Model Manager (Beta)

The Navigation Sphere allows you to manipulate the 3D orientation of a model by clicking its faces (such as Top, Front, or Right), corners, or edges. This action snaps the camera to a specific perspective. The Navigation Sphere is the primary tool for perspective management and works great with Orthographic mode. You can also click and drag the sphere to reposition it within the viewer.

• Required User Permissions (Note: At the launch of the Beta, only 'Admin' level permissions are available. Additional permissions will be phased in during the product lifecycle).

• Additional Information:

  • The Navigation Sphere is visible by default.

  • You can click and drag the navigation sphere to move it where you want.

Follow these steps to learn how to use the navigation sphere.

• Early access content …

  Show or hide in viewer Show / Hide Steps

  1. Navigate to the Model Manager (Beta) tool.

  2. Open a model.

  3. In the right toolbar, click Settings .

  4. In the Settings window under Show in Viewer:

     • Move the element toggle to the Right (ON) to make it visible. This is the default setting.

     • Move it to the Left (OFF) to hide it from the workspace.
       

  5. Click X to close the settings window. Changes save automatically.

• Early access content …

  Snap to standard views Show / Hide Steps

  Follow these steps to snap to different views with the navigation sphere:

  1. Navigate to the Model Manager (Beta) tool.

  2. Open a model.

  3. Click a point on the navigation sphere to snap to a view.
     

  Snap to...	Click...	Best Used When...
  Standard Views	Top, Bottom, Left, Right, Front, and Back	You need to see a "flat" elevation or plan view.
  Isometric Views	The "corners" of the navigation sphere	You want a clear 3D view that shows three sides at once.
  Cardinal Directions	North, South, East, West	You are orienting the model based on site coordinates or "Project North"

• Early access content …

  Use the sphere in orthographic mode Show / Hide Steps

  Follow these steps to switch to orthographic mode and use the navigation sphere.

  1. Click the Perspective icon in the right toolbar to switch Orthographic mode ON.

  2. Choose from these options to snap the camera to a:
     

     • Cardinal Direction. Click North, South, East, West to rotate the camera to that orientation.

     • Face. Click Top, Front, Right, Left, or Bottom to snap the camera to a flat elevation or plan view.

     • Isometric View. Click a corner of the sphere to view the model from an angled perspective.

  3. Use your Trackpad or Mouse Wheel to adjust the zoom level.

• Model Manager (Beta) Tutorials