Applying and Editing Geometry Approximation

Geometry Approximation is a multi-purpose property that controls various display, modeling, and rendering properties.

By default, the scene root node has a Geometry Approximation property which is inherited by every object in the scene. If you edit this shared property, it affects all geometric objects in the scene that don't have their own local property.

You can apply a local Geometry Approximation property to selected objects, as well as to hierarchies (in branch mode), groups, layers, and partitions. This allows you to control the display and rendering of different objects in different ways.

This section describes how to apply and edit the Geometry Approximation property. For a complete description of all options, see Geometry Approximation Property Editor [Properties Reference]. In addition, some of its options are described in context elsewhere in this guide:

To apply a Geometry Approximation property

Select an element: object, hierarchy (in branch mode), group, layer, or partition.
Choose Get Property Geometry Approximation from any toolbar.

NoteA Geometry Approximation property is automatically applied when you use the + and – keys to modify the subdivision level of an object, if it doesn't already have a local property.

To edit an existing Geometry Approximation property

In an explorer, expand an element's node so that its properties are visible.
Click the Geometry Approximation node's icon.

The Geometry Approximation property is also available in an element's rendering and viewing properties. Right-click on Selection on the Select panel of the MCP, then choose Viewing Properties or Rendering Properties.