Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 1-6
is a breakdown of the modo user interface (UI) with labels for the features that are pertinent
to this section.
Figure 1-6:
The modo user interface
Maneuvering in 3D Space
Now that you have a basic understanding of our canvas, you are ready to start maneuvering the viewports
to get the best view for any part of the creative process. In a 2D application, the view controls are simple
and are limited to panning, zooming, and rotating the canvas. Interestingly, the addition of just one more
navigational feature significantly complicates the way that we interact with the environment.
Panning and zooming are relative to the perspective of the user, so they do not change much. There are
two ways to pan in 3D space: by clicking and dragging on the pan icon in the upper-right corner of the view
or by holding Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) while clicking and dragging.
Zooming can be achieved via one of three methods. As with the pan tools, there is a zoom widget in the
upper-right corner (this one zooms directly toward the center of the view). Holding Alt+Ctrl (Windows) or
Option+Control (Mac) while clicking and dragging zooms based on the position of the cursor. By using this
method with the right mouse button, a zoom area can be selected. This creates a box, and the area inside will
zoom to fill the view after the mouse button is released. Finally, you can zoom with the scroll wheel. This
last option is also context sensitive and will zoom toward the cursor position.
