In the fast-paced world of digital design and engineering, having the right tools can make the difference between success and obsolescence. Enter xHighlight for 3DEXPERIENCE, a game-changing tool that is set to revolutionize the way designers, engineers and manufacturers approach their projects. This article will delve into how xHighlight enhances the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, offering unprecedented capabilities in visualization, collaboration and efficiency.
What is xHighlight?
xHighlight is a feature in 3DEXPERIENCE that allows users to emphasize specific parts of a 3D model. It seamlessly integrates into the platform and offers benefits across various industries by enhancing visualization and collaboration.
Getting Started with xHighlight: A Comprehensive Guide
xHighlight is an intuitive and powerful tool within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform that offers advanced visualization capabilities. To help you get started, this guide will walk you through the user interface, including Content Management, Canvas Manipulation, 3D Area, the Properties Manager Tab and Action Bar.
User Interface
1. Content Management
The Content Management section is where you organize all the elements of your project.
A: Scenes Panel: Create and arrange various scenes.
B: Design Panel: Manage design elements like labels, callouts, markups, annotations and environment settings.
C: Assembly Panel: Select and organize parts and products.
D: Material Panel: Choose and apply different materials to components.
E: Ambiences Panel: Set and customize the overall lighting and atmosphere for scenes.
2. Canvas Manipulation
Modify the canvas settings, such as Aspect Ratio, Zoom and Move, in the top bar to suit your requirements.
3. 3D Area
The 3D Area showcases your scene along with the canvas where your content is displayed.
Here, you have the ability to choose and position products, parts and design elements. Additionally, you can adjust the camera’s perspective by sliding up or down.
4. Properties Manager Tab
Customize model parts or design elements in the Properties panel by adjusting attributes such as position, scale, effect, interaction and part list.
5. Action Bar
In the action bar and the Enrich section, you’ll discover essential commands such as callouts, text boxes, labels, images and arrows. Meanwhile, the Tools section offers options including explode, 3DGrid and live preview rendering for arranging your product. Lastly, the Views section provides commands for adjusting your model’s size, position and creating sections.
Section 3: Managing Content with xHighlight
Ensure you have access to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and the necessary permissions to use xHighlight. Access the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform.
Navigate to your dashboard, and open xHighlight directly from the compass on your 3DEXPERIENCE dashboard.
To create a project, open a new project, select a 3D model from the library and save it to the desired Collaborative Space location. Once the assembly loads, you can start creating scenes.
Setting the Scenes
Click the + button to add new scenes.
To set the environment:
- Navigate to Content Management and switch to the Design Panel.
- In the Environment settings, click on the Environment tab in the right properties panel.
- Check the background feature and set an image. You can also adjust settings like color and gradient.
Enhancing Your Scene with Titles and Text
To set a Title, in xHighlight go to the Enrich tab.
To add your text:
- Insert a text box into the 3D area.
- In the properties tab, adjust the font, color and background settings.
- Use the Format Painter feature to copy the formatting of the selected object and apply it to another object.
By following these steps, you can create a visually engaging scene in xHighlight, enhancing your 3D presentations on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
Adjusting the Logo
In the Enrich tab, we opt for the 3D Image option and proceed to import the logo. Then, within the Properties menu under the Essentials tab, we ensure that the Always on Top option is selected to prioritize its appearance as the foremost layer. Additionally, we fine-tune the logo’s visibility by adjusting the opacity to 0.8. Finally, in the Container tab, we modify the logo’s shape to a circle to better suit our design aesthetic.
Highlighting Components
Within the design interface, we begin by selecting the desired component and then proceed to the Properties menu. Here, we activate the Highlight feature and customize its appearance by selecting a suitable color. Additionally, we enable the Halo option and fine-tune its intensity, elevating it from a value of 2 to 4 for enhanced visibility and emphasis.
Creating Interactive Buttons
To create an interactive button for viewing in presentation mode, we’ll begin by incorporating a label in the Enrich tab. Here, you have the flexibility to personalize the label according to your preferences by accessing the Properties tab on the right-hand side. This customization includes options such as text color, font style, background color, border design and shadow effects.
Next, in the Effect feature, we’ll opt for the Pulse Color effect. We’ll set the conditions for initiating this effect by selecting On Start and adjusting the speed to Low.
Moving on to the Interactions tab, we’ll select Go to Scene as the interaction type. We’ll then hyperlink it to Scene 5 to enable seamless navigation between scenes.
Measurement Capabilities
To utilize the measurement feature within xHighlight, let’s explore its four primary functions:
- Point-to-Point Measurement: This function allows users to measure the distance between two specified points. To initiate, simply click to define the starting point and then the end point. Double-click to confirm the selection. Afterwards, customization options are available in the properties panel.
- Plane-to-Point Measurement: Similar to the previous function, this feature measures the distance between a plane and a point. Start by clicking to define the initial and final points. Dragging allows positioning of the measurement as needed.
- Between Planes Measurement: This function measures the distance between two planes. Begin by clicking to set the start and end points. Double-click to confirm. Similar to other measurements, customization is accessible through the properties panel.
- Coordinates Measurement: With this feature, users can position measurement labels to display the coordinates of a point. Simply click to place the measurement label at the desired location.
For our demonstration, we’ll focus on utilizing the Point-to-Point measurement method.
After adding the measurement to the label, you can adjust to suit your preferences by accessing the Properties tab located on the right-hand side. This customization offers a range of options, including adjusting text color, font style, background color and border settings.
Digger Option
The Digger option in the Enrich tab allows users to delve deeper into their 3D models, providing a more detailed examination of specific components or structures within the design. With the Digger option, users can uncover intricate details and gain a comprehensive understanding of their designs.
Part List Integration
The latest updates to the xHighlight application, now integrated within the cloud-based 3DEXCITE Product Communicator role, introduce exciting new features and improvements, further enhancing the value of technical illustrations.
One notable addition is the Part List feature, offering seamless integration of customizable part lists directly within the xHighlight application.
To incorporate a part list into the 3D space, simply select the desired part — in this case, let’s say the cover body. Within the Properties tab, locate the Part List feature. Here, you can assign a name to be displayed in the table.
It’s important to note that xHighlight automatically organizes the components in the part list in the same order in which you click on them in the 3D space. This intuitive feature streamlines the process, ensuring efficient organization of components within your technical illustrations.
Technical Illustrations
In addition to the Part List feature, the latest version of the xHighlight application introduces another valuable enhancement: the ability to Publish Technical Illustrations.
With this new feature, users can seamlessly generate technical illustrations directly within the xHighlight application. These illustrations can be easily published and shared, offering a clear and concise representation of complex 3D models.
Furthermore, the SVG file format now includes measurement illustrations, providing users with comprehensive documentation of dimensions and scale within their designs. This addition enhances the utility of technical illustrations, making them even more informative and useful for collaboration and communication purposes.
Overall, xHighlight is a versatile tool that offers advanced visualization capabilities and enhances collaboration within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
For a more in-depth understanding of how to use xHighlight, check out the following video tutorials:
3DEXCITE: Getting Started with xHighlight – A Comprehensive Guide
3DEXCITE: Tips and Tricks
3DEXCITE: Advanced Features of xHighlight
3DEXCITE 3D Presentation Mode tutorial
About the Author
Hanen Bdioui is the Co-Founder of Champion Xperience and a dedicated advocate for Dassault Systèmes solutions. As a SOLIDWORKS Expert & Specialist and Instructor, she has gained recognition as a SOLIDWORKS Champion and the first 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Champion from Tunisia. Hanen’s exceptional projects have earned her invitations as a special guest to 3DEXPERIENCE World, where she actively contributed to the Edu booth at 3DXW24 in Dallas. Her expertise plays a crucial role in promoting technical excellence and driving innovation in the field.