If you are a PCB designer or working on electronics projects, mastering the 3D view in Altium is essential. One of the important functions in 3D view is the ability to rotate and view the PCB from different angles. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively rotate in 3D view using Altium.
1. Open the 3D View: In Altium, go to the View tab and select 'Workspace Panels' and then 'PCB 3D'. This will open the 3D view of your PCB design.
2. Using Mouse Controls: Once in the 3D view, you can rotate the view using your mouse controls. Simply click and hold the middle mouse button and drag to rotate the view in any direction. You can also use the scroll wheel to zoom in and out for a closer look at specific components.
3. Keyboard Shortcuts: Altium also provides keyboard shortcuts for rotating in 3D view. Pressing the '1', '2', and '3' keys will rotate the view to the Top, Bottom, and Home positions respectively. You can also use the arrow keys to adjust the rotation angle as per your preference.
4. Custom Views: Altium allows you to save custom views in the 3D workspace. Once you have adjusted the view to your desired angle, you can save it by going to the 'View' tab and clicking on 'Save View'. This allows you to quickly switch between different angles without having to manually rotate the view each time.
5. Using the Inspect Panel: The Inspect Panel in Altium's 3D view provides additional options for rotating and inspecting the PCB components. You can use the 'Look At' option to focus on a specific component and rotate the view accordingly. This is particularly useful for inspecting complex components and ensuring proper placement.
By following these steps, you can effectively rotate in 3D view using Altium for your PCB design and electronics projects. Mastering the 3D view and its rotation capabilities will enhance your design process and help you ensure the accuracy and efficiency of your PCB layouts.