Converting to a Custom Model

The Custom Model tool is used to convert the currently selected objects into a single model. Once one or more objects have been converted to a custom model, their polygons, smoothness, and material mapping can be freely edited.

To convert to a Custom Model:

1.   Select each of the objects you wish to include in the custom model. For help, see Selecting Objects.

2.   Click the Convert to Custom Model button that is found near the top of the screen under the Modeling tab.

Tips:

•      Converting to a custom model will change the available editing options. Therefore, it is best to copy and paste your objects before converting them.

Editing Points

It is sometimes useful to edit the points of a custom model, which is done by clicking the Edit points button and making adjustments. For details, see Editing Points or view the instructions below.

To edit the points of a custom model:

1.   Click the custom model in your Landscape Design in order to select it.

2.   Click the Edit points button, found in the Properties, to enable point editing mode.

3.   Move and delete points as needed. See Editing Points for details.

4.   When finished, click the Edit Points button again to disable point editing mode.

The picture below shows a cylinder that was converted into a custom model with point editing mode enabled.

Editing Polygons

It is sometimes useful to edit the individual polygons of a custom model. When editing polygons, you are able to set materials, shaders, material mapping, and smoothness. Polygons can also be moved and deleted as needed.

To edit the polygons of a custom model:

1.   Click the custom model in your Landscape Design in order to select it.

2.   Click the Edit polygons button, found in the Properties, to enable polygon editing mode.

3.   Click the polygons you wish to edit in order to select them. See Selecting objects for details.

4.   Modify the selected polygons by changing their position, material or material mapping, smoothing, or shader.

5.   When finished, click the Edit polygons button again to disable polygon editing mode.

The picture below illustrates a custom model that has several polygons selected.

Editing Smoothness

The smoothness of a custom model can be edited for the entire model or just for the selected polygons.

3D models are simply collections of flat polygons that form shapes, meaning that there are no true curved surfaces. However, using this “smoothness” technique, curved 3D models are made to look smooth and natural. Some objects need to be smooth, like the pole of a landscape light or the inside of a round spa. Other objects should not be smooth, such as the walls and corners of a house.

To smooth the polygons of a custom model:

1.   Click the custom model in your Landscape Design in order to select it.

2.   Click the Edit polygons button, found in the Properties, to enable polygon editing mode.

3.   Click the polygons you wish to edit in order to select them. See Selecting objects for details.

4.   Click the Set smoothness button, found in the properties, and move the slider to the appropriate value.

5.   When finished, click the OK button and then click the Edit polygons button again to disable polygon editing mode.

The picture below illustrates a simple sphere that has one smooth side and one faceted side.

Setting Mapping

The term Mapping refers to how a material is applied to a 3D object. When editing a custom model, there is a Set Mapping feature that is used to reset and modify a model’s mapping.

To set mapping on a custom model:

1.   Click the custom model in your Landscape Design in order to select it.

2.   Click the Set mapping checkbox, found in the Properties, to reset the material mapping and display additional options.

3.   Modify the With, Height, Angle, and Offset as needed.

In the picture below, two sheds are shown. Both sheds are identical, but the shed on the right has had its mapping modified using the Set Mapping option.

Setting a Shader

A Shader is an effect for a model. Shaders are easy to set and can cause your models to look much more realistic.

To Set a Shader on a custom model:

1.   Click the custom model in your Landscape Design in order to select it.

2.   Click the Shader drop-down menu, which is found in the Properties.

3.   Select the effect that you would like your model to use.

Shader Types

There are six different shaders available in Realtime Landscaping Plus. When deciding which shader to use, consider the material of the object that you are working with. For example, a glossy planter should have a Shiny shader, and a wooden shed should use a Matte shader. The most common types are listed below:

•      Normal: A Normal shader is moderately shiny.

•      Matte: A Matte shader is not at all shiny.

•      Shiny: A Shiny shader should be used on very glossy or polished objects.

•      Chrome: A Chrome shader causes the material to look like reflective metal.

•      Glass: A Glass shader causes the object to look like transparent glass.

•      Semi-transparent: A Semi-transparent shader enables you to see through the object. The object may be 25%, 50%, or 75% transparent.

The picture below illustrates some of the different types of shaders available.

Polygon Material Mapping

In some cases, it is useful to apply multiple different materials to a single object. For example, if a wooden chair has a cushion, then you can select the polygons of the cushion and change them to the appropriate material.

To set a different material to a selection of polygons:

1.   Click the custom model in your Landscape Design in order to select it.

2.   Click the Edit polygons button, found in the Properties, to enable polygon editing mode.

3.   Click the polygons you wish to edit in order to select them. See Selecting objects for details.

4.   Click the picture of the material that appears to the right of the screen and then select the new material that you would like to use.

5.   When finished, click the Edit polygons button again to disable polygon editing mode.

The picture below illustrates two planters. The planter to the left is just one material, and the planter to the right uses two materials.

See also:

Custom Model Properties
Adding a Box
Adding a Ramp
Adding a Cylinder
Adding an Extrusion
Adding a Lathe
Adding a Loft
Adding a Part
Setting Object Properties
Selecting Objects
Selecting Points
Editing Objects
Using 3D Booleans to Create Complex Models