Photo

Module(s): Shadow

You can use the Photo tool to create a realistic, vector-oriented 2D image with shadows based on a 3D model or selected elements.

Tips on lighting effects

Photo, important steps

To obtain a photo (2D image) based on a 3D model

• Use Photo settings to make the appropriate settings before calculating a photo-realistic image with Photo.
  The settings you make are valid for all the calculations until you change them.
• Select all the drawing files with the 3D model. Whether the drawing files are open in edit or reference mode is irrelevant.

1. Set a view by choosing one of the standard views or clicking 3D View on the viewport toolbar.

   Tip: You can set a view in the animation window and copy it to the viewport by clicking Match parameters in the 3D View palette. In order to do this, switch Navigation Mode off.

2. If you are working with multiple viewports, select the relevant viewport now.
3. Click Photo (How).
   

   Activate Photo in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Create Presentation Shadow

   • Palette: Tools Create area in the following module(s):

   Shadow

   • Configuration: Design Shadow and Paint flyout
4. Define the parameters for the calculation in the Calculate Photo dialog box and click OK to confirm.
5. If you want to save the result of the calculation to a drawing file, enter the drawing file number(s) in the Select file dialog box.

   Note: Depending on the Photo settings, the program creates up to two drawing files per photo when you save the calculation: one drawing file with the fills and one with the edges.

6. Select the elements you want to include in the calculation.
   To calculate the entire model, click All in the Input options.
7. Depending on the settings, the program presents the resulting photo as follows:
   • As an vector image in up to two drawing files
   • As a bitmap in the Shadow calculation: result window.
8. You can now save or edit this bitmap in the Shadow calculation: result window. You can also convert it to other data formats or print it out. Use the tools on the menus:
   • File menu
   • Edit menu
   • View menu
   • Color menu
   • Bitmap menu
   • Effects menu
9. Press ESC to quit the tool.

   Note: You cannot make any entries in Allplan while the Shadow calculation: result window is open. Don’t forget to close this window after the photo has been calculated, even before running a new calculation. Press ESC or click X at top right in the viewport border.

Tip: The greater the distance between the eye and target point, the poorer the quality of the calculation. You can thus increase the quality of the calculation simply by reducing the distance between the eye and target point.