Representation of Views (3-D)

HiCAD provides various representation options for views. They range from the glass model to the hidden line representation, right through to the virtual, photo-realistically shaded model.

The visualisation and representation functions for views refer, with very few exceptions, to the active view. You activate these functions

via Views > Representation
via the transparent toolbar
via the context menu for views, that you either activate by a right-click on the view frame of the drawing (dashed line) or on the view name in the ICN.

Please note:

Colour Editor and Lighting
The colours used by HiCAD for shading 3-D parts are loaded from the current materials file (default: M_HiCAD). You can load other materials files or create/process your own materials files by means of the integrated HiCAD Colour Editor. Furthermore, lighting plays a role in shaded representation. The HiCAD default setting is a light source with parallel light beams from the front.

Cancellation of representation calculation
You can cancel both shading and hidden line calculation by choosing ESC (middle mouse button or keyboard).

Working with shaded views
If you are working in shaded views, you should bear in mind that identification is based on surfaces. This means that, for a top view of a cylinder, the cursor must point to the top surface, not next to it! Hidden edges can also be identified.

Note the Surface approximation and Limiting angle for shading drawing properties, which can be found in the context menu for the drawing in the ICN (RMB > Properties ...). These also have an effect on shaded representations. For example, a high value for surface approximation leads, in many cases, to a more uniform shading.