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DS 4.8: What changed in my Surface pane?

john_antkowiakjohn_antkowiak Posts: 334
in New Users

Hi. I can't figure out what I might have accidentally clicked on, to change the way my Surface pane works. Previously, the left side had the list of items loaded in the scene: figures, clothes, etc. If I selected any item, the complete list of surface properties would appear on the right side of the pane. Now, I can't see any properties unless I expand the item tree on the left side, drilling down untill the specific property group is exposed. That kind of stinks, because I don't always know what group the property I want is in; and besides, I can't select multiple items and change the same property all at the same time. Suddenly it's taking me forever to accomplish simple tasks because I do a lot of customizing of surfaces. Does anyone know how to restore the functionality I used to have?

Thanks!

 

 

surface pane.jpg
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Comments

  • jestmartjestmart Posts: 4,449

    At the very bottom of the Surface pane make sure "Show Sub Items" is checked.

     

  • john_antkowiakjohn_antkowiak Posts: 334

    Thank you so much - that was the problem. So just out of curiosity, what the heck is a "Sub Item" and why does clearing the check box do that? That's not intuitive at all...

  • jestmartjestmart Posts: 4,449
    edited June 2016

    Damned if I know, I don't code the program, just use and abuse it (see signature).

    Post edited by jestmart on
  • john_antkowiakjohn_antkowiak Posts: 334

    lol... I suspected as much, but I was hoping someone might know. But you got me the most important answer, and I'm grateful : )

  • SkpFXSkpFX Posts: 42

    I think the better term, in this context, would be sub-properties. You've got a material and it's got properties... Diffuse, Specular, Opacity and so on. And each of those has got properties... color, intensity, mapping, etc.

    The options allows for two different mindsets. Some people want it all in a stack, and just kinda know where it's at in the stack. Others, like myself, will look at that stack all afternoon, and still not find what I want. It's easier to just drill down to it.

    (Although I do leave the option on, but still dig around in the list on the left before finding what I want.)

  • Cris PalominoCris Palomino Posts: 11,710
    john_antkowiak said:

    Thank you so much - that was the problem. So just out of curiosity, what the heck is a "Sub Item" and why does clearing the check box do that? That's not intuitive at all...

    The view on the left provides access to various (specific) types of items in a single hierarchical tree-like structure; e.g., Objects, Surface Selection Sets, Surfaces, Property Groups (and sub-groups); each type of item has a different icon associated with it to help distinguish it from its neighbors.

    The view on the right shows properties, but depends on the selected item(s) on the left. When the "Show Sub Items" option is checked, selecting an "item" on the left causes all properties within that "item" and any "sub-items" to be displayed in the view on the right. When this option is unchecked, only the properties that are specifically in the selected item are displayed on the right.

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