3DXChat World Editor Documentation

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Gizmos
• Translation Gizmo
• Rotation Gizmo
• Scale Gizmo
• Volume Scale Gizmo
• Hand Gizmo
• Camera Control
• Hotkeys
• File Menu
• Tools
• Objects
• Materials
• Common Errors and Tips
• Helpful Links

Introduction

The 3DXChat World Editor is a powerful tool that allows users to create, customize, and build immersive environments. From designing simple rooms to building detailed worlds, the editor provides flexibility, precision, and creativity. This documentation serves as a complete guide for mastering all aspects of the World Editor.

Watch the Overview Video:

The Gizmos

Gizmos are the primary tools for manipulating objects within the World Editor. They allow you to move, rotate, and scale objects with precision.

Translation Gizmo

The Translation Gizmo is used to move objects around in the scene.

Key Features:

• Axis Movement: Move objects along the X, Y, or Z axis by dragging the corresponding arrow.
• Multi-Axis Movement: Drag the squares to move along two axes simultaneously.
• Screen Space Movement: Hold SHIFT to translate objects relative to the camera view.

Snapping with the Translation Gizmo:

1. Step Snapping: Hold CTRL to move objects in fixed increments.
2. Vertex Snapping: Hold V to snap objects to a vertex on another object.
3. Surface Placement: Hold SPACE and drag to align objects to a surface.

Rotation Gizmo

The Rotation Gizmo allows you to rotate objects.

Key Features:

• Rotate objects around a specific axis by dragging one of the colored circles.
• Use the outer circle for rotation around the camera view vector.
• Rotate objects in screen space by clicking on the sphere and dragging.

Snapping with the Rotation Gizmo:

• Hold CTRL to enable snapping, allowing rotation in fixed-degree increments (e.g., 15° steps).

Scale Gizmo

The Scale Gizmo is used to resize objects.

Key Features:

• Single Axis Scaling: Drag the axis handles to scale along one axis.
• Multi-Axis Scaling: Drag the triangles to scale along two axes.
• Uniform Scaling: Hold SHIFT to scale uniformly across all axes.

Volume Scale Gizmo

The Volume Scale Gizmo allows more intuitive scaling with drag handles.

Key Features:

• Drag handles to resize objects along specific axes.
• Adjust the object size from the center by holding SHIFT.

Hand Gizmo

The Hand Gizmo is used for Mesh Surface Placement Mode, allowing precise object placement on surfaces.

Camera Control

Navigating the editor effectively is key to precise editing. The World Editor camera provides multiple movement modes.

• Move: Use the W, A, S, D keys to move the camera.
• Zoom: Use the mouse wheel or hold RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON and drag up/down.
• Pan: Hold MIDDLE MOUSE BUTTON and drag.

Focus:

• Press F to focus the camera on a selected object.

Hotkeys

Here’s a full list of hotkeys to speed up your workflow:

• W: Activate Translation Gizmo.
• E: Activate Rotation Gizmo.
• R: Activate Scale Gizmo.
• CTRL + Z: Undo.
• CTRL + Y: Redo.
• F: Focus on the selected object.
• SHIFT + Drag: Align objects along the camera axes.

File Menu

The File Menu allows you to manage world layouts efficiently.

Options:

1. Save to File: Save the current world layout.
2. Load from File: Overwrite the current layout with a saved file.
3. Merge from File: Append objects from another file to your current layout.

Tools

The Tools menu provides additional functionality for object management and scene building.

Key Tools:

1. Undo/Redo: Revert or apply changes.
2. Group/Ungroup: Combine objects into a group or separate them.
3. Snapping: Toggle step or angle snapping for precise editing.

Objects

Objects in the editor are categorized for easier management.

Object Types:

1. Primitives: Basic shapes (e.g., cubes, spheres) used for foundational design.
2. Furniture: Decorative objects like chairs and tables.
3. Effects: Visual elements like fire, smoke, or sparks.

Materials

Customize objects with materials to define their appearance.

Material Features:

• Textures: Apply custom patterns to objects.
• Colors: Adjust object color palettes.
• Transparency: Create glass-like or semi-transparent effects.

Common Errors and Tips

Errors:

• Object Clipping: Use the focus camera (F) to adjust view settings.
• Lost Gizmo: Ensure the correct gizmo is active (W, E, R).

Tips:

1. Save your work frequently.
2. Use snapping for precision.
3. Experiment with lighting for more realistic environments.

Helpful Links

Enhance your World Editor skills with these resources:

• The Builder's Corner Discord Server (opens in a new tab): Community tips and resources.
• Tutorial Videos by Xanar (opens in a new tab): Comprehensive video tutorials.
• German Documentation by NiceKati (opens in a new tab): Detailed documentation in German.