Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
The Cross Section is used to display part of the output render, but as
our main concern here is 3D animation, I thought it would be a good idea
for you to see an example of how to use the cross section features to
create animation, such as displaying 3D text gradually by animating the
cross-section plane over the 3D text and setting it to be rendered or
exported as 3D animation. You will see how to use the Cross Section and
render options to create an animation efect over 3D text by converting it
from a wireframe to solid-color text. In addition to the using the cross-
section, we will use the two-side render preset to display the wireframe of
the object:
1. Open the ile 3Dtext.psd, which includes 3D text with a solid
polygon mesh.
2. Open the 3D panel, and from the Presets drop-down list, choose a
two-side render option to enable the display of the wireframe.
3. In the Cross Section section, check the box next to Cross Section to
activate the cross section plane. The Cross Section plane appears to cut
the 3D text: half of the 3D text disappears.
4. Set the planner axis to Z.
5. Use the Ofset value to move the plane to the top of the text.
6. Click Flip Cross Section to show the whole text as wireframe.
7. Uncheck the Plane box to hide the plane from the animation render.
8. Open the Animation panel and extend the 3D layer properties to the
Cross Section properties layer.
9. Click the Animation Stop Watch to activate the animation.
10. Move the Current Time indicator to frame 30.
11. In the Cross Section Ofset, set the value to 100. This will move the
plane to the right to reveal the 3D text.
12. For better rendering quality, set quality to Ray Traced Draft or Final from
the Quality drop-down list in the 3D panel. This option provides
smoother edges, but will make the animation display the shadows,
slowing down the render process.
Render Options
When you click the Edit button in the 3D Scene panel under the Render
Settings, the Render Options dialog box displays to set the render settings
for the 3D layer (Figure 12.5).
At the top of the dialog box, the Presets drop-down list shows the
predeined render options that you can apply directly to the model. These
presets are similar to presets in the drop-down list in the 3D scene panel.
However, the drop-down list in the 3D panel provides faster access to the
render presets.
Next to the Presets list, the Delete and Save icons allow you to delete or save
your custom render options. The render options are saved in P3R format.
