Preference Settings

Dimension units:

In the drop-down menu choose (mm, m, cm, inches, feet and feet inches).

Default Location:

In the local menu. The change becomes effective the next time a DWG, DXF or 3DS file that does not contain any location-related information is opened.

Update Viewpoint:

Select the viewpoint update in manual or automatic mode. This concerns the positions of the camera, the viewpoint, the roll and focus distance.

• Automatic
  Each time the camera settings are modified, it is the last state that is used and the previous states are not retained. Except when clicking on the Back tool, provided the document has not been saved in the meanwhile or another viewpoint has not been activated).
  
• Manual
  When the camera settings have been modified and the user wishes to keep them, the user must update the new state.
  If the new state is not updated, the next time the file is saved or the next time the viewpoint is changed, the viewpoint that was last updated will be the one to display.

• Update the viewpoint by clicking on in the Preview window toolbar.

NB: Updating or not updating the viewpoint will have no effect on edits to Shaders, objects, lights, or backgrounds, which continue to be backed up automatically.

Max Preview size:

Choice of the maximum size of the Preview window content (using the shortcut Command +). In the pop-up menu (640, 800, 1024, 1200), the value means the size of the preview image displayed in that window.

Automatic Switch to OpenGL:

When this box is checked, the display mode switches from photorealistic to OpenGL mode when the camera is moved. Speeds up display in small configurations.

NB: The refresh time of the window is proportional to the size of the display.

OpenGL options

The following different options affect the Preview window rendering display in OpenGL mode.

• Camera Light:

Checking this box simulates an omni-directional white light linked to and originating from the camera. The scene is always lighted.

NB: This option is independent of the anti-aliasing of the final rendering.

• All Model Lights:

When checked, this box activates the effect rendering for all active light sources: lights and sun.

NB: The refresh time of Preview slows down when the option is activated.

• Last Manipulated Light Shadow:

When checked, Open GL takes into account shadows cast for the last lighting scheme or sun that was manipulated.

NB: The refresh time of Preview slows down when the option is activated.

• FPS:

Increases or reduces OpenGL navigation fluidity. The greater the number, the better the fluidity. On the other hand, a low number provides better image definition.

Move the slider or enter a value of between 1 and 30 images per second.

Rendering output folder:

2 default choices for the default rendering output folder:

• Use document folder: The renderings are saved at the same level as the current file.
• Use default output folder: To chose the target folder, click on Select Folder...

Default File Format

• In the pop-up menu choose: JPEG, BMP, TARGA, PICT, TIFF, Photoshop, or Piranesi.

Default file Naming:

• Either the name of the viewpoint, or the name of the document plus the name of the viewpoint.