Understand the Visiolix editor

Editor tour and viewport navigation

The editor is organized around focused workspaces. Use the tabs above the ribbon to switch between Step, Object, Arrange, Scene, and Insert.

• Ribbon: commands for the active workspace, such as adding a step, setting a pivot, or importing a file.
• Object tree: the permanent panel on the left for selecting and organizing the scene.
• Viewport: the central 3D view where you inspect and directly work with the model.
• Inspector: the panel on the right for the selected object’s properties and focused setup tasks.
• Timeline and notes: the bottom workspace for moving through the guide and adding instructions.

Use the navigation widget in the viewport to choose an axis view, fit the model, switch projection, and control snapping. Saving a camera view in the Step workspace records the view for the current guide step.

Selecting and organizing objects

Select a part either directly in the viewport or by choosing it in the object tree. The selected object is highlighted and its applicable properties open in the inspector.

• Expand or collapse a parent in the tree to focus on a branch of the model.
• Use each row’s actions to show or hide, ghost, or lock an object. Those actions can also apply to its descendants.
• Use the Hierarchy section in the inspector to parent objects and build a meaningful structure.

Moving and transforming objects

Select an object, then use the Transform section in the inspector to change its position, rotation, and scale. The editor applies those changes to the selected object in the current step.

1. Select the part you want to adjust.
2. Enter precise values in the transform fields, or use the available direct-manipulation controls in the viewport.
3. Use the Scene workspace’s snapping settings when the placement needs a consistent movement distance or rotation angle.

Check the model from more than one viewport angle before continuing; a position that looks right from the saved camera may still need adjustment in the overall assembly.

Pivots

An object’s pivot is the point it rotates around. It is especially important for animation, rotation, and presenting a part’s movement accurately.

• In the Object workspace, use Center pivot to put the pivot at the object’s center.
• Use Bottom-center pivot when an object should rotate or stand from its base.
• Use Place pivot to position it manually in the viewport, then confirm or cancel the placement task.

Materials

Materials are selected-object properties. Select a mesh object and open its Material section in the inspector to review or adjust its appearance.

• Use imported materials as a starting point, then refine their colour and surface properties for a clearer presentation.
• Project materials are reusable, so updates can be applied consistently across the guide.
• Containers and lights do not use the standard material editor because they serve organizational and lighting roles.

Primitives and containers

Use Insert when the guide needs supporting content in addition to imported models.

• Primitives add simple geometric objects that you can configure and place in the scene. They are useful for placeholders, simplified parts, or explanatory geometry.
• Containers create organizational parents in the object tree. Add a container, then place related objects beneath it to move and manage the group together.

After adding either one, select it in the tree to rename it, adjust its transform, and organize its relationship to the rest of the model.