KeyShot Collision Detection
Collision Detection gives you the ability to detect other objects in your scene while moving a selected item. This helps to ensure objects don’t have any unwanted intersection, and also reduces the need to make time consuming adjustments to prevent it. There are two components that make up KeyShot’s new Collision Detection feature, both of which are found in the new Move Tool. Let’s have a look.
The ceramic mug, shown in the video, can be downloaded here and the Coffee Beans can be downloaded here.
Move Tool – Collision
The first feature we’ll look at is located in the Advanced options of the Move Tool. Collision is a simple checkbox that activates physics inside of KeyShot so objects recognize other objects when moved.
To get started using Collision, simply select the part or parts you would like to move. Then, to open the Move Tool, hit Ctrl-D, right-click your selection in the Real-time View and select Move, or right-click the highlighted part or parts in your Scene Tree and select Move.
Expand the Advanced section and select the Collision checkbox. Now, movements made to your object will be recognized by surrounding geometry as well as the ground plane. This eliminates accidental or unwanted overlapping of geometry and also speeds up positioning objects that need to touch.
One thing to note. With Collision enabled, it removes the ability to Scale geometry using the Move Tool. If you do need to scale an object while working with collision detection, go to the Scene Tree and adjust the Scale in the Position sub-tab, or simply uncheck Collision to make your adjustments in the Move Tool.
Move Tool – Settle
The second feature we’ll look at is also located in the Advanced options of the Move Tool. Settle is a button that activates physics inside of KeyShot so objects selected and floating settle naturally to a resting position. Additionally, with As Parts selected, a group of objects will be recognized as individual objects.
To better illustrate the idea, think about how a pen you drop on a table would react. Typically, the pen might bounce before landing in some orientation, continuing its movement until the momentum had stopped. This is precisely how the Settle feature work.
Before we continue, you might need a model. A great source for models is KeyShot Cloud. Along with new and interesting materials, textures, and environments, the Models tab provides hundreds of models optimized for KeyShot to help build out your scenes, practice rendering or, in this case, demo new features.
Like Collision, a huge advantage gained with Settle is quickly positioning object. Rather than manually adjusting each individual part to make it look like it had naturally fallen into place, you can simply hit Settle and move along.
To do so, place the object or objects you’d like to settle somewhere above the object or surface you’d like to drop them on. If you want a group of selected objects to act individually, select As Parts. Next, press the Settle button and watch the objects fall into place until they come to rest. When they reach a point where your satisfied with how they’ve settled or when they stop moving, click anywhere in the Real-time View to stop the settling process.
One note on Settle. You do not need to have Collision checked to use Settle. However, Settle will work with Collision enabled. However, if you leave Collision enabled when using Settle, you’ll need to uncheck it before making any further adjustments.
Move Tool – Settle, As Parts
As mentioned, by enabling As Parts, you tell KeyShot to settle a group of objects by its individual parts, rather than as a whole. This is incredibly useful when simulating something breaking apart or if you need to scatter many parts imported into KeyShot as one.
One note on Settle, As Parts. The Settle operation may take more time to complete. The amount of time is entirely dependent on the triangle count of the parts and will be longer when working with objects that break into many, many parts.
Whether its dropping items onto a desk, scattering coffee beans across a countertop, or creating unique stylized compositions, KeyShot Collision and Settle features will not only help you add a new level of realism but will also help you do it with speed.
These physics-based features provide a wide array of capabilities in KeyShot and it’s just the start of more to come. We’re excited to see how you use it! You can learn more about the Move Tool, Collision, and Settle in the KeyShot Manual.
What Can You Create?
We would love to see what you create with this tip. Visit the KeyShot Amazing Shots forum to see what others are creating and share your own work. And if you have a suggestion for another tip share it in the comments below.
