For my first 3DVIA Shape tutorial, I thought I would go back to basics and pull out one of the starter tutorials from the 3DVIA Shape documentation files. 

We have tried very hard to ensure that 3DVIA Shape is a product that is simple enough for the average consumer to express their ideas in 3D.  However, as an experienced Solidworks modeler, I have to remind myself that even the longest journey sometimes starts with a single step.  In this case…it’s creating your first shape (no pun intended).  These simple steps will also show you how easy it is to get started in 3D. 

Creating the Main (or Your First) Shape

 

First open 3DVIA Shape on your desktop.  In this tutorial, we are going to draw the very simple shape of a house.

Let’s get started by using the application’s navigation features.  To rotate your point of view to look down at the ground, press and hold down the left mouse button over the Rotate area then drag the mouse around in the desired direction.  (For more information, see Change Viewpoints using the Pan, Rotate and Zoom Tool).

 

  • Click Rectangle

  • To draw the bottom face or foundation of the house, click to define the first corner “A” then drag diagonally to the opposite corner “B”.

    A face is automatically created.

    Note: If the rectangle is not drawn on the ground, change your point of view to do that.

  • Click Push 'n Pull

  • To create the house walls, grab the face and drag upwards in the direction of the arrow.

  • Click Draw

  • Draw a break line from midpoint A to midpoint B on the top face. This line will serve to create the roof.

  • Click Manipulate

  • Select the break line.

    Manipulation axes appear to help you.

  • Select the vertical axis and drag up to create a triangular roof.

     

    Enjoy!

     

    marcdMarc is our resident expert on Microsoft Virtual Earth, online mapping applications and 3D modeling applications.

    Visit:   mdigregorio Profile on 3DVIA   |   mdigregorio Website