how many of you does 3d in VW?

[P Retondo]

Joe, as Pete points out lighting can make all the difference. Note that VW supports multiple light sources in OpenGL. I use a couple of extra lights from different angles, one with a slightly blue hue the other with a slightly yellow hue - and often an uplight at maybe 20% to catch sofffits, etc. This helps accentuate the different planes. One other issue could be holding you back - your video card.

[Petri]

Joe, as the two Petes (my namesakes, of course) point out...

Set Sun Position is another thing you might consider. That creates the Sun - and in most cases, you will want to increase its rate of fusion reaction.

[JoeF]

Thanks for the tips. I'll try some more tweaking, though I'm afraid increasing solar fusion reaction might have an adverse affect on global warming.

[dmciivt]

I use the 3-D feature constantly. In the early years I had mixed results. I would try to put enough light fixtures around ,so that everything was lit well(that sucked, w/ mixed results). Then I tried to give things slightly differant colors, so you could differentiate them from one another. Still mixed results, and all my models looked funny because I had to use lots of colors.

Then I learned to use the ambient layer light, and add textures to my models. WOW!!! Now I can see what I'm doing. It really brings the renderings to life. Then I started to set textures to my classes(ie. walls), and now they are automatically drawn with textures!!

The great renderings aside, there are two other great things about 3-D.

1- Customers do not see things well in 2-D. Roll a model around for a customer, and they can see it much better. Better yet take them for a virtual walk thru. As a builder that does my own construction drawings, I unintentionally upstaged the Architect, when the Home Owner requested a walk thru, and the Architect wasn't able to do it with his software. They were very thankful, and impressed.

2- This is one of the biggest things about 3-D. I it use to rotate complicated drawings around and find the funny areas, were things come together...

Hope this wasn't too long winded, and helpful,

D-