GEN19081 AutoCAD Secrets Exposed 3D! - Autodeskaucache.autodesk.com/au2016/sessionsFiles/19081/12091/handout_19081... · GEN19081 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed! – 3D Page 1 Definitions

GEN19081

AutoCAD Secrets Exposed – 3D! Jeanne Aarhus President - Aarhus Associates, LLC

Learning Objectives

Learn 3D tips and tricks from other AutoCAD users

Learn how to use the newer 3D tools for greater productivity

Learn about hidden 3D tips that might take you years to discover

Get tips that apply to many versions of AutoCAD

Description

We will fill this class with 3D tips and tricks that you can use to increase your productivity immediately! Let’s take the previous 2D-focused class and “push and pull” it into 3D with tips that use the latest versions of AutoCAD software. Come and discover how you can do everything in 3D more easily than in 2D! Leave this class with the knowledge to dazzle your co-workers back home—a great way to ensure yourself a ticket to attend next year. This session features AutoCAD.

Your AU Expert Jeanne Aarhus

Jeanne is known for keeping her training sessions fast moving and fun. She is a nationally known speaker and expert in CAD and presents seminars and workshops on CAD productivity for managers and users in both corporate and academic settings. She has over 30+ years’ experience involving production drafting, user support, standards coordination, programming, and training in various CAD applications. She is an independent consultant offering training and implementation services and is certified in several Autodesk and Bentley products. She continues to be actively involved in international, national, and local CAD user groups and received the much coveted Top Ten Speaker award for her presentations at AU. She has been a popular speaker at AU for several years. [email protected]

GEN19081 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed! – 3D

Definitions............................................................................................................................ 1

Improving The Interface ................................................................................................ 2

1 3D in 2D Workspace 2016-2017 ................................................................................................ 2

2 In-Canvas Controls 2012-2017 ............................................................................................... 3

3 ViewCube ZOOM 2012-2017...................................................................................................... 4

The Basics ............................................................................................................................. 5

4 Learn to Use GRIPS! ................................................................................................................. 5

5 Smarter 3D FILLETS ................................................................................................................. 6

6 Use SWEEP not PATH .............................................................................................................. 7

7 Using PRESSPULL 2012-2017 .................................................................................................. 8

8 Elevation Planes ....................................................................................................................... 9

Mastering Selections ..................................................................................................... 10

9 Selecting Sub-Objects ............................................................................................................ 10

10 Selection Filters ...................................................................................................................... 11

11 Using POINT FILTERS R14-2015 ............................................................................................ 12

12 INVISIBLE Edges on 3D Faces 2015-2017 .............................................................................. 13

13 Generate 3D Solid from 2D Linework ..................................................................................... 14

14 Using SOLID HISTORY ........................................................................................................... 15

Mastering the UCS .......................................................................................................... 16

15 Using the UCS ICON ............................................................................................................... 16

16 Manually Rotate the UCS ICON .............................................................................................. 17

17 Save Common UCS Planes .................................................................................................... 17

Mastering GIZMOS ......................................................................................................... 18

18 Using 3D GIZMOS 2012-2017 .................................................................................................. 18

Mastering 3D Documentation ................................................................................... 21

19 Model Documentation ............................................................................................................. 21

20 Improved View Displays ......................................................................................................... 23

Mastering Materials ...................................................................................................... 24

21 Using Materials Library ........................................................................................................... 24

22 Using Materials Browser......................................................................................................... 24

23 Filtering Materials in the Materials Browser .......................................................................... 25

24 Applying Materials .................................................................................................................. 25

25 Material Mapping ..................................................................................................................... 26

26 Controlling Materials per Face ............................................................................................... 27

27 BYLAYER Materials ................................................................................................................ 27

28 Using Self Illuminating Materials (Lampshade) ..................................................................... 28

29 Creating Custom Materials ..................................................................................................... 29


30 Material Colors .......................................................................................................................... 1

31 Making Opacity Map Materials ................................................................................................. 2

Mastering Lighting ............................................................................................................ 4

32 Default Lighting ......................................................................................................................... 4

33 Sun and Sky .............................................................................................................................. 5

34 User Defined Lights .................................................................................................................. 5

35 Using Out-Of-The-Box IES Files ............................................................................................... 8

36 Using Manufacturer IES Files 2010-2017 ................................................................................. 9

37 Photometric Lighting 2016-2017............................................................................................... 9

38 LIGHTLIST Command ............................................................................................................. 10

39 Luminary Assemblies ............................................................................................................. 11

40 The Render Window ................................................................................................................ 11

41 Autodesk Render Service ....................................................................................................... 12

42 Sun Study (Cloud)? ................................................................................................................. 12

43 Environment and Exposure .................................................................................................... 12


Page 1

Definitions Gizmos

Is a tool used to manipulate a 3D object uniformly or along a specified axis or plane. AutoCAD Gizmos include 3D Move, 3D Rotate, and 3D Scale.

Opacity Maps

Projection of opaque and transparent areas onto objects, creating the effect of a solid surface with holes or gaps.

Candela (cd)

The candela is the luminous intensity, in a given direction. The candela is sometimes still called by the old name candle, as in “foot-candle” and the modern definition of “candlepower”. A common candle emits light with roughly 1 cd luminous intensity. A 25W compact fluorescent light bulb puts out around 1700 lumens. If that light is radiated equally in all directions, it will have an intensity of around 135 (cd) candelas.

Lumens (lm)

The lumen is a measure of the total "amount" of visible light in a defined beam or angle emitted from a source. The lumen is defined in relation to the candela as 1lm = 1cd. Lumen is the derived unit of luminous flux.

Luminous Flux

One lumen is defined as the luminous flux of light produced by a light source that emits one candela of luminous intensity over a solid angle. In other systems of units, luminous flux may have units of power.

Flux sets intensity based on unit of illuminance.

Illuminance

Sets intensity based on foot-candles (fc), the American unit of illuminance. Specify a distance to use to calculate illuminance.

Attenuation

ontrols how light diminishes over distance. The farther away an object is from a spotlight, the darker the object appears. Attenuation is also known as decay.

Shadows

Starting with AutoCAD 2016-based products, shadows are always rendered regardless of the current status or values of the Shadow option.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumen_(unit)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candela


Page 2

Improving The Interface

1 3D in 2D Workspace 2016-2017

If you typically use the DRAFTING AND ANNOTATION workspace, you can add basic 3D commands to the ribbon. Use the <Right-Click> menu to access the ADD TABS command and

add the 3D TOOLS and VISUALIZE tabs.

Missing Commands?

The HOME TAB PROPERTIES Panel

Even when working in a 3D environment, I like to be able to modify my layers and object properties on-the-fly. Unfortunately, the properties pane is missing in the 3D workspace. So I add it back in my personal workspace. STEP 1: Use the CUI command to open the CUSTOMIZE USER INTERFACE dialog.

STEP 2: Select the TRANSFER tab and load your current .CUIX file in the LEFT-PANE, and the ACAD.CUIX file in the RIGHT-PANE.

STEP 3: Using the RIGHT-PANE, expand RIBBON TABS to locate the HOME-3D tab.

STEP 4: Drag-n-Drop the HOME-3D tab to the LEFT-PANE.

STEP 5: Rename the HOME-3D tab in the LEFT-PANE to MYHOME-3D.

STEP 6: Using the RIGHT-PANE, expand RIBBON TABS HOME-2D to locate the HOME-PROPERTIES panel.

STEP 7: Drag-n-Drop the HOME-PROPERTIES panel to the LEFT-PANE and drop it into

the MYHOME-3D tab.

STEP 8: Select the CUSTOMIZE tab, and select your CURRENT WORKSPACE.

STEP 9: Pick the CUSTOMIZE WORKSPACE button, and using the LEFT-PANE, turn ON the MYHOME-3D tab.

STEP 10: Pick the DONE button to complete.

If you don’t want a customized MYHOME tab, you can add the HOME-PROPERTIES panel to the original HOME-3D tab.

SOLIDS EDITING Panel

This panel is missing the FILLETEDGE and CHAMFEREDGE commands.


Page 3

2 In-Canvas Controls 2012-2017

Every once in a while Autodesk comes up with something that I didn’t even know I wanted, and this is one of them! If you work in 2D or 3D, this is a great way to navigate through various views without having to use any key-in commands or buttons. I always had the following two toolbars open for easy access; VIEWS and VISUAL STYLES. Not any longer!

Check this out!

Views

[-] Use the [-] control to access the commands RESTORE VIEWPORT, and to control the display of the VIEWCUBE, STEERING WHEELS, and NAVIGATION BAR.

[Top] Use the [Top] control to access the view orientation commands and the VIEW MANAGER dialog.

[2D Wireframe] Use the [2D Wireframe] control to access the VISUAL STYLE commands.

CLASS ANSWER: When using the In-Canvas View controls, the UCS ORIGIN is not maintained when selecting a FLAT view, such as TOP, FRONT, etc. Use the VIEW CUBE instead to rotate to FLAT views and maintain the UCS ORIGIN.


Page 4

3 ViewCube ZOOM 2012-2017

Select objects in the drawing and pick on any VIEWCUBE plane. For example, TOP and the view is zoomed to the TOP of the selected objects, zooming as needed.


Page 5

The Basics

4 Learn to Use GRIPS!

FACE Grips Used to edit the FACE of an object. Use the EXTEND ADJACENT FACES command option to modify faces adjacent to the selected face and maintain the solid geometry. Use DYNAMIC INPUT to easily key in distances and angles during the MOVE FACE operation.

HOVER on the grip to access the command options.

EDGE Grips Used to edit the EDGE of an object.

Use the <CTRL> key to select between FACES and EDGES.


Page 6

5 Smarter 3D FILLETS

Use the CHAIN and LOOP command options to more easily select and edit edges during many of the 3D editing command.

Chain

Allows you to select more than one edge when the edges are tangent to one another.

Loop

Allows you to select a loop of edges on the face of a solid. For any edge, there are two possible loops. After selecting a loop edge you are prompted to ACCEPT the current selection or choose the NEXT loop.


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6 Use SWEEP not PATH

Using the SWEEP command is more functional than the previous EXTRUDE ALONG PATH command. Using SWEEP you can avoid placing the objects in the correct plane and location. The ALIGNMENT is automatic using the SWEEP command. Note, this behaviour can be turned off using the ALIGNMENT command option.

The SWEEP command also provides more control over the objects.

STEP 1: Using the Solids Tab, select the SWEEP command.

STEP 2: Select the closed shape (magenta) to use as the profile for the sweep object. Use the MODE command option to control if the resulting object is a SOLID or SURFACE object type.

By default, the profile is “centered” on the end of the path.

Using BASE POINT

Use the BASE POINT command option to control how the “origin” of the profile is attached to the path.

STEP 1: Using the Solids Tab, select the SWEEP command.

STEP 2: Select the closed shape (magenta) to use as the profile for the sweep object.

STEP 3: Use the BASE POINT command option to control the orientation of the profile to the path. Snap to the NODE or MIDPOINT location of the profile shape.

STEP 4: Select the PATH object (green) to sweep the profile along.


Page 8

7 Using PRESSPULL 2012-2017

Using the PRESSPULL command provides one of the best 3D tools available in AutoCAD.

Simple Objects

To press or pull an entire object, select the edge of an object.

Bounded Objects

To press or pull a “boundary” object, HOVER inside the boundary of an object.

PRESSPULL Holes

To create HOLES in a SOLID object, PUSH a 2D object through the 3D solid. If you PULL a 2D object away from a 3D solid, you will add another 3D solid to the original.

Don’t select the object edge when creating a hole, HOVER over the interior of the object to create a hole.

Use SHIFT+SPACEBAR to cycle between overlapping objects.

Use the <SHIFT> key to select multiple objects to PRESSPULL.


Page 9

8 Elevation Planes

When using the ELEV command, AutoCAD defines the drawing plane and the drawing thickness. This has no effect on closed shapes or polylines, but does effect 2D linear object types.

There is a quicker way to draw at a specific elevation, using the UCS ICON.


Page 10

Mastering Selections

9 Selecting Sub-Objects

Use the <CTRL> key to select a sub-object, a face or an edge “behind” the object. Use the <SPACEBAR> to cycle between sub-objects.

Use the CULLINGOBJ system variable to control how the culling of sub-objects is handled.

Use the <SHIFT+WHEEL> to automatically ISOLATE the objects during view rotation.

PRESS and HOLD <CTRL+SHIFT>, and pick on a selected face, edge, or vertex to remove it from the selection set.

CLASS ANSWER: The toggling was not working during the presentation, but once I disconnected from the projector, the selection toggling began working again! Everyone should have no problems with it at home!

Turn OFF the CULLING OBJECT filter if you have trouble editing a sub-object.

HHOME tab SELECTION panel CULLING

CULLINGOBJ

Controls whether 3D sub-objects that are hidden from view can be highlighted or selected.

Saved in: Registry

0 No sub-object culling

Rolling over 3D objects highlights all 3D sub-objects, including hidden sub-objects.

Selecting 3D objects by dragging selects all 3D sub-objects, including hidden sub-objects.

1 (default) Apply sub-object culling Rolling over 3D objects highlights only the sub-objects that are normal in the current view. Selecting 3D objects by dragging selects only the sub-objects that are normal in the current view.


Page 11

10 Selection Filters

Use the provided SELECTION FILTERS to control your sub-object selection.

If a sub-object selection filter is active, you do not need to press <CTRL> before picking a face, edge, or vertex.


Page 12

11 Using POINT FILTERS R14-2015

Everyone that has ever tried to draw in 3D has those “zinger” objects that go from one elevation to another “accidentally”. Right? Let me show you how to use POINT FILTERS to eliminate this problem. I bet none of you are using POINT FILTERS, and they are so useful! Let me enlighten you.

What are Point Filters?

Point Filters allow you to specify a specific X,Y or Z value when using OSNAPS. So, with this in mind, how easy would it be to use one of these values to maintain an elevation value when moving objects in 3D? I need to copy an object with an elevation of 0, to align with another object with elevation of 10. I want to maintain both elevations. Using the point filter .Z I can effectively LOCK the Z value to a specific elevation and perform the copy command. This does not change the default value of the ELEVATION command. Use the POINT FILTERS during the execution of any AutoCAD command.

COPY Command

STEP 1: Using the COPY command, select the PURPLE RECTANGLE.

STEP 2: Use the <SHIFT+Right-Click> to access the POINT FILTERS .Z command.

STEP 3: OSNAP anywhere on the BLUE DASHED RECTANGLE.

STEP 4: DRAG the cursor in the X DIRECTION and note how it locks to the Z VALUE of the blue dashed rectangle.

RECTANGLE Command

STEP 1: Using the RECTANGLE command, access the .Z filter using the <SHIFT+Right-Click> menu POINT FILTERS .Z

STEP 2: OSNAP to the MIDPOINT of the side of the RED BOX object.

STEP 3: Create a new RECTANGLE anywhere in the TOP viewport.

Be careful how you OSNAP to existing objects. You can use existing objects with

OTRACK, but using OSNAP will override the .Z value.


Page 13

12 INVISIBLE Edges on 3D Faces 2015-2017

Working with complex 3D models may require some edges to be invisible for clarity . Using the PROPERTIES dialog, select a face, then click on "visible" and choose "hidden" for the edge that you want to make invisible.


Page 14

13 Generate 3D Solid from 2D Linework

You can also generate a 3D solid from the existing flat linework. STEP 1: Generate flat polylines that define the “shape” for TOP, FRONT and SIDE views of the 3D

solid.

STEP 2: Use the EXTRUDE command to extrude the flat polylines through all other parts as needed.

STEP 3: Use the INTERESECT command to keep only the intersecting portion of the 3 extrusions created.


Page 15

14 Using SOLID HISTORY

Remove SOLID HISTORY

Select the SOLID object, and using the PROPERTIES dialog, modify the SOLID HISTORY HISTORY NONE.

SOLIDHIST

Controls whether new composite solids retain a history of their original components.

Saved in: Drawing

0 (default) Sets the History property to None for new solids, and no history is retained.

1 Sets the History property to Record for new solids, and solids retain a history of their original objects

SHOWHIST

Controls the Show History property for solids in a drawing.

Saved in: Drawing

0 Sets the Show History property to No (read-only) for all solids. Overrides the individual Show History property settings for solids. You cannot view the original objects that were used to create the solid.

1 (default) Does not override the individual Show History property settings for solids.

2 Displays the history of all solids by overriding the individual Show History property settings for solids. You can view the original objects that were used to create the solid.


Page 16

Mastering the UCS

15 Using the UCS ICON

The UCS icon can be selected and used to rotate to a specific plane. Move the UCS ICON to the desired elevation and orientation using the ICON GRIPS. HOVER on the UCS ORIGIN grip to get the following MOVE command options

Make sure that DYNAMIC UCS is turned on using the status bar.

Be sure to have the UCS ICON defined as ORIGIN. If using the NO ORIGIN option, the icon will rotate the orientation, but will not stay at the location specified.


Page 17

16 Manually Rotate the UCS ICON

Using the UCS ICON, select the grip at the end of an AXIS LEG and rotate it into the position needed.

HOVER on the AXIS LEG grip to get the following rotation command options

17 Save Common UCS Planes

Use the SAVE UCS command to store commonly used UCS planes. HOVER on the UCS ICON ORIGIN and <Right-Click> to access the NAMED UCS SAVE command.

Figure 3: Right Angle Edge Figure 2: Left Vertical Edge

Figure 1: Front Vertical Edge


Page 18

Mastering GIZMOS

18 Using 3D GIZMOS 2012-2017

Cycle GIZMOS

When working in a 3D environment you can use the <SPACEBAR> to cycle between three

available gizmos, the 3D MOVE, 3D ROTATE and 3D SCALE gizmos. These new gizmos are available when using the following commands.

Using this method constrains the gizmo to the selected objects axis.

MOVE GIZMO

Use the PLANE icons to move in TWO directions simultaneously.

Use the ARROW icons to move in ONE direction.

Use the <CTRL> key to COPY the selected object(s).

HOVER on a point to automatically move the GIZMO to that vertex point.


Page 19

3D GIZMO ORIGIN

Use the following system variables to control the appearance and function of the default GIZMO ICON.

GTLOCATION

Controls the initial location of the 3D Move, 3D Rotate, or 3D Scale gizmo when you select objects before you start a command in a viewport with a 3D visual style.

Saved in: Registry

0 Set the location at the geometric center of the selection set

1 (default) Set the location to overlap the UCS icon

CLASS ANSWER: Use the <CTRL> key before you select the FACE or EDGE to control the ORIGIN of the GIZMO

regardless of the setting for GTLOCATION.

DEFAULTGIZMO

Sets the 3D Move, 3D Rotate, or 3D Scale gizmo as the default during sub-object selection.

Saved in: Not Saved

0 (default) The 3D Move gizmo is displayed by default when an object is selected in a 3D visual style.

1 The 3D Rotate gizmo is displayed by default when an object is selected in a 3D visual style.

2 The 3D Scale gizmo is displayed by default when an object is selected in a 3D visual style

3 No gizmo is displayed by default when an object is selected in a 3D visual style.

GTAUTO

Controls whether 3D gizmos are automatically displayed when you select objects before you start a command in a viewport with a 3D visual style.

Saved in: Registry

0 Gizmos are not displayed automatically when you select objects before starting a command.

1 (default) Gizmos are displayed automatically after you create a selection set.


Page 20

GRIPSUBOBJMODE

Controls whether grips are automatically made hot when sub-objects are selected.

Saved in: Registry

0 Grips are NOT made hot when sub-objects are selected.

1 (default) Grips for the attributes of blocks, and the grips for the faces, edges, vertices, and controls points of solids, meshes, or NURBS surfaces are made hot when sub-objects are selected.

2 Grips for polyline segments are made hot when these sub-objects are selected.

ROTATE GIZMO

Use the SPHERE icons to ROTATE about an axis.

SCALE GIZMO

Use the AXIS icons to scale proportionally in any direction. Use the following shortcuts to access the required 3D Gizmo quickly.

Shortcuts

3M 3DMOVE Displays the 3D Move gizmo to aid in moving 3D objects a specified distance in a specified direction.

3R 3DROTATE Displays the 3D Rotate gizmo to aid in revolving 3D objects around a base point.

3S 3DSCALE Displays the 3D Scale gizmo to aid in resizing 3D objects.

CUSTOM GIZMO

A custom GIZMO allows you to define the current gizmo by specifying one, two, or three points, or an object. HOVER on the GIZMO ORIGIN and <Right-Click> to access the

CUSTOM GIZMO command option.


Page 21

Mastering 3D Documentation

19 Model Documentation

BASE View The default BASE VIEW is the FRONT VIEW. For most of us that is not what where we want to start. Use the <Right-Click> menu to access the ORIENTATION TOP VIEW as the base

view.

EDIT View This command allows you to add additional objects to the BASE VIEW. This command can also be used to change the visual style used for the HIDDEN LINE view of the model view. The visual style options are:

Modify the PROPERTIES dialog of a projected view to unlock the automatic alignment. Change the VIEW ALIGNMENT to BROKEN to move any projected view without the alignment.


Page 22

Drawing View AUTOUPDATE This tool can be used to disable the automatic update of the model documentation views for performance purposes.

Workspaces Select the LAYOUT tab UPDATE AUTO UPDATE Once this option is disabled, use the UPDATE VIEW command option to update the views manually.

You can also use the system variable VIEWUPDATEAUTO to globally control the update of drawing views.

VIEWUPDATEAUTO

Controls whether model documentation drawing views are updated automatically when the source model changes.

NOTE: This system variable is available only on 64-bit systems.

Saved in: Registry

0 Drawing views are not updated automatically when the source model changes.

1 (default) Drawing view are automatically updated when the source model changes.

PARENT View Use the PARENT VIEW to make global changes to the model views, such as visibility, scale and appearance.

INDEPENDENT View Use a CHILD VIEW to modify that drawing view independent of the parent and other child views.


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20 Improved View Displays

The model documentation views display using 100dpi, by default. Use the command, VIEWSTD to open the DRAFTING STANDARDS dialog. Use this dialog to modify the SHADED VIEW QUALITY to a higher DPI resolution. This command can be found using LAYOUT STYLES AND STANDARDS (dialog box launcher) to open the DRAFTING STANDARDS dialog. This modification is not retroactive, so the views must be regenerated to adopt the new DPI setting.

TANGENT Edges Use the EDGE VISIBILITY command option to turn off TANGENT EDGES that should not be visible in the final model view.


Page 24

Mastering Materials

21 Using Materials Library

Autodesk delivers over 700+ materials with the AutoCAD product. The delivered material files can be found at: C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\Materials\2017

22 Using Materials Browser

Open the Materials Browser using the VISUALIZE tab MATERIALS panel MATERIALS BROWSER button.

Use this icon to add the material to the current drawing. Use this icon to add the material to the current drawing and open it in the Material Editor.


Page 25

23 Filtering Materials in the Materials Browser

Use the Document Materials title bar <Drop-Down-List> to control what materials are listed.

Filter the materials to those used in the current drawing.

CLASS ANSWER: Yes, the AutoCAD PURGE command will purge unused materials.

24 Applying Materials

Materials can be applied to objects using various methods listed below: Drag-n-Drop

Drag any material from the MATERIAL BROWSER and drop onto a 3D object. Applying a material using this method will apply the material to all faces of the object.

ByLayer

Using the ribbon, select VISUALIZE MATERIALS drop-down panel, to access the ATTACH BY LAYER command. Applying a material using this method will apply the material to a specific layer.


Page 26

By Face

Select the face on a 3D SOLID and using the Material Browser dialog, select a new material and <Right-Click> to

access the ASSIGN TO SELECTION command. Assign to Selection

Select any individual objects in the model and using the Material Browser dialog, select a material and <Right-Click>

to access the ASSIGN TO SELECTION command.

Use the <CTRL> key when dragging materials onto an object to attach only to a specific face.

25 Material Mapping

Ever applied a material to an object and the material is skewed or not aligned as needed? Of course you have! Use this technique to easily snap the material mapping to an existing object.

Planar Mapping

Maps individual faces of an object.

Box Mapping

Maps any solid object with controls for width, depth and height as well as rotation on all sides.

Spherical Mapping

Allows you to map any solid object, but uses rotation only.

Cylinder Mapping

Maps a solid object with height and rotation only.


Page 27

26 Controlling Materials per Face

Use the <CTRL> key when dragging materials onto an

object to attach only to a specific face.

You can also use the <CTRL> key to select multiple faces and then <Right-Click> on a material in the Material Browser dialog to APPLY the material to selected objects.

Using the <Right-Click> menu in the Material Browser dialog, and use SELECT OBJECTS

TO…. command to locate what 3D objects are using a specific material.

27 BYLAYER Materials

Use the CMATERIAL system variable to BYLAYER for all new objects.

CMATERIAL

Sets the material of new objects.

Saved in: Drawing

BYLAYER (default)

Defines the BYLAYER material to all new objects.

BYBLOCK Defines the BYBLOCK material to all new objects.

Wouldn’t it be nice if the material assigned to the layer was displayed as a column in the

Layer Manager dialog?


Page 28

28 Using Self Illuminating Materials (Lampshade)

Start with a FABRIC material as delivered with AutoCAD and add the SELF-ILLUMINATING option to the material properties. STEP 1: Open the file 28-Table Lamp Self-Illuminating.dwg

STEP 2: Using the Material Browser dialog, locate the FABRIC LINEN WHITE material.

STEP 3: <Right-Click> to add it to your custom material library, and Drag-n-Drop it into the active drawing.

STEP 4: Using the top pane of the Material Browswer dialog, <Double-Click> on the LINEN-

WHITE material to open the Material Editor dialog.

STEP 5: Using the Material Editor dialog, rename the material to WHITE LAMP SHADE.

STEP 6: Locate and turn on the SELF ILLUMINATION panel.

STEP 7: Change the color to a warm yellow gold color.

STEP 8: CLOSE the Material Editor and Drag-n-Drop the WHITE LAMP SHADE onto the lamp shade in the drawing file.

STEP 9: CLOSE the Material Browser.

STEP 10: Using the ribbon, select the tab VISUALIZE


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29 Creating Custom Materials

Create custom materials using any image taken with a camera, or saved from a web site. When creating a custom material, the TYPE of material should not be taken literally. The differences between material types are primarily FINISH, RELIEF and BUMP pattern options. Be creative and take advantage of the delivered parameters defined below:

Ceramic, Porcelain/Tile Finish Type

High Gloss/Glazed

Satin

Matte

Concrete, Cast-in-Place, Stucco Finish Type

Broom Straight

Broom Curved

Smooth

Polished

Stamped/Custom Sealant Type

None

Epoxy

or Acrylic

Fabric, Leather Highlights

Metallic

Non-Metallic

Flooring Finish Type

High Gloss/Glazed

Satin

Matte

Masonry, Brick, CMU, Stone Finish Type

Glossy

Matte

Unfinished

Metal Material Type

Aluminum

Anodized Aluminum

Chrome

Copper

Brass

Bronze

Stainless Steel

Zinc Finish Type

Polished

Semi-polished

Satin

Brushed.

Plastic Solid/Transparent, Vinyl Finish Type

Finished

Glossy

Matte

Stone Finish Type

Polished

Glossy

Matte

Unfinished Bump Type

Polished Granite

Stone Wall

Glossy Marble

Wall Paint Finish Type

Flat/Matte

Eggshell

Platinum

Pearl

Semi-Gloss

Gloss Application Type

Roller Brush Spray


Page 1

30 Material Colors

Diffuse Color The DIFFUSE color is the color of the object in lighted areas, or the perceived color of the material.

Ambient Color The AMBIENT color is the color of the object where light does not directly illuminate.

Specular Color The SPECULAR color is the color of the object at the highlight location (the shiny spot).

The color of the light source usually determines the predominant highlight color. Typical highlight environments include: Default – WHITE Residential (Incandescent) – YELLOWISH Residential (Flourescent) - GREENISH Outside - BLUISH


Page 2

31 Making Opacity Map Materials

In AutoCAD renderings of people, cars, trees, etc. can be added using materials that give the appearance of a 3D image. This is accomplished using material opacity maps. Materials opacity maps are generally 2D objects with an image applied to create the illusion of a 3D object in the drawing. Opacity maps are grayscale textures which are added to an existing material to determine what portions of the material will be transparent and opaque. The varying degrees of black, white and grayscale colors are used to apply a texture that determines the amount of transparency in the final material. The darker (black) tones will be the most transparent in the final material.

Image Preparation Begin by capturing an image and creating the color and opacity images needed.

Create Material

STEP 1: Using the MATERIAL BROWSER dialog, select the NEW MATERIAL button.

STEP 2: Create a NEW GENERIC MATERIAL

STEP 3: <Double-Click> on the new DEFAULT GENERIC material to open the MATERIALS EDITOR dialog.

STEP 4: Rename the material to MY TREE.

STEP 5: Using the MATERIALS EDITOR dialog, locate the IMAGE setting and click on the (NO IMAGE SELECTED).

STEP 6: Navigate and select the color image of the tree.

STEP 7: Select color image of the tree in the dialog to open the TEXTURE EDITOR dialog.

STEP 8: Locate the SCALE settings and set the X and Y SCALE as needed.

STEP 9: Locate the REPEAT settings and set both HORIZONTAL and VERTICAL to NONE.

STEP 10: Close the TEXTURE EDITOR dialog.


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STEP 11: Using the MATERIALS EDITOR dialog, locate the setting for CUTOUTS and click on the (NO IMAGE SELECTED).

STEP 12: Navigate and select the BLACK and WHITE image of the tree.

STEP 13: Select BW image of the tree in the dialog to open the TEXTURE EDITOR dialog.

STEP 14: Locate the SCALE settings and set the X and Y SCALE as needed to match the color image settings defined previously.

STEP 15: Locate the REPEAT settings and set both HORIZONTAL and VERTICAL to NONE.

STEP 16: Close the TEXTURE EDITOR dialog.

STEP 17: Close the MATERIALS EDITOR dialog.

Apply the New Material STEP 1: Drag-n-Drop the new material onto

a PLANAR SURFACE object in the drawing.

STEP 2: Change the VIEWPORT CONTROL to REALISTIC to review the appearance of the tree object.

STEP 3: RENDER the view to see the final results.

If you <Double-Click> on a material swatch and cannot edit and make changes to the Texture Editor will not open, import the material into the current drawing. You cannot edit a material that is not in your current drawing.

PURGE unused materials from the current drawing using the Materials Browser Document Materials Purge all Unused.


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Mastering Lighting With the new rendering software introduced in AutoCAD 2016, all rendered views will automatically cast shadows.

32 Default Lighting

When there are no lights in a scene, the scene is rendered with default lighting. Default lighting is defined using one or two distant light sources that follow the viewpoint as you orbit around the model. All faces in the model are illuminated so that they are visually distinquishable. You can adjust the exposure of the rendered image, but you do not need to create or place lights to see a simple scene with lights. Modify the default lighting EXPOSURE and WHITE BALANCE to better see materials during the design process.

Exposure The lower the number, the brighter the image. The higher the number, the darker the image. The default is 8.8.

White Balance The lower the number, the cooler the image. The higher the number, the hotter the image. The default is 6500.

It is recommended to disable default lighting when user-defined lights are placed in a scene.


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33 Sun and Sky

The sun is a special light available as part of the photometric workflow and is similar to a distant light. The angle of the sun is defined by the geographic location that you specify for the model and by the date and time of day that you specify. The intensity and color emitted by the sun can be adjusted to reflect different times of day and atmospheric conditions. The sun and sky are the primary sources of natural illumination. With sun and sky simulation, you can adjust their properties and enable sky illumination (through the sky background feature). The sky background feature adds soft, subtle lighting effects caused by the lighting interactions between the sun and the atmosphere.

34 User Defined Lights

The following lights can be defined in the model scene.

POINTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT

WEBLIGHT

TARGETPOINT

FREESPOT

FREEWEB

DISTANTLIGHT

Point Light A point light radiates light in all directions from its location and does not target an object. Use point lights for general lighting effects.

You can add a TARGETPOINT to a POINT light using the Properties dialog.

Spot Light A spot light emits a directional cone of light. The light in the central portion of the cone is brighter than the light around the edges of the cone. The “hotspot” is the angle that defines the size of the central portion of the cone, and the “falloff” is the angle that defines the outer extents of the cone. If both values are nearly equal, the edge of the light beam is sharp. Spotlights are useful for highlighting specific features in areas of your model.

Use the FREESPOT command to add a SPOT LIGHT without a TARGET.


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Distant Light A distant light emits light that travels in parallel rays in one direction and does not diminish over distance; it is as bright on each face it strikes as it is at the source. Specify a FROM point and TO point anywhere in the viewport. There is no glyph to represent a distant light in your drawing. Distant lights are useful for uniformly lighting objects or a backdrop. Distant lights are not physically accurate, so if you try to insert a distant light when the lighting is set to American or International lighting units, AutoCAD displays a warning.

Web Light A web light is a 3D representation of the light intensity distribution of a light source. Photometric web lights can be used to represent non-uniform light distribution derived from data provided by manufacturers. This directional light distribution information is stored in a photometric data file in the IES format. Commonly used lamps for defining photometric lights including fluorescent, low pressure sodium, incandescent, and high intensity discharge are available on the Photometric Lights tool palette. Using the out-of-the-box tool palette, <Right-Click> on the titlebar

to access the Photometric Lights palette.

LIGHTGLYPHDISPLAY

Turns on and off the display of light glyphs.

Saved in: Drawing

0 OFF

1 (default) ON


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The appearance of light glyphs is controlled using OPTIONS DRAFTING LIGHT GLYPH SETTINGS


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35 Using Out-Of-The-Box IES Files

Below are some examples of the delivered IES or webfiles.

OTB .IES files can be found at the following location. C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2017\R21.0\enu\WebFiles

When prompted to enter an IES file name, enter ~ to display a file navigation dialog box. Browse to and select the IES file to use. Click Open.


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36 Using Manufacturer IES Files 2010-2017

Download IES files from the manufacturers web site to get realistic light settings.

37 Photometric Lighting 2016-2017

Photometric lighting gives a scene a more natural and realistic appearance. Photometric lights use values that enable you to define lights more accurately and illuminate your scene as it would in the real world. You can create lights with various distribution and color characteristics, or import specific photometric files available from lighting manufacturers. Photometric lights can use an Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) photometric data file published by lighting manufacturers. By using the IES data files you can visualize commercially available lighting in your model. Then you can experiment with different fixtures, and by varying the light intensity and color temperature, you can design a lighting system that produces the results you want.

LIGHTSINBLOCKS

Controls whether lights contained in blocks are used when rendering.

Saved in: Drawing

0 Turns OFF lights in blocks

1 (default) Turns ON lights in blocks


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38 LIGHTLIST Command

Use the LIGHTLIST command to easily select light objects in your model. VISUALIZE LIGHTS (dialog box launcher)

Sure wish we could easily turn the lights ON or OFF using

the LIGHT LIST dialog!


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39 Luminary Assemblies

Light fixtures can be represented by luminary assemblies. A luminary assembly is created by embedding photometric lights into blocks. Self-illuminating materials are often assigned to the geometry of a luminary assembly to give the appearance that the objects in the assembly are glowing.

40 The Render Window

Use the new Render Window to display previously rendered windows.


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41 Autodesk Render Service

Use Autodesk A360 to render 3D models online. The benefits of rendering online include:

The results are available much sooner

Rendering does not consume local processing power

Images can be organized in Autodesk A360 and do not require local disk space

Images can be shared securely with people to whom you grant access

42 Sun Study (Cloud)?

AutoCAD Sun Studies can be rendered using the Autodesk Render Service available through A360.

43 Environment and Exposure

AutoCAD 2016 added the ability to render the environment when the render engine changed from MentalRay to RapidRT.

There might be more….

if I talk really fast!

Sharp Highlights

Cool Light

Plaza


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