Navigate in 3D

As you navigate around and through your 3D model, the location of the model in space remains constant. It is your current view (viewpoint), of the model that is changing. You can see the current view properties in the Properties panel when nothing is selected. The Camera (X,Y,Z) represents your location as you view the model. Pretend you are viewing it through a camera lens. The Target (X,Y,Z) is where the camera lens is pointed. As you navigate around the model, the Camera and Target coordinates update accordingly. Those coordinates are read-only in the Properties panel. There are other View properties that you can edit. Perspective is the most important control to be aware of for navigation purposes.

You can set Perspective to On or Off for the current view. When set to On, the view displays the visual perspective mode (left). When set to Off, it displays the parallel perspective mode (right).



To control the Perspective property

Do one of the following:

  • Select the View / Perspective property in the Properties panel.
  • Right click the Look From widget, then choose Perspective in the context menu.

Mouse and keyboard navigation options

One of the easiest and most common methods for navigating around a 3D model is with the mouse and keyboard. Simply press the Shift key and middle mouse button as you move the mouse to orbit the model. The cursor changes to an orbit icon indicating you’re in orbit mode.

There are many other mouse and keyboard navigation methods that you’re probably familiar with from your 2D CAD experience. Most of those methods are also useful for 3D modeling.

  • Zoom in/out – Roll the mouse wheel. You can zoom all the way into a model and walk around inside it when in perspective mode. In isometric mode you can only zoom in very close, but not go inside.
  • Zoom Extents – Double-click the mouse wheel.
  • Pan – Press the mouse wheel or middle mouse button.

See the ’View Manipulation using the Mouse and Keyboard’ article for a comprehensive list.

The LookFrom navigation tool

The LookFrom tool is displayed in the upper right corner of the Drawing area. Click on different places on the LookFrom tool to display the view from standard viewpoints. By default, it includes Top, Left, Right, Front, Back, Top Back Left, Top Back Right, Top Front Left, and Top Front Right. As you pass the cursor over a viewpoint, the relevant icon appears at the center and a tooltip displays below. You can press the Ctrl key to access similar options for Bottom viewpoints.



A right-click menu offers access to additional controls and settings.

Choose LookFrom Settings… in the context menu to open the Settings dialog box and edit the LookFrom related system variables.