Navigation Controls¶
This guide covers camera controls and viewport interaction.
Camera System¶
VulkanW3DViewer uses an orbital camera that rotates around a focal point. This is ideal for inspecting 3D models from all angles.
Mouse Controls¶
Rotation¶
Left Mouse Button + Drag
- Rotates the camera around the model
- Horizontal drag: Orbit left/right (azimuth)
- Vertical drag: Orbit up/down (elevation)
Smooth Rotation
Slow, steady movements give the best control. The camera rotation speed is calibrated for precise inspection.
Zoom¶
Scroll Wheel
- Scroll up: Zoom in (move closer)
- Scroll down: Zoom out (move away)
The zoom operates by adjusting the camera distance from the focal point.
Pan¶
Middle Mouse Button + Drag
- Moves the camera and focal point together
- Useful for centering on specific parts of a model
Camera Behavior¶
Auto-Framing¶
When a model loads, the camera automatically frames it:
- Calculates model bounding box
- Positions camera to show entire model
- Sets appropriate zoom distance
Orbit Constraints¶
The orbital camera has some constraints:
- Elevation: Limited to prevent flipping
- Distance: Minimum and maximum zoom limits
- Smooth interpolation: Gradual camera movements
Viewport Interaction¶
Model Hovering¶
When you hover over mesh geometry:
- The hovered mesh is highlighted
- Tooltip shows mesh name
- Useful for identifying sub-objects
Viewport Focus¶
Click in the viewport to give it focus. This ensures:
- Mouse controls are captured
- Keyboard shortcuts work
- UI panels don't intercept input
Camera Settings Panel¶
Access camera settings through the UI:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Field of View | Perspective FOV angle |
| Near Plane | Near clipping distance |
| Far Plane | Far clipping distance |
| Rotation Speed | Mouse rotation sensitivity |
| Zoom Speed | Scroll wheel sensitivity |
Tips for Model Inspection¶
Viewing Details¶
- Zoom in close to the area of interest
- Use slow rotation movements
- Pan to recenter if needed
Viewing Overall Shape¶
- Zoom out for full model view
- Rotate to see silhouette
- Good for checking LOD levels
Inspecting Bones¶
- Enable skeleton visualization
- Zoom to bone area
- Play animation slowly to see bone movement
Checking UV/Textures¶
- Position camera perpendicular to surface
- Zoom to fill viewport with textured area
- Check for texture stretching or seams
Common Patterns¶
360° Model Review¶
- Position at comfortable zoom
- Hold left mouse button
- Drag steadily in one direction
- Complete full rotation
Top-Down View¶
- Rotate camera to look straight down
- Continue dragging up until viewing from above
- Useful for checking model footprint
Front/Side/Back Views¶
- Rotate to approximate view
- Fine-tune with small adjustments
- Zoom to fill viewport
Troubleshooting¶
Camera Not Responding¶
- Click in the viewport to ensure focus
- Check if a UI panel is capturing input
- Try closing popup windows
Zoom Too Fast/Slow¶
- Adjust zoom speed in Camera Settings panel
- Default sensitivity is calibrated for most mice
Model Not Visible¶
- Model may have loaded off-center
- Try zooming out significantly
- Reset camera may help (if available)
Camera Inside Model¶
- Happens when zooming too far in
- Zoom out until model reappears
- Pan to move focal point outside geometry