Assigning surface settings to colors

Tool(s): Surface Settings

Note: When you use to save the settings you have made in the Define (Colors of) Surfaces dialog box as a Favorite, then all the current surface definitions are saved in a common basic color surface file (*.SUR). But when you use to save the settings in the Surface Settings for Color x dialog box as a Favorite, only the surface definition of the current color is saved as a surface file (*.SURF).

Additional options for assigning surfaces

To assign a surface definition to a color

1. Click Surface Settings (How).
   

   Activate Surface Settings in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Modify Presentation Animation

   • Palette: Tools Change area in the following module(s):

   Animation

   • Configuration: Design Animation Settings flyout

   The Define (Colors of) Surfaces dialog box opens.

   Tip: When you click List redefined surfaces, only the element colors to which you have already assigned a new surface definition are displayed.

   Note: You can only copy surface properties of the same type - in other words, only the properties of surfaces to which element colors are assigned (see Using existing surface properties).

2. Select an element color in the list and click Modify....

   The Surface Settings for Color x dialog box opens.

3. Define the surface color and other parameter and click OK to confirm.

   Tip: Click to undo the surface definition of the color you have currently selected in the list.

4. To reset all the assignments:
   Use to reset all the values in the Define (Colors of) Surfaces dialog box to their defaults.
5. Use to save the current combination of settings as a Favorite file. You can retrieve this file later using .
6. To apply your entries, confirm the dialog box by clicking OK.

Note: When you have already defined color assignments using Define Surface Colors in the Shadow module and saved the entire definitions as a basic color surface file (*.SUR) by clicking , you can also use these settings in the Animation module - just click . Basic color surface files generated in the Animation module can also be used in the Shadow module.

Tip: Most objects (e.g., carpets, asphalt, masonry, terrain) do not have luster properties. In this case, set the Luster / smoothness option to 0.

Tip: Setting the Luster / smoothness to a value < 100 is usually sufficient; with higher values, the luster appears as small, bright dots.

Tip: Using the Properties palette, you can adjust textures you have already applied to individual 3D solids.