39
User Guide
Understanding the 3D coordinate system
The coordinate system can help you keep track of objects in 3D space. The X- and Y-axes
define a coordinate plane or a two-dimensional world. To work in a three-dimensional space, the
Z-axis, which represents depth, is added.
The three axes are perpendicular to each other and intersect in the point of origin. Each one is
like a number line with the point of origin designated as 0,0,0, because it is located on the 0
point on all three axes. Thus, a point in 3D space is described by giving three numbers. The first
one is the distance of the point from the origin in the X-axis. The second one is the offset of the
point from the origin along the Y-axis, and the third on distance away from 0 along the Z-axis.
3D coordinate systems are imaginary and can represent anything you want. When creating a 3D
scene, keep in mind the proportion of objects with respect to each other. You can do this by
establishing well your viewpoint or position and orientation.
COOL 3D then automatically calculates the
movement of the origin, your point of view, or
the object's center of gravity.
When transforming objects or applying
effects, you work with both the object’s own
coordinates and the world coordinates.
For example, when doing freeform
deformation, you adjust the shape of the
object by dragging nodes in its own X-, Y-,
and Z-axes.
But when you are lighting an object in a scene,
the values are based on world coordinates.
X=0, Y=0, Z=0
X=30, Y=30, Z=300
