MappSmith — Materials & 3D preview
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Can I change the light and background in 3D?
Yes. The small slider next to Proof sets the light. The menu beside it picks the backdrop: Auto (follows the app theme), Studio, Slate, Daylight or Paper. Both are remembered in this browser. -
Do finish, grain, lightness and warmth change my files?
No. Finish (raw, matte, satin, gloss), engrave depth, grain direction and scale, lightness and warmth only change how the layer looks in the 3D preview. The same goes for a custom colour on a laser layer. -
How do I change a layer's material and thickness?
Open the layer and go to the Material tab. Pick the material and type the thickness in mm (0.5 to 50). The material name is also written into the file names in the download. -
How do I change what the views show?
Use Split, 2D or 3D at the top right of the middle pane. In Split view, drag the bar between the 2D plate and the 3D preview to resize them. -
Drag to orbit and scroll to zoom. The iso, top, front and reset buttons jump to a set view.
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How do I save a picture to send to a customer?
Press Proof at the top right of the 3D preview to save a PNG of the current view at twice its size. Hold Option (Mac) or Alt (Windows) while clicking for four times the size. "Snapshot of the 3D" in the ... menu saves a plain capture of the 3D canvas. -
How do I turn off the wood grain in the preview?
Press Design over the map and untick "Wood grain on wood layers". -
What do Assemble, Welded and Exploded do?
Assemble shows the stack glued up. Exploded lifts the layers apart. Choose stack, spread or cascade, set the Lift, and for spread and cascade drag the Fan aim dial to point the fan in a compass direction. Welded shows pieces joined the way the export cuts them. It is on by default. -
The download always welds pieces-only layers into one connected cut. With Welded on, the preview shows exactly that, and the layer warns you if any piece is attached to nothing and would fall out. With it off you see the loose pieces before welding.