Assets are vital to creating a 3D board as well as speeding up workflow for 2D boards. These are imported in via an asset library. If you wish to learn about Asset Library Creation please go to [Asset Library Manager]], where you can also learn more about managing and linking in Asset Libraries to your project.
There are 5 types of file that can be imported into a Panelforge Project via the Assets Palette. These are:
- .obj files - Commonly exported from Maya or other 3D object creation programs.
- .pfe files - A file type particular to Panelforge, which can be exported from Maya through ___
- .png files - Image files with a transparent background.
- .jpg files - Image files with a non transparent background.
- .pn files - Panel files that you have pulled from other projects*
*Please be aware if the panel has 3D assets they will need to have the corresponding Asset library attached the project to be fully functional.
Using 3D Assets
3D assets can only be used within the stage workspace, should attempt to add them while in the canvas they add button is disabled.
Once the stage workspace is accessed and the asset window is open. It's easy to add an asset from the default library or your own. Simply select a 3D item in the folder and choose to add. Or simply select and drag an object from the asset library to the stage viewport. This will import the asset to the stage viewport and the 3D Origin point.*
If an object has previously been placed in a space where you want to import a new asset it can be easily done by selecting the object already within the stage viewport and then within assets selecting the object that needs to be imported in. A second selection option should appear in the top right of the palette under "Add in place" Choosing this will add the object to the same location as the initial item.
For inserting multiple objects, using ctrl and selecting your chosen items will allow you to add them both through "Add" and "Add in place. This is also possible to do with the folders in your library, which will then insert the folder and its contents to the stage viewport. At this time it's not possible to drag multiple highlighted objects from the asset palette to the stage viewport.
*Please note, if the object is exported from the initial 3D creation program not central to the origin point then the object will be imported as it has been exported as such. This means when its added to the stage viewport it may appear central to the origin point.
Using 2D Assets
2D assets are for use within the canvas view. Like 3D assets, it's possible to add from within the asset palette (via "+add" ) or dragging the item onto the stage. These assets will keep their naming convention, even when added multiple times to one panel.