Navigating around 3D models in orthogonal mode
You navigate around 3D models in the IFC Model and IFC Comparison panes using the mouse. The actions of the mouse controls differ depending on whether you are viewing a 3D model in orthogonal or perspective mode.
Moving a 3D model around the IFC Model and IFC Comparison Model panes
When you move a 3D model around the IFC Model or IFC Comparison Model pane in orthogonal mode, your viewpoint over the model does not change; if you are currently looking at the front elevation of a building, you remain looking at the front elevation as the model moves. This is illustrated below, first in a sequence of images in which a 3D model is being moved to the right and then in a sequence of images in which a 3D model is being moved downwards:
To move a 3D model around the IFC Model or IFC Comparison Model pane:
- Click and hold down the right mouse button on the 3D model. A dot appears on the model at the point at which you have clicked.
- Keeping the right mouse button held down, drag the mouse around. The 3D model moves around the pane in the direction in which you move the mouse, following the mouse pointer. For example, if you move the mouse away from you, the model moves upwards; if you move the mouse to the right, the model moves to the right.
- Release the right mouse button when the 3D model appears in the desired location.
You can also move 3D models around the IFC Model and IFC Comparison Model panes using the arrow keys on the keyboard.
Rotating a 3D model around a pivot point
To rotate a 3D model around a pivot point:
- Click and hold down the left mouse button on the 3D model at the point around which you want to rotate the model. A dot indicating the pivot point appears on the model at the point at which you have clicked. In the illustration below, the left mouse button has been clicked and held down at the furthest right-hand corner of the roof. This is the pivot point around which the model will rotate:
- Keeping the left mouse button held down, drag the mouse around. The 3D model rotates around the pivot point, which remains highlighted by the dot on the model:
- Release the left mouse button to stop rotating the model around the pivot point.
You can also rotate 3D models in the IFC Model and IFC Comparison Model panes by holding down SHIFT or CTRL and using the arrow keys on the keyboard. You can achieve a different type of rotation, depending on which key you hold down.
Zooming in and out of a 3D model
If your mouse is equipped with a scroll wheel, you can use this to zoom in and out of a 3D model.
To zoom into a 3D model:
- Click and release the left mouse button on the 3D model at the point at which you want to zoom in. In doing this, you may select an object within the 3D model, as in the illustration below:
- Move the mouse's scroll wheel away from you. The view of the 3D model zooms in with its focus on the point at which you clicked:
- Stop moving the scroll wheel when the 3D model appears at the required zoom level.
To zoom out of a 3D model:
- Click and release the left mouse button on the 3D model. In doing this, you may select an object within the 3D model.
- Move the mouse's scroll wheel towards you. The view of the 3D model zooms out:
- Stop moving the scroll wheel when the 3D model appears at the required zoom level.
Returning a 3D model back to its initial position
Occasionally, you may get "lost" when manipulating a 3D model. If this happens, you can "reset" the camera to return the 3D model back to its initial position.
To reset the camera in the IFC Model pane, do either of the following:
- On the 4D tab, in the 3D Viewer group, click Reset Camera.
- Right-click the IFC Model pane and select Reset Camera from the menu that appears.
To reset the camera in the IFC Comparison Model pane, right-click the IFC Comparison Model pane and select Reset Camera from the menu that appears.
Navigating around 3D models in perspective mode