Imagine you’re creating an awesome 3D model of a car in Onshape. You’ve carefully designed every detail, from the sleek curves of the body to the intricate patterns on the tires.
But when you finally take a look at your masterpiece, something’s not quite right. The shiny surfaces are reflecting the light in a way that makes it hard to see the details. It’s like trying to look at a mirror in a bright room – all you see is glare!
This glare can be a real pain when you’re trying to perfect your designs in Onshape. It can make it difficult to see the true colors and textures of your parts, and it can even obscure important details.
But don’t worry, there are some easy ways to get rid of that pesky glare and make your models look their best! In this article, we’ll show you some simple tricks to control the lighting and appearance of your parts in Onshape.
Understanding Glare in Onshape
Before we dive into the solutions, it helps to understand why glare happens in the first place. Onshape uses a realistic rendering engine to display your models.1 This means that it simulates how light interacts with different materials. Shiny materials, like polished metal or glass, reflect more light, which can cause glare.2
Think of it like this: when you shine a flashlight on a mirror, the light bounces directly back at you. But when you shine it on a piece of paper, the light scatters in many different directions. The same thing happens in Onshape.
How to Get Rid of Glare: Adjusting the Environment
One of the easiest ways to reduce glare is to change the environment your model is displayed in. Onshape offers a few different environments, each with its own lighting setup.3
- Default Environment: This is the standard environment in Onshape, with a single light source that can cause glare on reflective surfaces.
- Dim Environment: This environment has softer lighting that can help reduce glare.
- Studio Environment: This environment offers more controlled lighting with multiple light sources, allowing you to fine-tune the look of your model.
To change the environment in Onshape:
- Click on the “Document Settings” icon in the top right corner of the window.
- Select “Appearance”.
- Choose your preferred environment from the “Environment” dropdown menu.
How to Get Rid of Glare: Modifying Appearance Properties
Another way to control glare is by adjusting the appearance properties of your parts.4 You can change the color, reflectivity, and roughness of a material to affect how it interacts with light.
Here’s how to modify appearance properties:
- Right-click on the part in the Parts Studio or Assembly tab.
- Select “Edit Appearance”.
- In the Appearance Editor, you can experiment with the following properties:
- Color: Changing the color can sometimes reduce the perception of glare, especially with darker colors.
- Roughness: Increasing the roughness of a material will make it appear less shiny and reduce reflections.
- Reflectivity: Reducing the reflectivity will directly diminish the amount of light bounced off the surface.
| Appearance Property | Effect on Glare |
|---|---|
| Color | Darker colors can absorb more light and reduce the appearance of glare. |
| Roughness | Higher roughness makes the surface appear less shiny and reduces reflections. |
| Reflectivity | Lower reflectivity directly reduces the amount of light bounced off the surface. |
How to Get Rid of Glare: Utilizing Studio Lighting
If you choose the Studio environment, you gain more control over the lighting in your workspace. You can adjust the position and intensity of multiple light sources to minimize glare and highlight specific features of your model.
Here’s how to work with Studio Lighting:
- Select the Studio Environment in Document Settings > Appearance.
- Click on the “Edit Scene” icon in the top right corner of the window.
- In the Scene Editor, you can:
- Add or remove lights: Click the “+” or “-” buttons to adjust the number of light sources.
- Reposition lights: Click and drag the light icons to move them around the scene.
- Adjust light intensity: Use the sliders to control the brightness of each light.
- Change light color: Select a light and choose a different color from the color picker.
| Studio Lighting Control | Effect on Glare |
|---|---|
| Adding/Removing Lights | More lights can distribute reflections, while fewer can focus them. |
| Repositioning Lights | Changing light angles can minimize direct reflections that cause glare. |
| Adjusting Light Intensity | Lower intensity reduces the strength of reflections. |
| Changing Light Color | Different light colors can change how glare appears on the part. |
Additional Tips for Reducing Glare in Onshape
- Use Shadows: Shadows can help to define the shape of your model and reduce the appearance of glare. You can adjust the shadow settings in the Document Settings > Appearance menu.
- Adjust the Camera Angle: Sometimes, simply changing the camera angle can make a big difference in how much glare is visible. Try rotating your model or zooming in and out to find the best view.
- Apply Textures: Adding textures to your parts can break up the smooth surfaces and reduce reflections. You can find a variety of textures in the Appearance Editor.
- Use the “Shaded with Edges” Display Mode: This display mode can help to define the edges of your model and make it easier to see details, even with some glare present.
Conclusion
Glare can be a frustrating obstacle when you’re trying to visualize your designs in Onshape. But by understanding how light interacts with materials and using the tools available in Onshape, you can effectively minimize glare and present your models in the best possible light.
Remember to experiment with different environments, appearance properties, and lighting setups to find what works best for your specific needs. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create stunning visuals that showcase your designs without the distraction of glare.
FAQs
Can I completely eliminate glare in Onshape?
While it may not always be possible to completely eliminate glare, especially with highly reflective materials, the techniques described in this article can significantly reduce it and improve the overall appearance of your models.
What is the best environment for reducing glare in Onshape?
The best environment for reducing glare depends on your specific needs. The Dim environment offers a quick and easy way to soften the lighting, while the Studio environment provides more control over the light sources. Experiment with both to see which one works best for your model.
How do I make a part less shiny in Onshape?
To make a part less shiny, you can reduce its reflectivity and increase its roughness in the Appearance Editor. This will make the surface appear less like a mirror and reduce the amount of light it reflects.
How can I make my Onshape models look more realistic?
In addition to managing glare, you can make your Onshape models look more realistic by using textures, adjusting shadow settings, and experimenting with different camera angles.
Where can I find more information about Onshape’s appearance settings?
Onshape’s official documentation provides detailed information about appearance settings, lighting, and other rendering options. You can access the documentation through the Help menu within Onshape or by visiting the Onshape website.