object you can place anywhere.
``Cube
The Cube Tool creates a surfaced three-dimensional rectilinear object, which can be activated by Palette. The Shift Key temporarily constrains the Cube Tool to drawing a cube with height, width, and depth equal in length.
``Prism
The Prism Tool creates a wedge shaped three-dimensional surfaced object. The Shift Key temporarily constrains the Prism Tool to drawing an equilateral triangle within a square extent box.
Sides - determines the number of sides the prism will have.
``Pyramid
The Pyramid Tool creates a triangular shaped three-dimensional surfaced object. The Shift Key temporarily constrains the Pyramid Tool to drawing a pyramid with a square extent box containing the base.
The Pyramid Tool has several options located on the Tool Info Bar.
Sides - determines the number of sides the pyramid will have. The default is three sides.
``Cone
The Cone Tool creates a three-dimensional surfaced object with an elliptical base. The Shift Key temporarily constrains the Cone Tool to drawing a cone with a circular base.
``Cylinder
The Cylinder Tool creates a tube-shaped three-dimensional surfaced object. The Shift Key temporarily constrains the Cylinder Tool to drawing a circular cylinder.
``Sphere
The Sphere Tool allows you to create a spherical or ellipsoid shaped surface. The Shift Key temporarily constrains the Sphere Tool to drawing a sphere(X=Y=Z).
``Torus
The Torus Tool allows a donut shaped surface to be placed in the drawing universe. It is activated by Palette. Holding the Shift Key temporarily constrains the Torus Tool to drawing a Torus with a circular radius.
The Torus Tool has two options located on the Tool Info Bar.
Main Radius - displays the distance between the center point and the outer perimeter, and allows for the modification of current and future points.
Minor Radius - displays the distance between the center point and the inner perimeter, and allows for the modification of current and future points.
`Tools - Operations
◊ Lathe
◊ Extrude
◊ Duplicate
◊ Loft
◊ Sweep
◊ Sweep Duplicate
◊ Bevel
◊ Path Extrude
◊ Duplicate along Path
◊ Punch
◊ Boolean
``Lathe
The Lathe command allows you to take a selection of elements and repeat their profile polarly around an axis.
◊ Lathe is a surfacing operation, and will build a new spline mesh.
(I) Lathe Angle Line
The Lathe Angle Line allows you to have the selected elements Lathed at an angle to the drawing windows instead of just horizontally or vertically.
(A) Center Point - allows you to drag the center of rotation for the lathe to a different point
(B) End Points - swing on the Center Point allowing you to change the angle of the Lathe
(II) Lathe Rotation Circle
This tool allows you to graphically define where the center of rotation is and how much of 360° is to be Lathed.
(A) Center Crosshair - allows you to move the center of rotation
(B) Perimeter Points - allows you to define the arc of the lathe.
◊ To execute the Lathe either click on the Lathe button in the Tool Status Bar, or Double-Click.
Tool Status Bar Controls
(A) Rotation View: Top, Front, Side - tells the program in which view you would like the Lathe Rotation Circle to appear in, and thus around which axis the lathe is to happen.
(B) ° of Rotation - lets you set how many degrees (0-360) the elements are to be lathed around the Center of Rotation.
(C) Angle - tells the program at what angle the rotation is to happen to the elements.
(D) Center of Rotation: X,Y,Z - determines the point around which the lathe will happen.
(E) Segments - The default is one segment per 90°, and this is the least you can set per 90°. However, if you need more segments per the total number of degrees for your Lathe, then you may set that parameter here.
(F) Lathe Button - once you have set the lathe to your specifications clicking on the Lathe button will set the program to performing the actual building of the splines and surfaces.
``Extrude
The Extrude command allows you to take a selection of elements and give it depth along any angle.
◊ Extrude is a surfacing operation, and will build a new spline Mesh.
(II) Extrude Line - The beginning, the end without a control point, represents the beginning depth. It is placed at the middle of the 3d space of the selected elements. The end, the part of the line with a control point on it, lets you drag the distance and angle of the extrude.
The control points at the corners of the extrusion outline control scaling.
The control points along the sides allow the extrusion to be rotated.
◊ To execute the Extrude either click on the Extrude button in the Tool Status Bar, or Double-Click.
``Duplicate
This duplicate is graphical and can do simple linear or polar operations. By entering the number of copies and dragging the control handle the duplicate is set up and ready.
Use ‘Command .’ to abort this operation.
``Loft
The Loft command allows you to take a series of spline paths and have the program connect them with a splines mesh.
Using the selection tool pick the splines in the order they are to be lofted.
After choosing the loft command the first the splines will appear with join lines between them.
Use the Shift Left and Shift Right buttons until the join lines are in an orderly fashion. Should left and right no work try reverse then left and right again. Be sure the join lines look correct in all the windows.
When the join lines for a section look correct use the next button to progress to the next section.
The Evenly button will simply do a one to one match for the current section. This is basically a start over and then start the right/left again.
The Circular button will join the last spline to the first to create a closed loft.
When all is done use the Finished button to place the spline mesh skin over the sections.
``Sweep Surfaces…
The Sweep Surfaces command takes a set of selected elements and repeats them with the translations and rotations. Each of these repeated elements is then connected with a spline mesh.
In the tool status bar are the following controls:
By Seg: when checked the value for X, Y and Z are by segment length, when not check X, Y, Z cover the entire sweep area. Same for W*, H*, rot° and Sweep°.
X, Y, Z Radio Buttons: This determines the major axis for the sweep.
X, Y, Z Text Edits: Amount of translation for the segments, (0,0,0) will approximate a lathe operation.
Seg: number of segments to produce from the sweep operation.
W*, H*: Width and Height multipliers to increase the size of the selected elements during the sweep. Mostly used during creation of nautilus(shell) type shapes.
rot°:Amount of rotation for selected elements.
Sweep°:Amount of sweep rotation around center axis.
Three controls are given in the drawing windows. Base of the line sets the sweep rotation point, top of the line sets the translation amount, outer control sets sweep amount and sweep scaling.
``Sweep Duplicate
Duplicate based on the sweep operation. After entering the number of copies move the controls to the desired value. Three controls are now available base/center, extrusion distance and rotation amount.
``Bevel Extrude
Graphical feed back is only given on the left most object.
Use ‘Command .’ to abort this operation.
``Path Extrude
The Path Extrude command allows you to take a selection of elements and have them extruded along a spline.
• Note - right now it only works if the elements to be extruded are drawn in the Front window. Even at that its a little flaky.
To Use:
(1) Draw elements to be extruded in the Front window.
(2) Draw the spline that the elements are to be extruded along.
(3) Select the elements.
(4) Select the menu item Tools:Path Extrude
(5) Click on the spline.
(6) You're done.
Tool Info Bar Controls
(A) X,Y,Z Controls
Lets you view and set and lock the distance of extrusion in each direction.
(B) Angle
If the angle is more important then the distance of the extrusion then you can use the angle controls to set the extrusion.
(C) Delta (Δ)
Lets you set a delta, or specific distance, that the extrude is to be placed regardless of the axis it is to happen on.
◊ Using any two of the CheckBoxes will give the program all of the information it needs to set the extrude, so all you need do at that point is click the Extrude button.
(D) Extrude Button - once you have set the extrude to your specifications clicking on the Extrude button will set the program to performing the actual building of the splines and surfaces.
``Duplicate along Path
Use to duplicate objects along a redefined spline path. All objects can be aligned to the path on only one axis.
``Punch
This is used to punch a 2D outline through a 2D/3D objects. The outline must be a spline path drawn in any of the object windows. The object to have a chunk taken out of it can be 2D or 3D and does not have to be closed. The first objects selected will be the 2D/3D object to be punched. The next object or objects will be the 2D outline. Multiple outlines can be selected before the operation is started.
``Boolean
This is used to perform a Boolean operation on a 3D object by a single or multiple 3D objects. The first objects selected will be the 3D object to have the operation performed on. The next object or objects will be used to act upon the initial object. Three methods of booleans are available. The Difference method is used to take a piece from the initial object. The Intersection will leave only the area encompassed by all objects. The Union method will leave only the external surface of the objects(useful for glass objects). Mesh density determines how fine the objects are broken down into polygons.
`Tools - Drawing Modes
◊ Color Chit
◊ Filled/Open
◊ Drag Mode
``Color Chit
The Color Chit is your resource for coloring the model. It display the 128 colors in the palette when you click and hold. It is connected to the Color Picker, which allows the colors of the Color Palette to be changed, when you double click. You are provided with two color models, RGB and HSL. Using the RGB model, you change the amount of Red, Green, and Blue. Using the HSL color model, you change colors by selecting different values of Hue, Saturation, and Luminescence.
Double clicking on the Color Chit will bring up the Color Picker.
Dragging away from the Color Chit a Color Palette will be drawn.
If an object is selected picking a color from the palette will also set the color of the object to the one selected. If the command key is held down objects will get random colors assigned.
``Filled/Open
Use this to specify if splines paths are filled when drawn. They must also be closed. Open spline paths can not be filled.
``Drag Mode
This little section contains three icons which mean:
Edge to Edge
Edge to Center
Center to Edge
Use in conjunction with ellipse, polygons, 3D primitives and others.
