Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Luxology's modo and many other common 3D applications work by default with the y-axis
pointing up. Some applications, however, use z as the up-axis. The modo program allows you
to customize this aspect in its preferences. Choose System
⇒
Preferences
⇒
Input
⇒
Accuracy
And Units. From the heading marked Coordinate System, you can change the up-axis to z, y,
or even x to suit your needs.
You can view a 3D scene through either an orthographic or a perspective view. An
orthographic view
offers a completely flat vantage point of objects, and placement without perspective of any kind. This means
that objects located farther from the viewer will not appear smaller as the distance increases. An orthograph-
ic view is similar to a floor plan or elevation in architecture. Because it lacks the distortion associated with
perspective, this type of view is ideal for creating and aligning objects.
Modo offers different interface layouts under its viewport tabs. Model Quad gives us three orthographic
views and one perspective view. Although these two-dimensional views are initially set to Top, Front, and
Right views, they can be changed to any other angle (Bottom, Left, or Back) and to views that include three-
dimensional perspective.
Perspective views
enable you to see objects and scenes with real depth. There are options to use an ar-
bitrary perspective (the default in the Model Quad layout), camera perspective (based on the default scene
camera or any additional cameras that have been added in the creative process), or light perspective. You
can completely adjust the first option without changing the scene in any way, but it is important to note that
