Controlling Visualization Settings

This procedure describes how to alter the details observable in graphical representations of the geometry while other commands are running.

There are two different measures of detail: level of detail (LOD) and pixel culling. To see more detail, set pixel culling/LOD lower; to see less detail, set pixel culling/LOD higher.

Both methods of controlling detail can be set independently for static and dynamic viewing.  The dynamic mode is activated as soon as the viewpoint is animated (zoom in/out, translate, etc.) using the available commands or direct manipulation.  In addition the dynamic mode is activated whenever a simulation is running.  The static mode is available at all other times.
The initial value for these settings is determined by Tools > Options > General > Display > Performance.  You cannot access the Tools > Options dialog box to alter these settings while using another command; only the Visualization Settings enables you to do that. 
Changing the value for the static mode will add or remove display quality for static objects.  Even if you do not want to move the objects, it is often useful to hide the details that you do not need in order to get a faster graphical representation.  Use the table below to determine the values for each method of controlling detail.  While changing this value, the user is able to see how the geometry will be represented using the value for the static level of detail.
Changing the value for the dynamic (while moving) mode adds or removes display quality when moving objects.  You can able to move large parts more quickly if you select a high level of detail for the dynamic mode because some of the details are not displayed.  When the parts are not moving anymore, the static mode is applied for the graphical representation, so you can again see the details corresponding to the static mode.  If you want to see how the geometry is represented while moving using the selected value for the dynamic mode, it is enough to move the parts (e.g., translate or rotate).  As long as the parts are moving, the dynamic level of detail is applied.  As soon as the movement is stopped, the static level of detail is applied.
To see: Level of Detail (LOD)  Pixel Culling
More details Select a lower number Select a lower number
Fewer details Select a higher number Select a higher number
Dynamic LOD is applied on all objects when at least one is moving or the viewpoint is animated.

  1. Click Visualization Settings .

    The Visualization Settings dialog box appears.

  2. Adjust the sliders as you like.

    The geometry immediately reflects the alterations in the static detail level.
    To return the sliders to the initial settings while leaving the Visualization Settings dialog box open, click Reset.

  3. When you no longer want to exert dynamic control over the visualization settings, click either OK (and the slider settings serve as the new visualization setting default) or click Cancel (and the default visualization settings remain as they were).

    When exiting the Visualization Settings dialog box using the OK button, a warning pop up message is displayed:
     
      If you click Yes, you modify the your settings; if you click No, your settings remain what they were when you opened the Visualization Settings dialog box (i.e., clicking No in this Warning box has the same effect as clicking Cancel in the Visualization Settings dialog box).
      If, after exiting the Visualization Settings dialog box, you alter the visualization settings using Tools > Options > General > Display > Performance, those settings become your new default.  Each way of altering the settings overrides the other.
      If you have launched Visualization Settings while another command is active, Visualization Settings does not cancel the first command; it only deactivates it.  Depending on the deactivated command, the Visualization Settings dialog box can remain on the screen and you can adjust the visualization settings while you are still able to perform some operations offered by the deactivated command.  In other cases, you have to complete Visualization Settings   before you can return to the previous command.