Working With 3D Models In Sketchbook Pro
Supported formats[edit]
OBJ and FBX. FBX is the native format for Storyboard Pro.
Converting Sketchup models[edit]
TK
Free model libraries[edit]
- Turbo Squid
- NASA
- ED Warehouse (Sketchup)
Importing models[edit]
- Switch to 3D Scene in the Storyboard toolbar.
- Library > right click > Import Files > Select model
- Drop the model from the Library panel into a Layer of the current Panel.
Orienting the model in Camera View[edit]
- Manipulate the model using the Transform Tool.
- Scale uniformly by clicking on the rectangular bounding box around the model. Drag a corner to scale the model.
- Scale non-uniformly by clicking one of the X, Y or Z handles.
- Rotate the model by clicking and dragging on one of the X, Y or Z circles around the model.
- Manipulate the camera with the Camera Tool.
- Switch to Side View, Top View, or Stage View to view the cone of the camera.
- Select the camera by clicking on its origin with the Camera Tool. This will display transformation handles (rotation and translation) for the camera.
- It's easier to view the camera relative to the geometry and artwork picture plane in Side View and Top View to the Drawing panel. (Plus sign icon at the top right of the panel.)
- Cannot view 3D model using 2D Scene mode.
Drawing in 3D mode[edit]
In 3D Scene with Layer Alignment of a painted layer set to none, it's not possible to draw on the Layer in Camera View. If the Layer Alignment is face camera or pin to camera, then it's possible to draw directly in the Camera View.
By default, painted layers sit on the picture plane. The camera is perpendicular to the picture plane. A layer with its Layer Alignment set to none must be perpendicular to the camera in order to be visible in the camera.
The orientation of 2D painted layers can be controlled via Layers panel > Selected Layer group > Layer Alignment.
- No Alignment - Plane of the Layer does not move.
- Face Camera - Plane of layer is always perpendicular to the camera.
- Pin to Camera - Always perpendicular to the camera & follows the camera when the camera moves.
A useful way to approach combining 2D with 3D models is to make a 2D drawing first, then import the 3D model. Transform the 3D model using the 2D drawing as reference. Use the top and side views to view the camera, geometry and picture plane(s) relative to each other.
Controlling the depth of 2D layers[edit]
When in a 3D Scene, each Layer in the Panel can be moved in 3D space. For example, select a Layer, switch to Top or Side View, select Transform Tool, and that plane can be moved forward and back in space, e.g. behind the 3D geometry relative to the camera. Layer Alignment also impacts how the layer behaves relative to the geometry.
For example, if there is a drawing on top of a 3D model, and BG artwork behind the model. The BG artwork must be moved back in space (in the Top or Side View) until it is behind the 3D model.
