Using a 3D mouse
The Vectorworks program supports the 3D mouse products from 3Dconnexion. The supporting driver must be installed; see 3dconnexion.com/service/drivers.
Customize the actions of the physical buttons on the 3D mouse by accessing the Vectorworks button mapping screen and assigning the buttons to the desired Vectorworks functionality. This provides quick access to many common Vectorworks commands and tools from the device. Use keystroke mapping or macro programming to add additional tools or commands.
As you use 3D mouse commands and navigation modes, the Vectorworks program’s Status bar displays the navigation mode and the command.
The effects of the 3D mouse on the view depend on the current view and projection, as well as the selected mode.
For best results while navigating, render the drawing with Shaded rendering mode.
Switch between different projection modes and view angles from the 3D mouse, and loop through the projection modes.
Cycle through the 3D mouse modes for various types of navigation, or map navigation switching to a 3D mouse button.
|
3D mouse navigation mode |
Description |
Vectorworks view or projection |
|
Target Camera mode |
Functions like the Flyover tool, with spinning and tilting motions. If objects are selected, the fixed point of rotation is the objects’ center; otherwise, the fixed point of rotation is the internal origin |
Perspective, Isometric |
|
Helicopter mode |
Similar to the Walkthrough tool, moves forward, back, left, right, up, and down; looks left, right, up, and down |
Perspective |
|
Camera mode |
Similar to an unconstrained Walkthrough tool, moves forward, back, left, right, up, and down; looks left, right, up, and down, and rolls left and right. This mode is the most flexible, but can be challenging to control; decreasing axis sensitivity from the 3D mouse control panel is recommended |
Perspective |
|
Object Navigation mode |
This mode is similar to Target Camera mode, but it simulates grabbing the object in the viewport with the 3D mouse knob. Move the knob up to move the object up; move the knob down to move the object down. |
Perspective, Isometric |
|
Using 2D Navigation |
Allows pan and zoom |
Top/Plan, Perspective, Isometric |
Advanced models of the 3D mouse have three additional buttons for saving and restoring the current view. Press and hold a view button for two seconds to save the current view; press and release to restore a previously saved view.
