Mouse
The mouse functions follow the Windows standards: When you click a structure or load object with the left mouse button, you select it. Double-click the object to open its edit dialog box. You can use this functionality not only for the graphic objects in the work window, but also for the object entries in the Navigator.
When you hold down the Ctrl key, you can select several objects by clicking one after the other. A plus symbol appears on the pointer. You can remove an object from the selection by holding down the Shift key. Accordingly, a minus symbol appears on the pointer.
When you right-click an object, you open its shortcut menu. It offers object-related commands and functions (see image Shortcut Menu of a Node ). Shortcut menus are not only available in the graphics, but also in the navigator and tables. Moreover, you can open a zoom window by holding down the right mouse button to enlarge a certain window area (corresponds to the Zoom With Window function in RFEM 5).
When you scroll with the mouse wheel, you maximize or minimize the displayed model. The current pointer position serves as the center of the zoom area.
With the pressed scroll wheel you can move the model. When you additionally hold down the Ctrl key, you can rotate the model's view. Rotating is also possible by using the scroll wheel and holding down the right mouse button.
ViewCube
At the top right of the workspace you can see a cube, the so-called ViewCube. Clicking or rotating the cube (hold down the left mouse key while moving the pointer) you can control the view.
View buttons
It is easy to switch quickly between the default views by using the functions on the View → Select View menu and the assigned buttons in the toolbar.
The buttons have the following functions:
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
|
Cancels the zoomed view and shows the entire model |
|
Shows the model in axonometric view |
|
Shows the model in view angle of user-defined Viewpoint |
|
Shows the model in perspective mode |
|
Shows the model view in X-direction |
|
Shows the model view in the opposite Y-direction |
|
Shows the model view in Z-direction |
|
Shows the model view in the opposite X-direction |
Shortcut
You can also use the keyboard to control the graphics. The shortcuts are available in the 'Customize' dialog box, which you can open by selecting Customize Menus and Toolbars on the View menu. Then, select the View category.
Use the
button to set the default keyboard shortcuts.
Rendering
There are several ways to graphically represent the model. Use the list button to quickly switch between the three basic display types.
The functions of the buttons are as follows:
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
|
Displays a line model in which surfaces are indicated by dotted lines within boundary lines |
|
Displays a rendered model in transparent view with member cross-sections and surfaces without thickness |
|
Displays the rendered model as a solid model with filled cross-sections and surfaces where it is not possible to "grab through" it for selection |
You can specify detailed settings for the display of structural objects and loads in the Navigator - Display under the Rendering category.
