Michael’s Corner

Michael's Corner is a monthly publication written by Michael E. Beall, Autodesk Authorized Author and peripatetic AutoCAD trainer. Michael travels all over the USA, bringing his fantastic experience and great understanding of AutoCAD to his clients. Michael's Corner brings together many of the tips, tricks and methods developed during these training sessions for the benefit of all users.

Michael's Corner provides something for every AutoCAD user. Every month, a number of articles cover a wide range of topics, suitable for users at all levels, including "The Basics" for those just starting out. Essentially, the aim of Michael's Corner is to help all AutoCAD users work smarter and faster.

This month…

From the Vault

Originally published March 2006

Elevations Using 3D Orbit

Last month I showed you a bit about the fundamentals of 3D Orbit. Let's go one more step and see how you can get an interior elevation of a 3D space. Since I work quite a bit with the contract furniture industry, I'm going to use an 8' x 8' workstation as an example.

If you would like me to send you the 3D drawing I am using in this exercise, email me and ask for the "3D Workstation".

Let's say you want to want to walk into the workstation and turn to your right such that you're looking from the left toward the right. Here's how to make it happen:

Instructions to Get an Interior Elevation with 3D Orbit

First… Open your 3D drawing and launch the 3D Orbit command.

Next… Right-click for the shortcut menu, then click Preset ViewsLeft. You're on the outside on the left, but at least you're looking the proper direction.

Then… Right-click for the shortcut menu and click MoreAdjust Clipping Planes to open the Adjust Clipping Planes dialog box. Your 3D drawing will appear in plan view with a horizontal line above and below the plan. The one below is the Front Clipping Plane; the one above is the Back Clipping Plane.

Now… Click the button for Front Clipping On/Off to turn on the clipping plane (the one at the bottom).

And… Put that funny looking cursor on the horizontal line of the Front Clipping Plane and drag it north … slowly. In the drawing you will see the 3D objects being clipped as you drag that line into the workstation.

After you close the Adjust Clipping Planes window and Exit 3D Orbit, smart money says you will save the view by name. Take a look at the Basics section from June 2003 if you're unfamiliar with that procedure.

Is that fabulous or what!!

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