This Autodesk Showcase manual, presented by the Magenta Academy, is a step by step-by-step guide that will show you how to create impressive presentations by way of high quality visuals (as shown below) and animations. The model of a Bentley Continental GT, courtesy of Bentley Motors, has been used as an example so you can view each step as it develops.
After the model is imported, it will have an empty background. Press ‘E' to bring up a selection of environments. Selecting an environment from the library will bring it up to the selected portion. You can then click on it again to apply it to the scene.
While setting up the model, it makes sense to use a simple and clear background like ‘Photo Studio' as shown below. This will make it easier to view the surfaces during the preparation process.
After applying the environment you will notice that the model goes through the floor. The floor can be moved to the correct position by going to Scenes > Set Floor Position.
In the Set Floor Position window, click 'Move to Bottom of Model'.
This will shift the floor to the correct position.
You also have the option to precisely adjust the floor position by moving it higher or lower.
Moving the floor larger distances can be done by dragging the bar, and smaller/precise adjustments can be made by using the numerical window.
Select the entire geometry and go to Scene > Create Ambient Shadows to apply Ambient Occlusion.
Once Ambient Occlusion is applied, it is good to check whether the shadows have been applied properly, and check any inconsistencies. Go to Scene > Show Ambient Shadows Only.
Show Ambient Shadows will display the entire model in matt white color only, with the soft shadows that have been applied. If there are any problems, you can select individual parts and apply Ambient Occlusion to them again.
Applying Ambient Occlusion is an extremely important part of the preparation process. This is a key factor that will affect the final output of your model, which means it is an absolute MUST if you want to achieve a high quality presentation.
Perspective for the model can be adjusted depending on how dynamic you want it to look. This is done by altering the focal length of the camera lens. Go to View > Adjust Perspective.
The wider the angle of the lens, the more extreme or ‘fish-eyed' the perspective will appear.
Note : It is also possible to adjust tilt from View > Adjust Tilt.
Assigning materials is very simple: just select the part, or surface you want to assign the material to, then click on the material of your choice and it will be assigned.
It is possible to make a combined selection of objects with the same material. Select an object, right click on it, and you will see the menu shown below. Now click on ‘All objects with this material'.
Once the color for the paint has been assigned, it can be customized in various ways. Select the desired part then press Ctrl + M, which will open the Material Properties window.
Here you will see various options that allow you to customize the Color, Highlight, Reflectivity, Transparency and Light Settings. Most of these are self-explanatory and you will understand their application by experimenting a few times.
You can either apply a Fabric or Leather texture to the convertible roof.
Click and select the surface for the roof. Press ‘M' to open the Showcase Materials library and scroll down to Fabric. Now select either Fabric or Leather. In this case, we have opted for Fabric.
The material will be applied to the surface. You may notice an over-saturated highlight, making it almost impossible to view the texture. We need to customize it.
Rotate the box if the need be, so that the texture is evenly positioned across the surface. Click Stop Moving once finished. You will see that the texture now appears very real.
You can click on the color tab and use the Palette to change to any color that you like.
Showcase allows the option of creating different material alternatives for your model. These can be created using the full range of materials available in Showcase. For example, you may want to view a car model with different color options or interior trims.
Press 'A' to open the Alternatives library. In the library go to Create > New Material Lineup.
Now select the part with the material that you want to add to the line up. Make sure you right click and select All Objects with this Material to ensure that all parts are selected.
Now right click on the new alternative and click 'Add Selection To'.
The selected material will now be assigned to this alternative.
If you like viewing your model from certain angles, you can set a ‘Shot' for each view.
Press 'T' to open the Shots Library. Now Toggle the model into a view/position that you like and press Ctrl + T to take a shot
The Shot you have created will be saved in the Shots Library. You also have the flexibility of viewing your model with different alternatives for each shot.
You can now toggle the model between views and create new shots for each view. Each shot will be saved in the Shots library.
Most of these shortcuts are covered in the 'full' manual provided at Majenta Academy. Some have also been mentioned in the drop-down windows in Showcase.
How to Prepare an Interior and Showcase with Raytracing manual.
