What is the difference between Fade and Tilt in component properties, and when should I use each one?

Fade and Tilt are two dynamic properties in Component Properties that control how a component's Z height varies across its surface. They are non-destructive: you can adjust or remove them at any time without permanently changing the underlying component shape.

Fade

Fade linearly reduces the Z depth of a component from one anchor point toward a second one.

• First click: the point that stays at the current height.
• Second click: the point the component fades down toward.
• The percentage controls how much the depth is reduced. For example 50% reduces it by half at the second point, and 100% fades it all the way down at the second point.
• The fade is applied linearly between the two points.

When to use Fade:

• Make a component appear to recede into the background or tuck behind another element.
• Blend a component into surrounding detail so there is no hard edge.
• Give the effect of a component fading into the distance, which helps with overlapping areas.
• Lower an area so it appears to go behind another component.

Fade math (practical): Fade is a percentage of the component's height, not a degree angle. A 50% fade on a component that is 0.25 inch tall tapers it from 0.25 inch at the first anchor to about 0.125 inch at the second. To hit a specific angle for a mechanical part, use trial and error in the 3D view.

Tilt

Tilt raises the component at an angle in Z, like tilting a board up from one end.

• First click: the pivot point, which stays at zero (does not move).
• Second click: the point that gets raised up.
• The angle is set in degrees. Type a value and press the Space Bar to apply it, or use the slider.

When to use Tilt:

• Raise one overlapping portion of a component above another without raising the whole component with Base Height.
• Create a wedge or ramp profile on a shape.
• Model angled surfaces such as guitar headstocks, beveled frames or pediments.
• Add subtle perspective so a component appears to lean toward or away from the viewer.

Key difference in plain English:

• Fade lowers the depth toward one end, by a percentage.
• Tilt raises one end upward, by an angle in degrees.

Both can be applied to the same component.

For the same Fade and Tilt controls inside the Create Shape tools (Aspire only), see the entry on Tilt and Fade in the Create Shape tools. For everything else in the Component Properties form, see the entry on using the Component Properties form.

How to Set the Anchor Points

Fade and Tilt are set in the 3D view:

1. Double-click the component in the Component Tree to open Component Properties.
2. Tick Fade or Tilt.
3. Click Set Anchor.
4. Click the first point, then the second point, in the 3D view.
5. Adjust the percentage (Fade) or angle (Tilt).

Alternatively, select the component in the 3D view and click it again to show the transform handles and height icons. The Additional Settings icon lets you change the combine mode, Fade, Tilt and Appearance directly in the 3D view, where you also set the direction for Fade and Tilt.

Baking Fade and Tilt

To apply further dynamic properties on top of existing ones (for example a second fade on an already-faded component), first Bake the component. Baking permanently converts the current fade and tilt into the component shape and resets the properties so you can apply new values. Consolidating components also helps performance on models with many high-resolution components.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing Fade percentage with a degree angle for mechanical applications. They are not interchangeable without math.
• Applying Tilt when Fade was intended, or the reverse.
• Forgetting that the first Tilt click is the fixed pivot and the second click is the raised side.