3D Window

Answers in this category:

1. Is there a way to use a picture as background in any 3D window
2. How do gestures work?
3. How can I center the 3D view?

1 - Is there a way to use a picture as background in any 3D window

Contributed by anonymous.

To set a background picture, you need to have a 3D window active, then switch the window with SHIFT+F7 and set the BackgroungPic button to 'on'. A Load button should appear and let you choose the file you want as background. Once selected, switch the window back to a 3DWindow with SHIFT+F5.

NOTE: The background picture appears only if the view is set to 'ortho mode' (and you choose the top, side or front view) or if you activate the camera view (NUM0-KEY).

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2 - How do gestures work?

Contributed by Matt Hilliard.

Gestures are a simplified way of applying simple 3d operations (Scaling/Rotating/Moving) upon the currently selected blender object, performed by your pointing device rather than the keyboard.

First, select your object and then perform the appropriate gesture in the 3d window with your pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc) with the Right Mouse Button (or equivalent on another pointing device).

To move or translate your object, click your Right Mouse Button and move the pointer in a straight line while holding the buton down. When you release the mouse button, blender will behave as though you pressed the G-key on your keyboard.

To rotate your object, click your Right Mouse Button (or equivalent on another pointing device) and move the pointer in a small curve or circle while holding the buton down. When you release the mouse button, blender will behave as though you pressed the R-key on your keyboard.

To scale or resize your object, click your Right Mouse Button (or equivalent on another pointing device) and move the pointer in a straight line with a slight dip in it (a shallow v shape) while holding the buton down. When you release the mouse button, blender will behave as though you pressed the S-key on your keyboard.

Once the gesture is applied, perform the operation as usual. To complete the operation, hit the right mouse button again, or to cancel the operation (and gesture) hit the Left Mouse Button.

By learning gestures, it is possible to apply simple operations without the assistance of the keyboard.

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3 - How can I center the 3D view?

Contributed by Hideki Saito.

Move the 3D cursor to the position that you want the view to center on, and then press the C-KEY.

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