Computer Graphics Survey

Modeling a 3D Scene

Using VectorWorks 8 on MacOS Computers

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Before beginning the project

Read the information that pertains specifically to the way the ACG Lab operates. This section of the directions may not apply if you work on the project elsewhere.


Tutorial Goals

VectorWorks is widely used on the Macintosh for Computer Aided Design (CAD) applications. This type of software is primarily used for dimensional design (i.e., to create blueprints of real objects). It can also be used, however, to create virtual 3D scenes--such as the ones we will incorporate in our web pages.

Since the 3D marketplace is very fragmented, VectorWorks is not the only 3D programs you will encounter. It does, however, follow the basic user interface approach used by all the dominant players, and it embodies all the major aspects of 3D work: modeling, rendering, and animation.

In this first phase of our 3D project, we will use the most common modeling tools: we will start from flat 2D shapes, converting them to 3D using two techniques generally available in all 3D programs: extruding and lathing. Later we will work directly with basic 3D shapes called primitives, combining them using solid operations.

After some initial setup, we can proceed to create the elements in our scene:

Our final product will be a simple scene containing a logo made up of a few text characters (e.g., your initials).


Initial Setup


  1. VectorWorks application icon
    Find the VectorWorks application icon and start the program


  2. If necessary, use File-->New to create a new document. If asked, choose 'Blank Document' from the 'Create Document' dialog.



  3. Make sure View-->Rendering-->Wireframe is checked. Switch to front view, using the menu command View-->Standard Views-->Front.


Lathed Pedestal




  1. Draw the profile for the pedestal, using the Polyline tool in a connect-the-dots fashion to create a series of connected straight segments.


  2. Choose the 2D Locus tool (the 2nd from the bottom in the left half of the 2D Tools palette).


  3. Click to place a locus symbol (a white 'X' in a black box) on a corner of the profile. This is used to indicate the axis of rotation (the imaginary line around which the profile swings as it creates the 3D object). This picture shows where to click for the sample profile shown previously.


  4. With the pointer (the Arrow tool), drag a selection box enclosing the locus and the profile, leaving both items selected.


  5. Choose the Model-->Sweep command (sweeping is another name used for the lathe operation). If the 'Create Sweep' dialog appears, verify the settings against this picture.


  6. The result is a symmetrical 3-D shape based on the 2-D profile you drew.


Extruded Type



  1. Choose the Text tool (the 1st from the bottom in the right half of the 2D Tools palette).


  2. Click in the document window to indicate the location of the type.


  3. As the first step in creating a 3-D object, convert the type block to polylines (much like the ones you drew earlier with the Polyline tool) by using the Text-->TrueType to Polyline command. The result is a grouped set of polylines in the shape of the original type.


  4. Ungroup using Organize-->Ungroup. You will see separate selection handles around each letter. Leave them all selected.



  5. The extruded type won't look any different in the front view. Change view using View-->Standard Views-->Right Isometric.


  6. The isometric view lets you see how the pedestal and the type relate in 3-D space.


Solid Subtraction Walls


  1. Box icon in the '3D Primitives' palette

  2. Create Box Object dialog


  3. both boxes, solid-shaded, and 	properly positioned




  4. Repeat the previous steps to insert additional boxes. Switch views as necessary reposition them as needed. If necessary, use Tool-->Scale Objects to resize them. These boxes will be used to carve doors and windows in the walls of the room.


  5. Use Subtract Solids to complete the room.

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Pyramid Roof


  1. Pyramid icon in the '3D Primitives' palette

  2. Create Pyramid Object dialog




  3. Enter '45' for the angle, click 'OK'





  4. Switching once more to isometric view (View-->Standard Views-->Right Isometric) and solid rendering (View-->Rendering-->QuickDraw 3D Interactive) should give you a good idea of the 3D nature of the scene you created.
  5. Before leaving, make sure your file is saved so you can continue working with it in the next session.


Information specific to the ACG Lab

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This document originally at <http://acg2.fullcoll.edu/FACULTY/CORSI/LEARN/OVERVIEW/OV140MAC/INDEX.HTM>
Copyright 1997-2000 by Sandro Corsi. Last modified 2000-11-07. SaneDraw home