The frame counter is the black box located in the area between the tool groups and the tools. The frame counter displays the current frame number. The current frame can be changed in one of several ways:

• Click on the frame counter or hit the Enter key to open the Go to Frame dialog. Here you can enter the number of the frame that you want to go to.
• Select the View > Time tool (or hold down the Control + Shift keys) then click and drag in any view to move through time. Drag to the right to move forward in time, to the left to move back.

Constraints

The constraint controls are located along the lower left portion of the interface screen. These controls allow you to specify how an object will be effected by any given command. To select a constraint, click on the desired button. More than one type of constraint can be applied at any given time.

Floating Palettes

Though not a fixed element of the interface, floating palettes are available to provide valuable information about a scene. You can use floating palettes to change certain objects or scene parameters. Floating palettes can be positioned anywhere on the screen.

Selecting an Object

To select an object for editing you can use one of the following methods:

1. Hold down the Command key while clicking on any vertex on the object you want to select.
2. Hold down the Command key, click, hold, and drag a rectangle around one or more vertices on the object you want to select. Release the mouse to finish the selection.
3. Use the Select menu.
4. Select the object from the pop-up menu located in the Object Info palette (Window > Object Info) or the Point Info palette (Window > Point Info).
5. Select the object in the Timeline palette (Window > Timeline).
6. Select the object from the schematic view. (See Views)

Getting Started

If you want to learn how to use PiXELS3D through a hands on approach, then continue with the Exercises and Tutorials that follow this chapter. Otherwise check out the Reference Guide PDF located on your CD. Either way, it is highly recommended that you eventually do all of the exercises & tutorials, as well as read the reference guide PDF.