Design
building sustainable digital workflows
- 01Input06
Bringing external information, references, and site data into the modelling environment.
- 01.01How to set up files for a smooth workflow?
- 01.02How to organise your model with layers?
- 01.03How to set up your computer for working?Upcoming
- 01.04How to choose the right software for the job?
- 01.05How to import terrain and geographic data?Upcoming
- 01.06How to clean up messy imported files?Upcoming
- 02Geometry03
- 03Optimization04
- 04Output07
How to set up files for a smooth workflow?
Set up your digital workspace before you start modelling — it saves time and prevents problems later. These principles apply to almost any 3D design software.
Units & Tolerance
A number in your model has no size until you pick a unit — 1 could mean 1 mm or 1 m. Tolerance is the largest gap the software still treats as “touching”. Save both in a template file so every new project starts right.
You may notice:
- Model is 10× or 1000× too big or small after import
- Wrong size when printed or fabricated
- Curves or surfaces won't join, even though they touch
- Boolean operations fail
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The Origin (0,0,0)
The origin is the centre of your digital space. The further you model from it, the less precisely the software can calculate coordinates — so build close to it, and move imported site data there before you start.
You may notice:
- Camera gets stuck when zooming
- Parts of the model randomly disappear
- Lines don't intersect properly
- Imported site data lands far away from (0,0,0)
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Tutorial
No video yet
User Interface
Every program divides the screen into zones — toolbars, command line, property panels. Learn what each does, then customise it so your most-used tools stay within reach.
You may notice:
- Can't find a tool or panel
- A panel disappeared and won't come back
Navigation vs. Transformation
Navigation moves your view (Pan, Zoom, Orbit); transformation moves the object (Move, Copy, Rotate, Scale — or drag the Gumball). Know which one you are doing.
You may notice:
- Rotated the object instead of the view
- Can't find your model in the viewport any more
Viewport Display Options
The same model can be shown in different display modes. Use Wireframe for fast, precise drafting; switch to Shaded or Ghosted to check volumes.
You may notice:
- Viewport lags with a large model
- Hard to see or select objects behind other objects