Stage

This page is early work in progress draft. Information may be incorrect or incomplete.

The Stage element of a Panel provides realtime 3D scene editing functionality. This element with the Canvas constitute the two main graphics creation interfaces that PanelForge provides.

This Stage working environment objective is to provide an intuitive working environment for both experienced uses of 3D graphics software and new users. The environment is presented in a familiar way in comparison to other 3D graphics software but with additions for users coming from a 2D image background.

The Stage contains a 3D scene which is made up of multiple objects that can be moved, scaled and rotated in three dimensional space. In depth information about these object types settings are found in Stage Object Attributes. These object include the following:

• Geometry Model: A previously sculpted model that is constructed of flat geometric shapes that give the illusion of smooth solid surfaces.
• Cameras: Objects that define where from and how the 3D scene is viewed. These objects mimic many real world conventions and settings of a traditional film camera.
• Lights: Objects that illuminate the scene with various settings. Each camera also includes a light that is used by default to illuminate the scene.
• Groups: An invisible object that is useful in defining the hierarchical relationship of objects in a scene.
• Locator: A simple marker object that is not show in the export of the stage view to the Canvas.
• Decal: A special object that can be used to project an image texture onto a Geometry Model Objects surface in a defined volume.

Palette Windows that are specific for use with the Stage are the following:

• Stage Tools
• Stage Outliner
• Stage Object Attributes
• Stage Material
• Stage Material Attributes

In addition to the above palette windows the following are also shown in the default Stage Workspace:

• Panel Timeline
• Undo History