How do I use the Distort Object tool to give 3D components a perspective or angled (isometric) appearance?

Overview

The Distort Object tool can warp a 3D component along an envelope defined by two guide vectors. That makes it useful for giving a straight-on relief a perspective or angled "isometric" look, like clipart that appears to be viewed from an angle rather than straight on. The general steps and rules for the tool are in the entry on how the Distort Object tool works. This entry covers the perspective use.

For subtle perspective, the Tilt property in Component Properties is often enough. For stronger perspective, Distort is the right tool.

Tilt vs. Distort: Which to Use?

Tilt (Component Properties):

• Tilts the component up on a slope in Z. The first point you click is the pivot, which does not move, and the second point is the side that is raised by the angle you set.
• Good for subtle perspective effects (an object leaning back slightly) and for raising one part of a component above another where they overlap.
• Applied per component, with no extra vectors needed.
• To set it: tick Tilt in Component Properties, click Set Anchor, and click two points in the 3D view.

Distort Object:

• Warps the component to follow guide curves, which can create strong perspective, keystoning or angled effects.
• Needs two guide vectors drawn above and below the component.
• Changes the 2D footprint and the height distribution of the component.

Step-by-Step: Using Distort for Perspective

Preparation:

1. Position your 3D component in the 2D view.
2. Draw two open vectors, one above and one below the component, that define the envelope you want it to warp to.

• Keystoning or perspective: the top vector is shorter than the bottom one, both as lines at different heights.
• A curved warp: draw arcs or curves.
• An isometric angle: draw diagonal lines at the perspective angle you want.

Selection (the guide curves must be the last two items selected):

1. Select the component first.
2. Hold Shift and click the first guide vector, then Shift-click the second guide vector.
3. Open Distort Object. The "Between Two Curves" option becomes available.

If the tool will not accept the selection:

• Check that you have only components and open guide vectors, with no mix of vectors and components being distorted.
• If the component is grouped or already distorted, the tool prompts you to bake it into one component first.
• Re-select in order: component first, guide vectors last.

After distortion:

• The preview shows the warped component.
• Click Bake Distortion once you are satisfied, to apply the distortion permanently. Node editing a distorted object otherwise edits the envelope.

Creating an Isometric-Style Effect

A starting approach to test on scrap:

1. Model the component flat.
2. Draw two guide lines for where the top and bottom edges should end up in the perspective view. The top line is shorter and higher, the bottom line is longer and lower, and both are angled to match the perspective you want.
3. Distort the component between the two guides.
4. For a multi-sided object (a toy block with three visible faces), model each face as its own component, distort or tilt each to match its face angle, then combine them in the Component Tree.

Perspective on Import

When you import an STL or other 3D model, the Orientate form has an Apply Perspective along Z option. It applies a perspective distortion along the Z axis so points closest to the viewer spread further apart, as if the model were coming out of the screen. This is part of import and is separate from the Distort Object tool.

Fade for Tapered Effects

Fade in Component Properties reduces the height gradually from one point toward another by a percentage. It is useful for tapered shapes or a component that appears to recede into the distance.

Common Mistakes

• Wrong selection order. The component goes first and the guide vectors go last.
• Not baking the distortion when you are done, so later node edits act on the envelope.
• Expecting Distort to create true three-dimensional perspective. The software works with a height map, so Distort changes the 2D footprint and the height distribution, not a true 3D view.