VRML

The VRML options let you customize options for importing and exporting VRML files.

You can import and export to VRML format through the Add and Share menus.

  • To import VRML files, select Add > Import > File then choose VRML (*.wrl) in the Files of type: list.
  • To export objects to VRML format, select Share > Export then choose VRML (*.wrl) from the Save as type list:. Note that materials with shaders cannot be exported to VRML format (whatever the VRML version).
Important: Textures cannot be imported in VRML 1.0 files.

This page discusses:

Import: Unit

Lets you select the desired unit of the VRML file to be imported:

  • Meter (m)
  • Millimeter (mm)
  • Centimeter (cm)
  • Inch (in)
  • Foot (ft).

Important:
  • VRML files are unitless. To make the compatibility between objects easier, the VRML convention defines the meter as the standard unit. Therefore, generated files use the meter by default but if you need to use a different unit, you can select it from the list.
  • VRML files are always exported in meters, regardless of the unit specified. This means that you have to change the import unit back to meters prior to re-importing.

Import: Options

Impacts the generation of default normals.

This option usually concerns VRML files for which no normals have been specified.

If the angle you defined in the Crease angle box is lower than the angle between the two geometric normals of the adjacent edges, then a default and unique normal is calculated so that the faces look smoother across the edges.

If the defined angle is greater than the angle between the two normals, two normals are calculated and the faces look less smooth across the edges.

Export: Version

Lets you choose between VRML 1.0 and VRML 97 format when exporting to VRML.

Note:
  • Only parts and products can be exported to VRML format.
  • When exporting sections to VRML 97 format, make sure that the Save edges check box is selected.

By default, VRML 97 is selected.

Export: Options (VRML 97)

The export options detailed below are relevant for VRML 97 format only.

Save normals
Lets you save normals contained in your object when converting it to VRML format.

By default, this option is selected.

Save edges
Lets you save edges contained in your object when converting it to VRML format.
Warning: Bear in mind that saving edges increases the file size significantly.

By default, this option is selected.

Save textures

Lets you save your textures either:

  • In an external file of type .jpg.
  • Directly in the VRML file. However, this increases the file size considerably.

Bear in mind that environment reflections are not saved in VRML.

By default, this option is cleared.

Background color of generated VRML file
Lets you select the background color to be used when visualizing the generated VRML file in a standard VRML viewer (such as Cosmo Player, for example).

The default color is "black" but you can select the desired color from the list or click More Colors... to access the color palette.

This palette lets you define more colors or create your own colors.

When reopening your VRML document, this background color is not taken into account.