Set 3-D View

Form: Set 3D View

A 3-D view shows all three dimensions of the structure, as viewed from an arbitrary user-specified location. By way of contrast, a 2-D view shows only one plane or surface of the structure.

Use the Home > View > More > Set 3D View command to access the Set 3D View form and set the view in the active window to a 3D View. Alternatively, quickly set the active view to the default 3D view by clicking the Set Default 3D View command.

Fast Views buttons. Use these buttons to quickly set the view direction angles. The Set Default 3D View sets the default 3-D view, similar to a standard isometric view, but with perspective.

The remaining three buttons set the view direction perpendicular to one of the principal planes in the current coordinate system. However, these are 3-D views showing the full depth of the structure normal to the viewing plane, with perspective.

View Direction Angle options. Set these three angles to determine the orientation of the view. These angles can be thought of as describing the location of your eye, looking toward the origin:
- Plan angle: Your location in the X-Y plane, where zero is on the positive X axis, and 90 is on the positive Y axis.
- Elevation angle: Your location above or below the X-Y plane, where zero is on the X-Y plane, and 90 is on the positive Z axis.
- Aperture angle: A measure of how strong the perspective effect is, or how far away you are from the origin. Zero indicates that you are infinitely far away, and all receding lines are parallel (no perspective). A value between 30 and 60 is usually adequate.

The effect of the chosen view direction is shown by the block displayed in the upper left corner of the form.

Note: Rotate a 3D view by depressing the Ctrl key and the middle mouse button as you move the mouse.