AUTOCAD

AutoCAD 2004 Customization Tutorial: 3D Graphics Display 

The quality of 3D models in drawing area depends on some system variables. The following tutorial shows you how to control the quality of 3D graphics with the help of FACETRES and ISOLINES. Another tutorial will discuss the use of Options dialog box.

1. Download 

Note: If you are using an earlier release of AutoCAD download 

2. Open the file in AutoCAD 2004. A 3D solid model appears in Wireframe mode [Figure 1].

Figure 1 - Click on image to enlarge

3. In command line enter ISOLINES and alter the value to 12.

4. Invoke REGEN. The appearance of the model changes [Figure 2].

Figure 2 - Click on image to enlarge

5. Enable Shade toolbar.

6. Click the Hidden button [Figure 3].

Figure 3 - Click on image to enlarge

7. Invoke Render command. A rendered image of the model appears on screen [Figure 4].

Figure 4 - Click on image to enlarge

8. Invoke REGEN to view the model in current viewport.

9. In command line enter FACETRES. This system variable can enhance the quality of hidden models and rendered images. The default value is 0.5 but it can vary from 0.01 to 10. The bigger the value, the better quality, the longer rendering time.

10. Alter the value of FACETRES to 10 (i.e. the best quality).

11. Invoke REGEN. The appearance of model will be enhanced [Figure 5].

Note: If you are using an earlier release of AutoCAD, altering FACETRES has no effect on the model shown by hidden option of Shade toolbar. This system variable affects the behavior of HIDE and RENDER only.

Figure 5 - Click on image to enlarge

12. Invoke RENDER. The quality of render image is better (comparing to what you see in Figure 4) [Figure 6].