Working with 3D Objects ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Informa comes standard with three, 3D objects. These include a cube, a sphere and a pyramid. If you don't see these three items listed under the Geometry Tab in Informa Create you need to request the latest software upgrade.
To use one of the 3D objects, select the Geometry tab and drag the item to the Draw Screen. Select the Clock in the tool bar to provide a lifespan for the object. Next click on the Wrench or right click over the object to display the Properties Dialog Box. From this window you can change or modify the following items:
- Dimensions for a specific area or overall size using X, Y and Z coordinates
- Add images or color to a side or sides of an object
- Change the orientation of the object
- Insert Video
- Modify the rotation of the object.
To modify the size of an object check the Modify Size Box at the top of the properties window. This will open the X, Y and Z Axis boxes. Changing the numbers will change the size and/or depth of the object. The Sphere's normal dimension is 90 x 90 x 90. If you change the size to 180 x 180 x 10 the effect is that of a disk or wafer that when rotated provides two round, flat surfaces for a logo, graphic, image or video. A note about size and dimensions...there is no direct measurement relationship between the 2D Draw Screen and a 3D Object because the 3D Object is offset somewhat. You can think about the measurement in the X, Y and Z boxes of the 3D Objects as pixels but generally speaking the object will be slightly smaller than it would be as a 2D object. Your eye is the best judge of the porportion.
Another way to change the size of an object is to use the "handler" or red box around each object. Simply mouse-over the red border and the mouse pointer will change to a double-arrow. Click and drag the border to the size needed. If the border reaches a stopping point it means you have reached "0" on one of the dimensions and the object cannot shrink any further.
You can change the cube to a square or lengthen the X dimension to create a bar. Reduce the Z to a 10 and you have flattened out the cube to a flat bar.
For added interest change the rotation numbers in the properties box so the object turns or rotates. The X axis turns the oject from left to right. If you add a minus (-) it will go the other way. The Y axis will tumble or rotate the object toward you or away from you if a minus is used before the number.
But wait, there's more...you can insert video into a 3D object as well as graphics and color. Use the same Properties Box (Wrench Icon) and check the box for Modify Images / Color. If you select Video Capture, Informa will insert color bars on the active surface or side. Please note you must purchase the Video Insertion or Video Window option for this feature to work. De-selecting Video Capture enables the Side and Image options. From here you can select a side or panel of the object and add a graphic. Clicking the Orientation Arrow allows the graphic to be adjusted so it displays properly. This gives you the flexibility to take a cube and add a logo to two or more sides and add video or color to the other sides.
Experimentation will be the best tutor for 3D Objects. Your creative genius is the key to making effective and dramatic use of these items to enhance your stations on-air image. Please call us if you need assistance.
