Navigating around 3D models in perspective 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

If your mouse is equipped with a scroll wheel, you can use this to move a 3D model upwards and downwards in the IFC Model and IFC Comparison Model panes. When you move a 3D model around the IFC Model or IFC Comparison Model pane in perspective mode, your viewpoint over the model changes as the model moves. For example, if you are currently looking at the base of a building and you move the model downwards, your viewpoint gradually shifts as the 3D model moves so that you eventually find yourself looking at the roof of the building. This is illustrated below, in a sequence of images in which a 3D model is being moved downwards:

A sequence of images in which a 3D model is being moved downwards

To move a 3D model in the IFC Model or IFC Comparison Model pane, move the mouse's scroll wheel towards you to move the model upwards and move it away from you to move the model downwards. Your viewpoint shifts slightly each time you move the wheel and the model moves.

Rotating a 3D model in relation to a fixed point

When viewing a 3D model in perspective mode, you can rotate it in relation to a fixed point of your choosing. In practice, this enables you to "look" around the model, as if you were turning your head or moving a camera.

To rotate a 3D model in relation to a fixed point:

Click and hold down the left mouse button on the 3D model at the point in relation to which you want to rotate the model. A dot indicating the fixed point appears in the IFC Model or IFC Comparison Model pane at the point at which you have clicked. In the illustration below, the left mouse button has been clicked and held down in the middle of the 3D model:
Keeping the left mouse button held down, drag the mouse around. The 3D model rotates in relation to the fixed point, which remains highlighted by the dot in the pane:
Release the left mouse button to stop rotating the model.

Note that you can click and hold down the left mouse button at a point in the IFC Model or IFC Comparison Model pane that is outside the confines of the 3D model, as illustrated below. Experiment with the location of the fixed point to get the type of rotation that you want:

Clicking and holding down the left mouse button at a point in the IFC Model pane that is outside the confines of the 3D model

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 and "walking around" a 3D model

When viewing a 3D model in perspective mode, you can zoom in and out of it, and "walk around" it.

To zoom into a 3D model, as if you were walking towards it:

Click and hold down the right mouse button on the 3D model at the point at which you want to zoom in. A dot appears on the model at the point at which you have clicked. In the illustration below, the right mouse button has been clicked and held down at the doorway at the front of the building. This is the point at which the model will zoom in:
Keeping the right mouse button held down, drag the mouse away from you. The 3D model zooms into the point at which you clicked, which remains highlighted by the dot on the model:
Stop dragging the mouse and release the right mouse button when the 3D model appears at the required zoom level.

Unlike when zooming in when in orthogonal mode, if you zoom far enough into a 3D model when in perspective mode, you enter the building itself and are able to view - and "walk through" the building's interior.

You can also zoom into a 3D model in perspective mode by pressing the UP arrow key on the keyboard.

To zoom out of a 3D model, as if you were backing away from it:

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 towards you. The 3D model zooms out:
Stop dragging the mouse and release the right mouse button when the 3D model appears at the required zoom level.

You can also zoom out of a 3D model in perspective mode by pressing the DOWN arrow key on the keyboard.

To "walk around" a 3D model:

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 as if you were "walking around" it. You can combine left/right and forwards/backwards mouse movements to "walk around" the model:
Stop dragging the mouse and release the right mouse button when the 3D model appears as required.

Again, if you zoom far enough into a 3D model when in perspective mode, you enter the building itself and are able to view - and "walk through" the building's interior.

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.