Contents
What’s
New in Alias 2011
General improvements
General Disclaimer
Installation and Licensing
System Diagnostics
Changes to .ICON file generation
and viewing
PIX output has been removed
StudioViewer has been retired
Changes to the user interface
Separate colors for curves/surfaces
and mesh/mesh sections
Changes to Set Non Proportional
View and Dolly interaction
Changes in Perspective
window viewing
New option to exclude texture
objects from Look At
Additive Selection mode
Selection on the interior
of surfaces
CER now working on the
Mac
View navigation on the
Mac
Creating and accessing
a shared Construction Presets file on a network
Documentation changes
Visualization
Change to Anti-Alias settings
and improved edge display
Improved Ambient Occlusion workflow
New parameters for some
diagnostic shading modes
Modeling
Improved Fit Curve tool
Offsetting surfaces with
unified normals
G3 Continuity Section Type
for Surface Fillets
G3 Continuity in Freeform
Blend and Profile Blend
Improvements in CV selection
and movement
Vector options within Project
and Trim tools
Changes to Blend Curves
option defaults
Change to curve-on-surface
output from Tubular Offset, Surface Fillet and Fillet Flange
Better way to rebuild surfaces
Evaluation
New editor for creating
cross sections
New Pedestrian Protection
evaluation tool
Curvature comb displays
on symmetric curves
Better look for surface
continuity locator
Protecting invisible locators
from deletion
Data Transfer
Option to output logfile
for IGES Import/Export
Changes to IGES Export
New options for Catia V5
importer
New version option for
Granite export
Fixed Limitations
Dual Monitor Issues
General Issues
Modeling Issues
Visualization Issues
Rendering Issues
Data Transfer Issues
Version Compatibility
What’s Where...
New tools
Renamed tools
Obsolete tools
Learning Alias
How to use this book
About the Learning Alias Tutorials
For More Information
Graphic Conventions
Terms
Getting help on Alias
Finding help on Alias features
Finding Alias training
resources
Finding support for Alias
Working with Alias
Interface Basics
Introduction
Installing the tutorial
courseware files
Starting Alias
Overview of the Alias Interface
Using Help
Arranging Windows
Using Tools
Tool Basics
Using a Snap Mode
Picking and Unpicking Objects
Shortcuts to Tools
Creating Custom Shelves
Using and Customizing Marking
Menus
Using hotkeys
Changing Your View of the
Model
Tracking, Dollying, and
Tumbling the Camera’s View
Changing the Point of Interest
Using the Viewing Panel
Understanding the Object
Lister
Types of Nodes
The Object Lister window
Conclusion
Introduction to 3D
Beginning a Model
Part 1: Creating 3D objects
Saving your work
Part 2: Building the lampstand
Part 3: Organizing the
model
Part 4: Building the lampshade
Part 5: Assembling the
desk lamp
Part 6: Posing the Lamp
Model
Conclusion
Quiz
On your own
Quiz Answers
Modeling a Joystick
Introduction
Part 1: Creating the Joystick Handle
Part 2: Creating the Joystick
Base
Part 3: Creating the Flexible
Sleeve
Part 4: Creating the connecting cable
Part 5: Assigning objects
to layers
Part 6: Directly modifying
surfaces
Part 7: Creating the button
Part 8: Visualizing the
Model
Conclusion
Quiz
On Your Own
Quiz Answers
Modeling a Vacuum Cleaner
Modeling Workflow
Part 1: Creating Primary
Surfaces
Part 2: Intersecting and
Trimming
Part 3: Surface Fillet
Part 4: Creating the Handle
Part 5: Air Vents
Part 6: Power Button
Part 7: Dust Bag and Cable
Connector
Part 8: Completing the
Model
Conclusion
Quiz
On Your Own
Quiz Answers
Modeling an MP3 Player
Introduction
Part 1: Creating the Casing
Curves
Part 2: Creating the Side
Surfaces
Part 3: Completing the
Casing
Part 4: Creating the Screen
Recess
Part 5: Center Navigation
Key
Part 6: Control Button
Part 7: Completing the
Model
Conclusion
Quiz
On Your Own
Quiz Answers
Modeling a Sports Shower
Gel Bottle
New Concepts
Part 1: Creating Primary
Surfaces
Part 2: Creating the Finger
Grip
Part 3: Label Surface
Part 4: Adding Blend Details
Part 5: Embossed Logo Details
Part 6: Completing the
Model
Conclusion
Quiz
On Your Own
Quiz Answers
An introduction to Rendering
Overview
Visualizing a PDA
Conclusion
Quiz
On Your Own
Quiz Answers
Shaders and Lights
Introduction
Part 1: Creating Shaders
Part 2: Adding a Label
Part 3: Lighting the Scene
Part 4: Creating an Image
Conclusion
Quiz
On Your Own
Quiz Answers
More rendering
Part 1: Editing the Render
Globals parameters
Part 2: Creating a background environment
Part 3: Creating a 3D solid
texture
Part 4: Creating a 2D bump
texture
Part 5: Raytracing
Conclusion
Quiz
On your own
Quiz Answers
Learning Technical Surfacing
Glossary
Alias Concepts
Background
Points
History of splines
Mathematical representations
of curves
NURBS
Curves
CVs, hulls, and edit points
Moving edit points vs. moving
CVs
Multi-knots and CV multiplicity
Rational vs. non-rational
geometry
Constructing quality curves
Blend curves
Keypoint curves
Surfaces
Isoparametric curves
Patches
What NURBS surfaces can’t
do
Curves-on-surface
Trimming
Shells
Object properties
Degree
Parameters and parameterization
Normals and surface orientation
Pivot points
Construction history
Modeling concepts
Absolute and relative addressing
Momentary and continuous
buttons
Curvature
Laying out curves and surfaces
Continuity
Creating and measuring curvature
continuity
New method of curvature
continuity evaluation
The construction plane
Dynamic shape modeling
Meshes
What is a mesh?
Operations allowed on meshes
Rendering
The rendering workflow
Shaders
Shading models
Textures
Rendering methods
Animation
Animation in Alias
Parameters
Getting help and reporting
problems
Show the online help
Show help on a tool or menu
item
Find the location of a tool
or menu item in the interface
Report errors
Interface and General Tasks
Use tools and menus
Choose a tool
Choose a menu item
Set options for a tool or
menu item
Option box versus Control
Window
Use marking menus
Use the mouse and keyboard
in tools
Get feedback from the prompt
line
Pick and unpick
Use pick conventions
Pick or unpick objects
Pick special object types
Pick or unpick all objects
Pick or unpick control points
Pick or unpick visible
objects
Open, save, and print files
Create a file
Open a file
Import data into the current
file
Import reference data
Save a file
Save checkpoints
Export picked objects
Export sketch images
Export images of the screen
or windows
Use the Alias file browser
(Windows only)
Organize files into projects
Recover data after a crash
Safely terminate Alias and
recover data
Fix image plane problems
Print
Set up the printer
Choose the scale and layout
of the drawing
Change the layout of view
boxes on the printout
Change the scale of objects
in the drawing
Give layers individual print attributes
Change the look of the grid,
locators, and information box
Preview images in RGB or
CMYK
Print the current file
Print part of a large model
on a single sheet of paper
Print to a non-PostScript/HPGL2 printer
Printing images
Move around the scene
Tumble, track, dolly, and
tilt the view
Zoom the view
Center the view on specific
objects
Change the point of interest
Use the ViewCube tool and
NavBar
Use the view panel
Scale a view non-proportionally
Magnify part of a view
Change the yaw and pitch
(viewpoint) of the camera
Work with camera objects
View models at a 1:1 scale
Manage view windows
Change the view window layout
Load and save custom view
window layouts
Synchronize window views
Resize view windows
Make certain windows stay
in front or behind others
Visualize surfaces
Increase the number of descriptive isoparametric
curves
Shade surfaces with color
Shade surfaces as a hidden
line drawing
Shade surfaces with a render
preview of their rendered appearance
Use the smooth tumble icon
to view shaded surfaces
Change the display
Show, hide, or change the
grid
Hide or show specific items
Show or hide CVs and other
object features
Change the display of the wireframe
Change how objects are drawn
Make objects visible and
invisible
Change the transparency
of objects
Simplify the display of
objects
Customize Alias
Customize Alias for maximum
efficiency
Customize shelves
Manage shelves
Create custom tools
Customize marking menus
Change the layout of the
palette and shelf windows
Customize the menus
Create and edit hotkeys
Customize colors
Customize icons
Set up construction options
Save and load preferences
Customize the shelf areas
of the Modeling control panel
Tips and Tricks
Modeling
Create geometry
Create curves
Draw a curve by placing
CVs or edit points
Create a curve from a library
of pre-drawn curves (sweeps)
Manage your sweeps library
Draw a blend curve
Create a curve connecting
objects
Add to an existing curve
Create free NURBS curves
by fitting
Create free NURBS curves
by projecting
Draw and edit CAD-like
lines and arcs
Draw keypoint lines and
arcs
Draw a keypoint rectangle
Draw keypoint lines parallel
or at an angle to existing curves
Draw keypoint tangent or
perpendicular to existing curves
Draw a keypoint circle or
ellipse
Draw keypoint arcs in relation
to existing curves
Edit keypoint curves
Work with, limit, or delete
guidelines
Build simple surfaces
Create a 3D geometric primitive
Create a text object
Create a flat surface inside
a curve
Create a surface connecting
profile curves
Revolve a curve around an
axis
Sweep a profile curve along
a path curve
Pull a surface from a set
of curves
Pull surfaces from curves
of an existing surface
Add a beveled edge to a
curve or surface
Build a tube surface from
free curves
Use construction aids
Snap to curves, points,
or the grid
View and edit the construction
history of an object
Suspend and resume construction history
updates
Delete construction history
Use objects as templates
Create a reference point
Create or edit a reference
vector
Create or edit a reference
plane
Work with the construction
plane
Automatically create symmetrical geometry
View or change the properties
of objects and locators
Use selection handles to
make picking easier
Build primary surfaces
that maintain continuity
Set up the Rail surface
tool
Sweep generation curves
along rail curves (Rail)
Create a spiral tube (coil)
Create a surface inside
four boundary curves or corners (Square)
Specify continuity on a
Square or Rail surface
Build transition (secondary)
surfaces
Create a fillet surface
Choose the type of a fillet
surface
Control the radius along
the length of a variable fillet surface
Control the chordal distance
along the length of a variable fillet surface
Manipulate fillet surface
cross section and continuity
Create a blend surface by
specifying profiles
Create rolled edge surfaces
Troubleshooting trimmed
surfaces
Build corner (tertiary)
surfaces
Create rounded edges and
corners
Create ball corner surfaces
Create and edit curve networks
Understand curve networks
Work with curve networks
Create a curve network
Add or subtract curves in
a curve network
Change the continuity along
network curves
Edit network curves while
maintaining intersections
Understand sculpt curves
Lock curve network edges
Add or remove a sculpt curve
in a curve network
Change the influence of
sculpt curves
Analyze problems with a
curve network
Organize objects
Rename an object
Organize objects on layers
Change the wireframe color
of a layer
Operate on all the objects
in a layer
Group and ungroup objects
Modify geometry
Move, scale, rotate, flip
or place objects
Change an object’s pivot
point
Move items
Scale objects proportionally
Scale objects non-proportionally
Scale objects around a
rotational pivot
Rotate objects
Flip (reflect) objects
Use local instead of global
axes
Position an object based
on input points/planes
Position multiple copies
of an object along a curve
Reshape curves and surfaces
Reshape a curve or surface
using the object editor
Change the degree or number
of spans of a curve or surface from the Modeling control panel
Move CVs in world (XYZ)
space
Move CVs relative to their
curve or surface
Move CVs along an arbitrary
vector or plane
Move multiple CVs toward
or away from a point
Transform one CV and have
surrounding CVs follow it
Transform controls symmetrically
Edit or reshape a blend
curve
Attach or detach blend
points
Extend the ends/edges of
a curve or surface
Flatten a basic curve onto
a plane
Flatten a blend curve to
a plane
Flatten hull lines onto
planes
Integrate digitized clay
model data with modeled surfaces
Edit objects
Delete objects
Change the tangent direction
at a blend point
Change the direction type
of a blend curve constraint
Change the continuity at
a blend point
Change the degree or parameterization
of a blend curve
Insert additional edit
points/isoparametric curves into a curve or surface
Slice (section) a group
of curves
Change an object’s degree
or number of spans
Simplify objects
Convert rational to non-rational
geometry
Reverse the direction of
a curve or surface
Change the orientation
of surfaces
Unify the orientation of
a number of surfaces
Make an object open or
closed
Automatically add spans
to a curve with high curvature
Convert a curve to uniform
parameterization
Convert surfaces to and
from shells (stitch/unstitch)
Use boolean operations
on shells
Create copies of objects
Duplicate objects
Create a free curve from
existing geometry
Create an offset copy
Create linked instances
of objects
Align, combine, or split
objects
Make curves intersect
Workflows for the new Align
tool
Workflows for Align 2008
Align curves or surfaces
across the symmetry plane
Make a curve tangent or
curvature continuous with a surface
Match the edit point locations
of a set of curves
Join (attach) two curves
or surfaces together
Split (detach) an object
into separate objects
Split (divide) a surface
into trimmed surfaces along curves-on-surface
Split a curve into separate
curves at its inflection points
Cut or trim surfaces
Create curves-on-surface
offset from a curve
Create curves-on-surface
where a surface intersects other surfaces or a plane
Create curves-on-surface
where a surface intersects multiple planes
Create curves-on-surface
by projecting curves onto surfaces
Trim a surface
Reverse the sequence of
trims performed on a surface
Convert a trimmed surface
into an untrimmed surface with the same shape
Trim a regular surface
then convert a four-sided trim region into an untrimmed surface
Using Dynamic Shape Modeling
Set up a Transformer Rig
Use Transformer Rigs
Change Transformer Rigs
Add a clamp to surfaces
in Transformer Rigs
Use predefined modifiers
with Transformer Rigs
Use rigid targets with
Transformer Rigs
Set up a Lattice Rig to
modify shapes
Use a lattice to modify
shapes
Tutorial: using the Lattice
Rig to stretch a shower gel bottle
Tutorial: using the Lattice
Rig to modify a vase.
Tutorial: using the Transformer
Rig tool to change the roof of a car
Transformer and Lattice
Rig best practices
Troubleshooting
Evaluate geometry
Judge or evaluate curve
or surface quality
Show curve curvature
Find curve problems using
the curve curvature plot
Show the minimum and maximum
curvature on a surface
Check the deviation and
continuity on surface edges
Measure the deviation between
two objects
Measure deviations using
the Show deviations tool in the Modeling control panel
Create or view cross sections
Drag dynamic cross sections
through surfaces
Check continuity between
curves
Create curves on surface
from evaluation data
Create an impact curve
with Pedestrian Protection tool
Shade surfaces with color
Shade a surface with a
curvature map
Shade a surface with zebra
stripes
Show iso-angle lines on
a surface
Shade a surface with its
draft angles
Check objects for modeling
problems
Prepare a model for import
into CAD systems
Visualize the deviation
between mesh-surface, surface-surface or mesh-mesh
Make quick measurements
on shaded models
Measure the mass properties
of a model
Add annotations or measurements
Create a label
Create linear or angular
measurements
Create radial measurements
Edit a label or measurement
object
Measure the length of a
curve
Create or edit text comments
on an object
Work with meshes
Create, display and save
meshes
Create a mesh
Pick meshes
Adjust the mesh display
Shade a mesh
Save meshes
Create new geometry from
meshes
Project curves on meshes
Project curves normal to
meshes
Create curves at mesh intersections
Create degree 1 curves
from mesh boundaries
Create theoretical intersection
curve along feature
Reconstruct edges on meshes
Create collar surfaces
from meshes
Offset meshes
Divide and combine meshes
Cut meshes
Divide up meshes
Merge meshes
Clean up and repair meshes
Smooth a mesh
Reduce the complexity of
meshes
Fill holes in a mesh
Bridge gaps in a mesh
Merges vertices in a mesh
Repair defects in meshes
Stitch seams between mesh components
Reverse the normals on
a mesh or mesh component
Position meshes
Align a source mesh to
a destination mesh
Integrate Alias with scanners
and CAD
Work with scan data
Pick section data
Sort section lines into
layers
Change the display of section
data
Fit a curve to a section
line
Fit a surface to scan data
Edit point clouds
Project a curve onto a
point cloud
Build a surface on a point
cloud
Work with CAD packages
Use the tolerances required
by a specific CAD package
Tips and Tricks
Sketching
Introduction
How do I?
Set up for sketching
Set up my tablet and stylus
2D best practices
Set up Alias for sketching
The Paint window
Learn about sketching hot
keys
Sketch on a Cintiq
Get started sketching
Create a conceptual design
sketch
Annotate a model or cloud
data
Bookmark an annotated model
Bookmark workflows
Use canvas planes
Introduction to canvas
and image planes
Create a canvas plane
Import an image as a new
canvas
Name a canvas plane
Select a canvas
Change your view of a canvas
plane
Hide or show a canvas plane
Set the background color
Synchronize canvas plane
views
Scale a canvas plane
Crop, expand, or move a
canvas plane
Convert an animation image
plane to a canvas image plane or vice versa
Export a canvas plane
Print a canvas plane
Delete a canvas plane
Organize a sketch using
image layers
Introduction to image layers
View the arrangement of
image layers
Create an image layer
Name an image layer
Import an image as an image
layer
Select an image layer
Duplicate an image layer
Move, scale, or rotate
an image layer
Flip an image layer horizontally
or vertically
Arrange image layers
Copy and paste layers into
another canvas
Hide or show an image layer
Change the opacity of an
image layer
Invert the colors of an
image layer
Merge image layers
Export an image layer
Clear an image layer
Delete an image layer
Apply and remove paint
using brushes
Introduction to brushes
Paint and erase
Customize brushes and paint
Customize brush display
Set brush mode to paint,
erase, hide, or show
Set brush paint color
Set brush and paint opacity
Set marker wetness
Set blur strength
Set sharpness and sharpen
strength
Set brush size, shape,
and profile
Set brush stroke properties
Snap a brush to a curve
Sketch using brush symmetry
Sketch using predictive
strokes
Clone an area
Flood an area with paint
Hide and show paint
Create a texture brush
Create a shape texture
brush
Create a shape from curves
using the Paint panel
Edit a shape using the
Paint panel
Use a snapshot as a brush
in the Paint panel
Apply paint using shapes
Introduction to shapes
Create curves for shapes
Create a shape
Edit a shape
Delete a shape
Create and use multiple
Shape tool instances
Convert shapes to paint
Protect areas using masks
Introduction to masks
Create a mask by selecting
a region
Create a mask from an image
file
Create a mask by painting
Create a mask from curves
Create a mask shape from
text
Invert a mask
Customize the mask display
Dis-associate or associate
a mask with an image layer
Delete masks
Use the automatic shape
mask option
Use invisibility mask shapes
Edit images
Cut, copy, and paste regions
of a sketch
Blur paint
Sharpen paint
Smear paint
Adjust colors in images
Balance color
Adjust colors
Protect part of an image
from color adjustment changes
Modify gray scale regions
of an image
Modify color saturation
and value in an image
Modify brightness and contrast
in an image
Replace Color
Remove a color by making
it transparent
Modify parts of an image
Remove the background from
an image
Replace background in an
image with a texture
Resize an object on a canvas
Deform and warp images
Deform an image to correct
perspective
Warp an image with shapes
Create digital tape drawings
Create rapid concepts using sketching
and rolled edge tools
Create a 3D sketch
Project a sketch to quickly
add design details
Modify an object with curve
warp shapes
Project a sketch for fast
design label mapping
Building primary and transition surfaces
using the fillet flange and tube flange tool
Tips and Tricks
Rendering
Introduction
Workflow for rendering
Rendering tools and menus
Render an image in a 3D
scene
Understanding rendering
textures
Surface texture
Solid texture
Environment texture
Texture Placement Objects
Projection texture
Lights
Cameras
Camera editor
Types of renderers
What are rendering parameters?
Preview rendering
Scene Description Language
How do I
Use the Multi-lister
Open the Multi-lister
Change the Multi-lister
display
Select an environment,
shader, texture, or light
Create a shader or light
Edit an environment, shader,
texture, or light
Save and load an environment,
shader, texture, or light
Apply shading to surfaces
Assign or layer a shader
Apply reflection to a shader
Move a shader from or to
the shader library on the Visualization control panel
Assign a shader to a surface
using the Apply Shaders tool
Assign a shader to a surface
using the Visualization control panel
Modify attributes of shaders
Layer shaders onto a surface
Change colors
Open the Color Editor
Select and edit colors
Customize the color palettes
Use the Control Window
Open the Control Window
Copy parameter settings
Animate parameters
Add or edit textures
Open a texture procedures
window
Set the texture placement
object
Map a texture
Use surface textures
Label mapping
Label masking
File masking
Chroma key masking
Position surface textures
Apply surface textures
Map a label to a shader
Mask a label using an image
file mask
Mask a label using chroma
key masking
Use 3D mapping to position
a texture on a surface
Use 2D mapping to position
a texture on a surface
Texture Placement window
Link a texture image file
to an object
Apply solid textures
Create cloud effects using
solid textures
Create flame effects using
solid textures
Create smoke effects using
solid textures
Create glow effects using
solid textures
Convert a solid texture
to a File texture
Reparameterize a mesh
Apply the camera projection
method to solid textures
Create a smear map to a
solid texture
Apply a planar projection
on to a solid texture
Apply 3D environments
To use image-based lighting
Create a 3D environment
Create a Ball environment
Create a Cube environment
Add and edit lights
Create a light
Display light icons
Animate lights
Correct self shadows
Link a light
Add and edit cameras
Open the Camera Editor
Mimic the squeeze ratio
for an anamorphic lens
Create or copy a camera
Display camera icons
Change a camera’s view
Animate a camera
Select camera views to
render
Add and edit image planes
Add or delete an image
plane
Name an image plane
Hide or show an image plane
Adjust image plane brightness,
contrast, and color
Move or scale an image
plane
Crop or extend an image
plane
Animate an image plane
Direct render a window
Set rendering quality on
a per-object basis
Render a scene
Render a scene using the
current Rendering Options settings
Render a scene using Ambient Occlusion
View a rendered image
Stop a render in progress
Export an SDL file
Edit an SDL file
Create a line drawing rendering
Use a command line rendering program
Render a scene from the
UNIX command line
Troubleshoot
Common rendering problems
Common shadow image problems
Common aliasing problems
Common surfaces problems
Common textures problems
Common motion blur problems
Common glows problems
Common image planes problems
Common miscellaneous object problems
Overall image problems
Optimization
Animating
Introduction
What is animation?
What can you animate?
Basic workflow for manually
creating an animation
What happens when an item
is animated?
How can I tell if something
is animated?
What is a parameter curve
action and a motion path action?
What happens when you animate
a camera on a curve?
Can I reuse animation on
another channel?
What is inverse kinematics?
What is a time warp curve?
How do I?
Create a turntable animation
Create a keyframe animation
Create an exploded view animation
Prepare to import or export
Create skeletons and inverse kinematics
animation
Work with IK chain solvers
Work with constraints
Deform surfaces
Apply a time warp
Data transfer
Introduction to data transfer
Data transfer workflow
Solid Modeling Theory concepts
Solid Modeling workflow
Solid Modeling tolerance
requirements
Get the topology right
before transferring data
Requirements and workflows
for CAD packages
Inventor (Windows only)
Pro/ENGINEER (Windows only)
CATIA V4 (Windows only)
CATIA V5 (Windows only)
UGS NX (Unigraphics) (Windows
only)
Solid Imaging
How do I?
Import CAD data files
Import a data file
Import DWG/DXF files
Import Illustrator files
Open a Binary STL file
Import Cloud data
Import a PTC Granite or
a Pro/ENGINEER part file (Windows only)
Import from Pro/ENGINEER
into Alias via Pro/RENDER
Pro/ENGINEER options for
export and import of STEP or IGES files
Import CATIA V4 into Alias (Windows
only)
Import a CATIA V5 file
into Alias (Windows only)
Import a UGS NX (Unigraphics)
file into Alias (Windows only)
Import an Autodesk Inventor
file into Alias (Windows only)
Import a JT file (Windows
only)
Export CAD data files
Export a data file
Add a description to an
export file
Check for gaps before exporting
to a solid model
Export a DWF file (Windows
only)
Export a DWG or DXF file
(Windows only)
Export an Illustrator file
Use the tolerances required
by a specific CAD package
Export STEP/IGES/PTC Granite
to Pro/ENGINEER
Export SDL files
Export to CATIA V4 (Windows
only)
Export to CATIA V5 (Windows
only)
Create valid output for
Rapid Prototyping (STL and ZPR files)
Tips and Tricks
Troubleshoot
Overview
Edges do not match
View and interpret data
transfer log files
Evaluation tools
Appendix
Details on File Format
types
Wire format
IGES format
VDAFS format
VDAIS format
C4 format
UGS NX (Unigraphics) part
and assembly format (Windows only)
JAMAIS format
PTC Granite format (Windows
only)
DES format
DWF format (Windows only)
DWG format (Windows only)
DXF format (Windows only)
STEP format
Autodesk Inventor format
(Windows only)
CAI format for CATIA V4
files (Windows only)
CATIA V5 format (Windows
only)
OBJ format
Encapsulated Postscript
format
OpenInventor format (Windows
only)
Illustrator format
VRML format
Jupiter (JT) format (Windows
only)
ZPR format (Windows only)
Tool Palettes
Pick palette
Pick
> Nothing
Pick
> Object
Pick
> Component
Pick
> Template
Pick
> Pick Reference
Pick
> Edit Point
Pick
> Point Types > CV
Pick
> Point Types > Hull
Pick > Point Types > Blend Point
Pick > Object Types > Curve on Surface
Pick > Object Types > Cloud
Pick > Object Types > Image Plane
Pick > Object Types > All Objects/Lights
Pick > Object Types > Pick by Shader
Pick
> Locator
Pick
> Pick Visible
Transform palette
Transform
> Move
Transform
> Rotate
Transform
> Scale
Transform
> Non-p Scale
Transform > Modify > Proportional Mod
Transform > Modify > Move CV Normal
Transform > Modify > Rotational Scale
Transform > Local > Set Pivot
Transform > Local > Center Pivot
Transform > Local > Set Local Axes
Transform > Zero Transforms
Transform > Object
Placement > Duplicate Place Toolbox
Transform > Object Placement > Place
Paint palette
Paint
> Pencil
Paint
> Marker
Paint
> Airbrush
Paint
> Pastel Soft
Paint
> Solid Brush
Paint
> Eraser
Paint > Eraser > Clear Canvas Layer
Paint > Effect Brush > Sharpen Brush
Paint > Effect Brush > Blur Brush
Paint > Effect Brush > Smear Brush
Paint > Effect Brush > Clone Brush
Paint > Effect Brush > Dodge Brush
Paint > Effect Brush > Burn Brush
Paint
> Flood Fill
Paint > Pick Layer by Color
Paint > Select > Magic Wand
Paint
> Select > Marquee
Paint > Select > Toggle Marquee
Paint > Select > Invert Marquee
Paint > Select > Clear Marquee
Paint > Select > Transform Marquee
Paint > Shape > Make Image Shape
Paint > Shape > Make Mask Shape
Paint > Shape > Make Invisibility Mask
Shape
Paint
> Text Image
Paint > PaintSymmetry
> Modify Canvas Brush Symmetry
Paint > PaintSymmetry
> Toggle Canvas Brush Symmetry
Paint
> Color Editor
Paint Edit palette
Paint Edit > Modify Layer > Transform
Layer
Paint Edit > Modify Layer > Horizontal
Flip
Paint Edit > Modify Layer > Vertical
Flip
Paint Edit > Deform Layer
Paint Edit > Make Warp Shape
Paint Edit > Color
Correction > Color Manipulation
Paint Edit > Color
Correction > Brightness & Contrast
Paint Edit > Color Correction > Saturation
& Value
Paint Edit > Color Correction > Dodge
Paint Edit > Color Correction > Burn
Paint Edit > Color Correction > Color
Balance
Paint Edit > Color Correction > Color
Replace (HSV)
Paint Edit > Color Correction > Color
Replace (HSL)
Paint Edit > Layer Effect > Sharpen
Layer
Paint Edit > Layer Effect > Blur Layer
Paint Edit > Layer Operation
Paint Edit > Layer Operation > New
Image Layer
Paint Edit > Layer Operation > New
Mask Layer
Paint Edit > Layer
Operation > New Invisibility Mask Layer
Paint Edit > Layer Operation > New
Layer Folder
Paint Edit > Layer Operation > Duplicate
Layer
Paint Edit > Layer Operation > Merge
Below
Paint Edit > Layer
Operation > Merge Visible Layers
Paint Edit > Layer Operation > Merge
All Layers
Curves palette
Curves > Primitives > Circle
Curves > Primitives > Sweeps
Curves
> New Curves > New CV Curve
Curves > New Curves > New Edit Point
Curve
Curves > New Curves > New Sketch Curve
Curves > Blend Curve Toolbox
BlendCrv
Tools > Blend Curve Create
BlendCrv Tools > Blend Curve Add Points
BlendCrv
Tools > Blend Curve Edit
BlendCrv Tools > Blend Curve Planarize
BlendCrv Tools > Blend Constraint Dissociate
BlendCrv
Tools > Blend Pt Make Master
BlendCrv Tools > Constraint Interpolation Direction
BlendCrv Tools > Constraint Direction
Type
BlendCrv Tools > Constraint Continuity
BlendCrv Tools > Constraint Curvature
Type
BlendCrv
Tools > Curve Degree
BlendCrv Tools > Curve Knot Spacing
Curves > Keypoint Curve Toolbox
Keypoint Curve Tools > Circular Arc
Keypoint Curve Tools > Ellipse
Keypoint Curve Tools > Rectangle
Keypoint Curve Tools > Arcs > Arc (Three
Point)
Keypoint Curve Tools > Arcs > Arc (Two
Point)
Keypoint Curve Tools > Arcs > Arc Tangent
to Curve
Keypoint Curve Tools > Arcs > Concentric
Arc
Keypoint
Curve Tools > Lines > Line
Keypoint
Curve Tools > Lines > Polyline
Keypoint Curve Tools > Lines > Parallel
Line
Keypoint Curve Tools > Lines > Line
at Angle
Keypoint Curve Tools > Line Tangent &
Perp > Line Tangent to Curve
Keypoint Curve Tools > Line Tangent &
Perp > Line Tangent from/to Curve
Keypoint Curve Tools > Line Tangent &
Perp > Line Perpendicular
Keypoint
Curve Tools > Line-arc
Keypoint
Curve Tools > Break & Join > Break Curve at Keypoint
Keypoint
Curve Tools > Break & Join > Join Curves
Keypoint Curve Tools > Drag Keypoints
Curves > New Curve-on-surface
Curves
> Text
Curve Edit palette
Curve Edit > Create > Duplicate Curve
Curve Edit > Create > Combine Curves
Curve Edit > Create > Fillet Curves
Curve Edit > Modify > Add Points
Curve Edit > Modify > Transform Curve
Curve Edit > Modify > Stretch
Curve Edit > Cut > Break Curve at Inflections
Curve Edit > Rebuild Curve
Curve Edit > Project Tangent
Curve Edit > Curve Planarize
Curve Edit > Curve Section
Curve
Edit > Fit Curve
Curve Edit > Sort Sections
Curve Edit > Reverse Curve
Object Edit palette
Object Edit > Attach > Attach
Object Edit > Attach > Detach
Object
Edit > Insert
Object
Edit > Extend
Object Edit > Symmetric Modeling
Object Edit > Align > Align
Object Edit > Align > Align 2008
Object Edit > Align > Symmetry Plane
Align
Object
Edit > Offset
Object Edit > Dynamic
Shape Modeling > Transformer Rig
Object Edit > Dynamic
Shape Modeling > Lattice Rig
Object Edit > Dynamic Shape Modeling >
Twist Rig
Object Edit > Dynamic Shape Modeling >
Bend Rig
Object Edit > Dynamic
Shape Modeling > Conform Rig
Object Edit > Object Editor
Object
Edit > Close
Object Edit > Edit Comment
Object Edit > Patch Precision
Object Edit > Query Edit
Surfaces palette
Surfaces > Primitives > Sphere
Surfaces > Primitives > Torus
Surfaces > Primitives > Cylinder
Surfaces > Primitives > Cone
Surfaces > Primitives > Cube
Surfaces > Primitives > Plane
Surfaces > Planar Surfaces > Set Planar
Surfaces > Planar surfaces > Bevel
Surfaces
> Revolve
Surfaces
> Skin
Surfaces > Swept Surfaces > Rail Surface
Surfaces > Swept Surfaces > Extrude
Surfaces > Swept Surfaces > Anim Sweep
Surfaces > Boundary Surfaces > Square
Surfaces > Boundary Surfaces > N-sided
Surfaces > Surface Fillet
Surfaces > Multi-Surface Blend > Freeform
Blend
Surfaces > Multi-Surface Blend > Profile
Blend
Surfaces > Rolled Edge > Fillet Flange
Surfaces > Rolled Edge > Tube Flange
Surfaces > Rolled Edge > Tubular Offset
Surfaces
> Round
Surfaces > Draft Surfaces > Multi-Surface
Draft
Surfaces > Draft Surfaces > Draft/Flange
Surfaces > Curve Networks
CrvNet Tools > Pick Network
CrvNet Tools > New Network
CrvNet Tools > Continuity
CrvNet Tools > Add/Subtract Curves >
Add Curve to Network
CrvNet Tools > Add/Subtract Curves >
Remove Curve from Network
CrvNet Tools > Analyze Network
CrvNet Tools > Reset Sculpt Curves Mapping
CrvNet Tools > Add/Delete Sculpt >
Add Sculpt Curve
CrvNet Tools > Add/Delete Sculpt >
Delete Sculpt Curve
CrvNet
Tools > Pin Edge
CrvNet Tools > Influence Weights >
Multi Weight
CrvNet Tools > Influence Weights >
Unit Weight
CrvNet Tools > Lock Intersection
CrvNet Tools > Region of Influence
Surfaces > Combine Surfaces
Surfaces
> Ball Corner
Surfaces > Tube Surface
Surface Edit palette
Surface Edit > Create CurvesOnSurface
> Project
Surface Edit > Create
CurvesOnSurface > Intersect
Surface Edit > Create
CurvesOnSurface > Geometry Mapping
Surface Edit > Trim > Trim Surface
Surface Edit > Trim > Untrim
Surface Edit > Trim > Trim Convert
Surface Edit > Stitch > Shell Stitch
Surface Edit > Stitch > Shell Unstitch
Surface Edit > Shells > Shell Subtract
Surface Edit > Shells > Shell Intersect
Surface Edit > Shells > Shell Union
Surface Edit > Planarize Hull
Surface Edit > Rebuild Surface
Surface Edit > Claymate
Surface
Edit > Fit Scan
Surface Edit > Orientation
> Set Surface Orientation
Surface Edit > Orientation
> Unify Surface Orientation
Surface Edit > Orientation
> Reverse Surface Orientation
Surface Edit > Reverse Surface UV
Mesh palette
Mesh > Mesh Tessellation > Nurbs to
Mesh
Mesh > Mesh Tessellation > Cloud to
Mesh
Mesh > Mesh Tessellation
> Displacement Map to Mesh
Mesh > Mesh Partitioning > Mesh Subset
Mesh > Mesh Partitioning > Mesh Merge
Mesh > Mesh Partitioning > Mesh Cut
Mesh > Mesh Curves > Mesh Project Curve
Mesh > Mesh Curves > Mesh Project Normal
Mesh > Mesh Curves > Mesh Intersect
Mesh > Mesh Curves
> Mesh Extract Theoretical Intersection
Mesh > Mesh Curves > Mesh Boundaries
Mesh > Mesh Cleanup > Mesh Smooth
Mesh > Mesh Cleanup > Mesh Reduce
Mesh > Mesh Cleanup > Mesh Hole Fill
Mesh > Mesh Cleanup > Mesh Bridge
Mesh > Mesh Cleanup > Mesh Weld Vertices
Mesh
> Mesh Repair
Mesh
> Mesh Collar
Mesh
> Mesh Offset
Mesh
> Mesh Stitch
Mesh > Reverse Mesh Orientation
Mesh > Mesh Positioning
Mesh > Mesh Edge Reconstruct
Mesh
> Mesh Patch
View palette
View > World Move Camera > Tumble
View > World Move Camera > Track
View > World Move Camera > Dolly
View > World Move Camera > Track/Dolly/Tumble
View > Local Move Camera > Twist
View > Local Move Camera > Azimuth/Elevation
View > Local Move Camera > Yaw/Pitch
View
> Zoom
View
> Look At
View > Set Non Proportional View
View > Toggle Non Proportional View
View
> Previous View
View
> Reset View
View > Toggle Stereo
View
> New Camera
View > Adjust Clipping Plane
View > View 1:1 > Calibrate 1:1
View > View 1:1 > Toggle 1:1
Construction palette
Construction
> Point
Construction
> Vector
Construction
> Plane
Construction > Set Construction Plane
Construction > Toggle Construction Plane
Construction > Grid Preset
Locators palette
Locators > Move Locator
Locators
> Annotate
Locators > Measure > Distance
Locators > Measure > Angle
Locators > Measure > Radius
Locators > Measure > Diameter
Locators > Measure > Arc Length
Locators > Deviation > Closest Point
Locators > Deviation > Deviation
Locators > Deviation > Curve to Curve
Locators > Deviation > Surface to Surface
Locators > Deviation > Curve to Surface
Locators > Deviation > Mesh to Surface
Locators > Deviation > Cloud to Surface
Locators > Curve Curvature
Evaluate palette
Evaluate > Continuity > Surface Continuity
Evaluate > Continuity > Curve Continuity
Evaluate > Surface Evaluate > Highlights
Evaluate > Surface Evaluate > Curvature
Evaluate > Surface Evaluate > Contour
Evaluate > Surface Evaluate > Horizon
Evaluate > Dynamic Section
Evaluate
> IsoAngle
Evaluate > Parting Line
Evaluate > Min/Max Curvature
Evaluate > Mass Properties
Evaluate
> Check Model
Evaluate > Deviation Map
Evaluate > Contact Analysis
Evaluate > Dynamic Measurement
Evaluate > Pedestrian Protection
Point Clouds palette
Point
Clouds > Subset
Point Clouds > Project Curve
Point Clouds > Surfaces > Gridded
Point Clouds > Surfaces > Detailed
Point Clouds > Surfaces > Corners
Point
Clouds > Merge
Menus
File menu
File
> New
File
> Open
File > Open Recent > Clear History
File
> Open Stage Set
File
> Save
File
> Save As
File
> Save Stageset As
File
> Checkpoint
File
> Import > File
File
> Import > Cloud
File
> Import > Anim
File > Import > Image Plane
File > Import > Canvas Image
File > Import > Alias Paint Canvas
Import options
Wire import options
IGES import options
VDAIS import options
JAMAIS import options
C4 import options
VDAFS import options
UGS NX import options (Windows
only)
DES import options
STEP import options
Autodesk Inventor import
options (Windows only)
CATIA V4 import options
(Windows only)
CATIA V5 import options
(Windows only)
CAI import options (Windows
only)
OBJ import options
Encapsulated Postscript
import options
Illustrator import options
Pro/E Render import options
OpenInventor import options
(Windows only)
STL import options
JT import options (Windows
only)
File
> Export > Active As
File
> Export > SDL
File
> Export > Anim
File
> Export > SLC
File > Export > Rapid Prototype
File
> Export > Screen
File > Export > Current Window
File > Export > Canvas Image/Mask Layer
File > Export > Make Canvas Picture
File
> Export > Polygons
File
> Export > VRML 2.0 (Windows only)
Export options
UGS-NX export options (Windows
only)
DBVIEW export options (Windows
only)
CAI export options (Windows
only)
CATIA V5 export options
(Windows only)
STEP export options
PTC Granite export options
(Windows only)
OBJ export options
DWF export options (Windows
only)
DWG export options (Windows
only)
DXF export options (Windows
only)
DES export options
VDAFS export options
C4 export options
JAMA-IS export options
VDAIS export options
IGES export options
WIRE export options
File > Reference Manager
File
> Print Setup
File
> Print
File
> Show Image
File > Image References > Image References
File > Image References > Extract Image References
File
> Exit
Edit menu
Edit
> Undo
Edit
> Redo
Edit
> Reinvoke Last
Edit
> Cut
Edit
> Copy
Edit
> Paste
Edit
> Cut Image
Edit
> Copy Image
Edit
> Paste Image
Edit > Duplicate > Object
Edit > Duplicate > Mirror
Edit
> Ungroup
Edit
> Group
Edit > Expand Instances
Delete menu
Delete
> Delete Active
Delete > Delete Construction History
Delete > Delete Locators
Delete > Delete Guidelines
Delete
> Delete Model
Delete > Painting
> Delete Canvases from Construction Plane
Delete > Painting > Delete Canvases
Delete > Painting > Delete Active Image
Layer
Delete > Painting > Delete All Mask
Layers
Delete > Painting > Delete Sketch Projection
Delete > Delete Image Planes
Delete > Delete Projective Textures
Delete > Animation > Delete Selection
Handles
Delete > Animation > Delete Channels
Delete > Animation > Delete Static
Actions
Delete > Animation > Delete Constraints
Delete > Delete Windows
Delete > Delete Null Nodes
Layouts menu
Layouts > All Windows > All Windows
Layouts
> Perspective
Layouts
> Front
Layouts
> Back
Layouts
> Right
Layouts
> Left
Layouts
> Top
Layouts
> Bottom
Layouts
> Paint
Layouts
> New Window
Layouts
> Full Screen
Layouts > User Windows > Save Current
Layout
Layouts > User Windows > Retrieve Layout
Object Display menu
ObjectDisplay > Control
ObjectDisplay > Visible
ObjectDisplay > Invisible
ObjectDisplay > Hide Unselected
ObjectDisplay > Toggle Visibility
ObjectDisplay > Template
ObjectDisplay > Bounding Box
ObjectDisplay > Draw Precision
ObjectDisplay > Draw Style
ObjectDisplay > Diagnostic Shading
WindowDisplay menu
WindowDisplay > Window Title Bar
WindowDisplay > Window Sync
WindowDisplay > Hardware Shade
WindowDisplay > Hidden Line
WindowDisplay > Anti-Alias > Wireframe
Anti-Alias
WindowDisplay > Anti-Alias > Shaded
Anti-Alias
WindowDisplay > Transparency
WindowDisplay > Xray Controls
WindowDisplay
> Show
WindowDisplay > Toggles > Model
WindowDisplay > Toggles > Pivots
WindowDisplay > Toggles > Grid
WindowDisplay > Toggles > Guidelines
WindowDisplay > Toggles > Locators
WindowDisplay > Toggles > Construction
Objects
WindowDisplay > Toggles > Canvas Planes
WindowDisplay > Toggles > Lights
WindowDisplay > Toggles > Textures
WindowDisplay > Toggles > Cameras
WindowDisplay > Toggles > Image Planes
WindowDisplay > Toggles > Clouds
Layers menu
Layers
> New
Layers > Select > Objects on Selected
Layers
Layers > Select > Layers by Picked
Objects
Layers > Select > All Layers
Layers > Select > Layer Range
Layers > Set State > Pickable
Layers > Set State > Reference
Layers > Set State > Inactive
Layers > Delete > Selected Layers
Layers > Delete > Unused Layers
Layers > Delete > Merge Duplicate Layers
Layers > Visibility > Visible
Layers > Visibility > Invisible
Layers
> Symmetry > On
Layers
> Symmetry > Off
Layers > Symmetry > Set Plane
Layers > Symmetry > Create Geometry
Layers
> Undo Assign
Layers
> Toggle Layers
Layers > Toggle Layer Bar
Layers > Toggle Unused layers
Canvas menu
Canvas
> New Canvas
Canvas > New Canvas on Construction Plane
Canvas > New Overlay Canvas
Canvas
> Resize Canvas
Canvas > Crop to Marquee
Canvas > Project Sketch
Render menu
Render
> Globals
Render > Multi-lister > Multi-list
Edit
Render > Editors > Render Stats
Render > Editors > Light links
Render
> Direct Render
Render
> Render
Render > Render to QuickTimeVR
Render > Convert Frames to Movie
Render
> Apply Shaders
Render > Ambient Occlusion > Compute
Render > Ambient Occlusion > Delete
Render > Ambient Occlusion > Toggle
Display
Render > Create Lights > Point
Render > Create Lights > Spot
Render > Create Lights > Directional
Render > Create Lights > Ambient
Render > Create Lights > Area
Render > Create Lights > Volume
Render > Create Lights > Linear
Render > Create Lights > Create Defaults
Render > Create Texture Projections
Render > Place Projection
Render
> Multi-lister
Multi-lister interface
Environment parameters
Shader parameters
Textures
Environment texture parameters
Ball texture
Chrome Texture
Cube textures
Sky textures
Sphere texture
Bulge texture parameters
Checker texture parameters
Cloth texture parameters
File Texture Parameters
Fractal texture parameters
Grid texture parameters
Mountain texture parameters
Noise texture parameters
Ramp texture parameters
Stencil texture parameters
Water texture parameters
Snow texture
sCloud texture
sFractal texture
sMarble texture
sRock texture
Leather texture
Granite texture
sWood texture
Volume texture
Point Light Parameters
Spot Light Parameters
Area Light Parameters
Volume Light Parameters
Linear Light Parameters
Animation menu
Animation > Keyframe > Set Keyframe
Animation > Keyframe > Auto Keyframe
Animation > Keyframe > Cut Keyframe
Animation > Keyframe > Copy Keyframe
Animation > Keyframe > Paste Keyframe
Animation
> Pick > Joint
Animation > Pick > IK Handle
Animation > Pick > Selection Handle
Animation > Pick > Pick Cluster
Animation > IK > New Skeleton
Animation > IK > Add IK Handle
Animation > IK > Set Rest Pose
Animation > IK > Assume Rest Pose
Animation
> IK > Run IK
Animation > IK > IK Handles On/Off
Animation > Create > New Selection
Handle
Animation > Create > New Cluster
Animation > Create > New Set
Animation > Create > New Time Warp
Animation > Create > New Cycles Warp
Animation > Create > New Scale Warp
Animation > Edit > Duplicate Animation
Channels
Animation > Edit > Overlay Skeleton
Animation > Edit > Constraints On/Off
Animation > Editors > Action Window
Animation > Editors > Playback Options
Animation > Editors > Param Control
Animation > Editors > Deformation Control
Animation > Editors > Expression Control
Animation > Editors > Skeletons
Animation > Editors > Clusters
Animation > Editors > Set Lister
Animation > Editors > Edit Set
Animation > Editors > Animation Stats
Animation > Editors > Scene Info
Animation > Tools > Set Motion
Animation > Tools > Set Key Shape
Animation > Tools > Pose animation
Animation > Tools > Autofly
Animation > Tools > Constrain To
Animation > Tools > Create Constraint
Animation > Tools > Edit UV Constraint
Animation
> Tools > Jack
Animation > Tools > Move Selection
Handle
Animation > Tools > Bone Style
Animation > Show > View Frame
Animation > Show > Playback
Animation > Show > Toggle Time Slider
Animation > Show > Skeletons
Animation > Show > Selection Handles
Animation > Show > IK Handles
Animation > Show > Constraints
Animation > Show > FCheck
Animation
> Turntable
Windows menu
Windows
> Palette
Windows
> Shelves
Windows > Control Panel
Windows > Information > Information
Window
Windows > Information > Layer Stats
Windows > Information > Layer Categories
Windows > Information > Deviation Table
Windows > Information > History View
Windows > Editors > Construction Plane
Editor
Windows > Editors > Canvas Layer Editor
Windows > Editors > Shape Editor
Windows > Editors > Stages
Windows > Editors > Cameras
Windows > Editors > Cross Section Editor
Windows > Object Lister
Windows > Bookmark Lister
Preferences menu
Preferences > Workflows > Default
Preferences > Workflows > Paint
Preferences > Workflows > Modeling
Preferences > Workflows > Visualize
Preferences > Menus > Short Menus
Preferences > Menus > Long Menus
Preferences > Interface > Hotkeys/Menu
Editor
Preferences > Interface > Marking Menus
Preferences > Interface > Toggle Single
Hotkeys
Preferences > Interface
> Palette/Shelves Layout
Preferences > Interface > Shelf Extras
Preferences > Interface > User Colors
Preferences > General Preferences
Preferences > Selection
Options
Preferences > Performance Options
Preferences > Construction Options
Preferences > User Options > Retrieve
Options
Preferences > User Options > Save Options
Preferences > User Preferences > Load
Preference Set
Preferences > User Preferences > Save
Preference Set
Utilities menu
Utilities > Plug-in Manager
Utilities > SBD > Open SBD Window
Utilities > SBD > Compress SBD
Utilities > SBD > Expand SBD
Utilities > Command Stepper
Utilities > Licensing Information >
Borrow License
Utilities > Licensing Information >
Return License Early
Utilities > Licensing Information >
Product License Information
Utilities > System Information
Utilities
> Errlog
Help menu
Help > Alias Help
Help
> Modifier Keys, Marking Menu Keys, and Hotkeys
Help
> Why Alias Design
Help
> Learning Movies
Help
> Tutorials
Help
> What’s New
Help
> Support Center
Help > Alias Design Community
Help
> Sample Files
Help
> Customer Involvement Program
Help
> Report a Problem
Help > Suggest a Feature
Help > Autodesk DirectConnect Help
Help
> Autodesk Online Store
Help
> Tool Locator
Help
> What’s This?
Help > About Alias
Control Panels
Modeling control panel
Control Panel > Move
CV
Control Panel > Show
deviations
Control Panel > Curvature
Paint control panel
Control Panel > New
Canvas
Control Panel > Canvas
Layer Editor
Control Panel > Pan
Control Panel > Zoom
Visualization control panel
Control Panel > Hardware
Shade
Control Panel > Toggle
model
Control Panel > MultiLister:
List All
Control Panel > Delete
Unused Shaders
File Formats
Alias Pix image file
Matte file
Alias camera depth map
file
Animation SDL
Maya IFF
Particle file
Bulge definition file
Command line utilities
Platforms
Background utilities
Command reference
AliasBatch
AlToCa
AlToC5
AlToDWG
AlToGR3
AlToIv
AlToObj
AlToRef
AlToSt
AlToUG, AlToUG19, AlToUG20,
AlToUG21, ALToUG22
BakeOrientation
bsdl
CaToAl
C5ToAl
DWGToAl
FieldAssembler
from100to97
GrToAl
hp_glplotf, hp_gl2plotf
IGESToAl
imgcvt
IvToAl
JtToAl
lmgrd
lmutil
ObjToAl
PRenderToAlias
print_wire_header
psplotf
renderer/raytracer/powercaster/powertracer
StToAl
SwToAl
UGToAl, UGToAl19, UGToAl20,
UGToAl21, UGToAl22
Environment variables
About environment variables
Setting environment variables
in Windows
Setting environment variables
on Mac OS X
Variable descriptions
General environment variables
Rendering environment variables
Plotting environment variables
Alias Programmers’ Interfaces
(API)
Introduction
What is the API?
What Can the API Do?
What Can’t the API Do?
Who needs OpenModel?
Who Needs OpenAlias?
OpenModel versus OpenAlias
Where do I start?
How to Use this Document
The universe and its objects
The Universe
Cameras
Lights
Curves and Faces
Surfaces
Clusters
Sets
Animation and Rendering
Shaders and Textures
Implementation Details
Class Hierarchy
Wrappers
Instantiation and Creation
Safe Type-casting
Deletion
Core dumps
Comparing Pointers
Allocation of Input Values
Allocation of Return Values
Reserved Types for Blind
Data
Limitations
Compiling and linking
Files and Directories
Setting the Include Path
Windows development environment
requirements
Building the included examples
About the API examples
Building the API examples
on Windows
Using the API
Sharing Code between OpenModel
and OpenAlias
Determining the Position
of an Instance
Getting clustered position
Using AlUniverse::redrawScreen
Iterating Over Objects
Iterators and AlObjects
Cleaning up Lost Wrappers
Invalidating Wrappers
Wrappers, Destructors,
and Deleting Objects
Copying Wrappers
How to invoke your OpenModel
applications
Receiving Messages
Picking Objects
Setting Light Direction
Creating and Deleting Keyframes
Closed Forms
Detecting the Escape Key
Making your code run faster
Using view frames
Using OpenModel
Using OpenAlias
Disclaimer
Setting up plug-ins
Managing plug-ins
Defining a plug-in
Creating custom icons for
plug-ins
Writing a plug-in
Coding Overview
Adding your plug-in to
the UI
Momentary, Continuous and
History plug-ins
Attaching a plug-in to
a menu or palette
Menu and palette IDs for
attaching a plug-in
Building Options Boxes
Building Dynamic Editors
using the AlEditor class
Scheme Editors
Native Platform Editors
Important Plug-in Notes
Debugging a plug-in in
Windows
Plug-in API Examples
Momentary plug-in example
Continuous plug-in example
Command History example
Command history plug-in
example
Option box scheme example
Class reference
AlAction – AlBoxLight
AlAction
AlAimConstraint
AlAmbientLight
AlAngleLocator
AlAnimatable
AlAnnotationLocator
AlArcAttributes
AlAreaLight
AlAttributes
AlBlendCurve
AlBlendPoint
AlBlindData
AlBoxLight
AlCamera – AlCylinderLight
AlCamera
AlCameraNode
AlCategory
AlChannel
AlCharacter
AlCharacterSpace
AlCharSnippet
AlCharTransition
AlCloud
AlCluster
AlClusterable
AlClusterMember
AlClusterNode
AlClusterPreTMItem
AlCommand
AlCommandRef
AlConeLight
AlConicAttributes
AlConstraint
AlConstructionEntity
AlConstructionPlane
AlConstructionVector
AlCursor
AlCurve
AlCurveAttributes
AlCurveCV
AlCurvePoint
AlCurveNode
AlCurveOnSurface
AlCurveOnSurfacePoint
AlCylinderLight
AlDagNode – AlLocator
AlDagNode
AlDebug
AlDeviationLocator
AlDirectionLight
AlDistanceLocator
AlEditor
AlEnvironment
AlFace
AlFaceNode
AlFunction
AlFunctionHandle
AlGroupNode
AlIKHandleNode
AlImagePlane
AlIntersect
AlIterator
AlJoint
AlKeyframe
AlLayer
AlLight
AlLightNode
AlLinearLight
AlLineAttributes
AlLinkItem
AlList
AlLiveData
AlLocator
AlMappedFieldItem – AlRevSurfAttributes
AlMappedFieldItem
AlMeasure
AlMesh
AlMeshNode
AlMessage
AlMinmaxLocator
AlMotionAction
AlNameItem
AlNonAmbientLight
AlNotifyDagNode
AlObject
AlObserver
AlOrientationConstraint
AlParamAction
AlPerformance
AlPersistentID
AlPerspectiveCamera
AlPickable
AlPickList
AlPixFile
AlPlaneAttributes
AlPlayBack
AlPlayFrame
AlPointConstraint
AlPointLight
AlPoint
AlPrintf
AlProduct
AlRadialLocator
AlRender
AlRetrieve
AlRevSurfAttributes
AlSet – AlXEvents
AlSet
AlSetMember
AlSettable
AlShader
AlShadingFieldItem
AlShell
AlShellNode
AlSnap
AlSpacePoint
AlSphereLight
AlSpotLight
AlStatusHandler
AlSurface
AlSurfaceCV
AlSurfacePoint
AlSurfaceNode
AlTesselate
AlTexture
AlTextureNode
AlTM
AlTorusLight
AlTrimBoundary
AlTrimCurve
AlTrimRegion
AlUnits
AlUniverse
AlUserCommand
AlUserPickItem
AlUserPickList
AlViewFrame
AlVolumeLight
AlWindow
AlXevents
Installing Alias
Before you begin: checklist
Installing Alias for
Windows
System requirements for
Windows
Administrative Permission Requirements
Locating Your Serial Number
and Product Key
Installing and Running the Product
Installing Alias
Register and Activate Alias
Launch Alias
Launch Alias for Inventor
Add or Remove Features
Reinstall or Repair Alias
Uninstall Alias
Installing Multiple or Bundled Products
Modifying the Alias for
Windows installation
Installing Alias for
Mac OS X
System requirements for
Mac OS X
Locating Your Serial Number
and Product Key
Installing Alias for Mac
OS X
Register and Activate Alias
Uninstalling Alias for Mac
OS X
Installing documentation
for Alias and associated files
Installing online help
Printable PDF versions
of the documentation
Software required to view
the PDF and movie files
Installing the tutorial
courseware
Licensing Alias
Stand-Alone Licensing
Introduction
Activate Your Product
Register Your Product
Manage Your Stand-Alone
License
Check Product Information
View Product Information
Save License Information
as a Text File
Update Your Serial Number
Transfer Your Stand-Alone License
About the License Transfer
Utility
Install the Autodesk Product
Export a License
Import a License
Troubleshoot a Stand-Alone
License Error
Hardware Changes
Reinstalling an Operating
System
Changing the System Date
and Time
Preserving Licenses on Re-Imaged Computers
Network
Licensing
Plan Your Network Licensing
System Requirements for
the Network License Manager (Windows)
System Requirements for
the Network License Manager (Mac OS X)
System Requirements for
the Network License Manager (Linux)
Plan Your License Server
Configuration
Single License Server Model
Distributed License Server
Model
Redundant License Server
Model
Learn About Your License
License Operation and Availability
License Files
License File Examples
Example of a License File
Not Specific to a Product
Example of a License File
for a Single or Distributed Server
Example of a License File
for a Redundant Server
Example of a License File
for Combined Autodesk Product Versions
Example of Additional Parameters
in a License File
Package License File Examples
Example of a Package License
File for a Single or Distributed Server
Example of a Package License
File for a Redundant Server
Example of a Package License
File for Combined Autodesk Product Versions
License Types and Behaviors
Heartbeat Signal
Network License Manager
Install the Network License
Manager
Obtain a License Through
autodesk.com
Obtain the Server Host Name
and Host ID Manually
Configure a License Server
(Windows)
Configure a License Server
(Mac OS X)
Configure a License Server
(Linux)
Install SAMreport-Lite (Optional)
Uninstall the Network License
Manager
Network Licensing Tools
FLEXnet Configuration Tools
Utilities for License Server
Management
Stop and Restart the License
Server
Update FLEXnet from a Previous
Version
Set Up and Use an Options
File
Create an Options file
Create a Report Log
Configure License Borrowing
with the Options File
License
Borrowing
Overview
Borrow a License
BORROWLICENSE Command
Borrow a License Window
Return a License
RETURNLICENSE Command
Network Licensing FAQs
What is the difference
between a stand-alone license and a network license?
What is the benefit of
using a network licensed version of the software?
Glossary
Troubleshooting
Installation Troubleshooting
General Installation Issues
What are the installation
path length limitations?
How can I check my graphics
card driver to see if it needs to be updated?
Where are my product manuals?
Networking Issues
Where do I find my server
name on Windows?
Uninstall and Maintenance
Issues
When adding or removing
features, how can I tell what features get installed by default?
Is it possible to change
the installation folder when adding or removing features?
When should I reinstall
the product instead of a repair?
Do I need my original disc
to reinstall my software?
When I uninstall my software,
what files are left on my system?
Glossary
Copyrights and Trademarks
PDF books