This is a tip for those who want to combine multiple 3D materials downloaded individually into one to create an original⁽?⁾ background material set, but don't know how to do it!

 

Here, we will introduce the method of "combining multiple 3D materials into one layer and registering the layer as a material".

 

If you learn this, you will be able to place the layout of a room or shop created using multiple 3D materials in another frame, and it will be easier to move multiple 3D materials in the same frame together in the same position, so it is very convenient.

 

I think it will be especially useful when drawing backgrounds for manga, so please try to remember it.

 

But, in fact, this method has one big drawback.

 

The materials you create are classified and registered as image materials, not 3D objects.

 

What this means is that the materials registered as layer materials will remain 3D objects afterwards, but when you re-register the materials, the type will be changed from "3D object" to "image material" automatically. Therefore, you will no longer be able to place 3D materials by snapping them to a perspective ruler you created beforehand.

 

The perspective ruler itself will still be usable, so it can be useful if you use it in a creative way, but please only proceed if you are aware of this drawback and don't mind!

 

 

1. Group multiple materials on the same layer

As an example, we will create a cash register counter by assembling the following four elements:

 

① Counter

 

② Register

 

③ Coin tray

 

④ Terminal for cashless payment

 

 

 

① First, call up any one of the materials you want to combine onto the canvas.

You can choose any 3D material that catches your eye first, but it is recommended to first use a base or starting point, as this will make it easier to place the materials you want to call up later.

Here we will call the base counter.

The counter will appear on the canvas and a 3D layer called "Counter" will be created.

You can call up the material by pasting or dragging and dropping.

 

 

② With the previously summoned 3D material layer still selected, summon the next material.

With the 3D Counter layer selected, call up the next material, Register.

A cash register has appeared on the counter.

A new layer will not be created; if the cash register is placed in the counter layer, then the process is successful.

In this case, I used drag and drop because it will be easier to work on later if the cash register is on the counter.

 

 

③ Place the summoned material

We've successfully combined the two materials into one layer, but in this state it's not ideal.

So next we'll adjust the size and position of the cash register so that we can use it as a cash register counter material.

 

At this time, you should pay attention to how to use the movement manipulator.

When the material is standalone, you might just position it by moving the camera icon on the right and the cube icon on the left as you like, but now that the two materials are a set, it's a little different.

First, let's review the types of manipulator icons⁽?⁾.

There are three main types.

 

① Camera icon → Used to adjust the overall angle and position

 

② Cube icon (name unknown) → Used to move individual materials

 

③ Magnet icon → Used to snap materials to other materials

We recommend using the root manipulator to zoom in and out and move the item.

 

Use the camera icon to rotate the whole thing while placing the cash register on the counter. If you find it easier to work while checking the four-sided view, we recommend using that.

 

Details on material placement are also introduced in the official guide, so please check that out.

The cash register has been placed.

 

We will be placing the coin tray and cashless payment terminal in the same manner.

Use the root manipulator to adjust the size and position of each piece, then place them on the counter.

 

 

This completes the cash register set.

 

 

④ Register the layer of the created 3D set as a material

Once you've completed your ideal set, the next step is to select the layer containing the 3D materials and drag and drop the layer into the material palette where you want to register it.

This completes the registration as a material, and next time you'll be able to use the same set by simply dragging and dropping it from the material palette to the layer palette or canvas (you can also paste the material on the canvas).

 

As explained at the beginning, what is registered is an image material, so it will appear in the same form next time you register it.

You can use this to register multiple angles, such as angles you often use, and angles viewed from above, below, left, right, etc., so you'll be able to set it up with less effort next time.

 

 

The material has been registered in the "3D" material palette.

 

 

The object list is as shown below.

The added materials are individual, just like when they were single elements, so you can hide unnecessary items depending on the scene, and if you want to change the position or angle of a specific item, you can select the item you want to move from this object list and adjust it with the root manipulator, etc.

 

Movable items can also be used as is.

 

 

2. Points to note when assembling materials

Now that we've successfully registered the material, there are two issues that can arise when assembling the material.

If you've used 3D materials before, you'll probably already know about these, but we've summarized them below just in case.

 

 

① The more material there is, the heavier it becomes.

As the number of 3D objects on the screen increases, depending on the specs of your PC, it may slow down or become very slow.

If you put too much strain on it, it may freeze or CSP may be forced to shut down, so be sure to consult with your partner PC when assembling materials and do so within the range that does not put a strain on your partner.

 

 

② If you zoom in too much, it becomes heavy.

If you enlarge the canvas and view 3D materials too closely, depending on the specs of your PC, their movement may become very slow, making it difficult to adjust the angle.

If you feel that the movement of a 3D object is becoming sluggish while you are working, try moving it away until it fits on the canvas and the whole thing is visible, and then moving it. Switching the viewpoint to long may make the movement smoother.

It is of course easier to view small items up close, but continuing to put a strain on your PC is dangerous. Even if it is inconvenient, we recommend operating it from a distance where the movement becomes smoother.

 

If switching the viewpoint to long does not solve the problem, consider the possibility that there are too many 3D materials and your partner cannot handle them.

 

 

3. Some 3D materials sold on ASSETS cannot be grouped together on the same layer.

Even if you select the layer you want to group and call up the 3D material, the layers will automatically be separated, and there are rare cases where the material cannot be included in the same layer.

It is unclear whether there is a way to tell before downloading, but you can assume that materials that do not allow the use of the root manipulator or have different operation methods cannot be grouped.

 

Even 3D materials that cannot be included in the same layer can be grouped in the same folder as the 3D materials you want to set, and the folder can be registered in the material palette.

In this case, there is no common camera icon, so if you want to change the angle, you will need to reset each one individually.

Please try using this if you can, such as when you only use fixed angles or don't want to go to the trouble of calling them up individually.

 

 

3. Advantages and disadvantages of assembling 3D materials

We've already mentioned this, but to keep things organized, we'll summarize it here again.

 

 

merit

・The time it takes to assemble the same set every time is reduced.

・The number of layers in a 3D object is reduced, making it neater.

 

 

Disadvantages

• Cannot snap to previously installed perspective ruler

 

 

The registered material can be used as a set of 3D objects from the next time, but as noted at the beginning, because the material type is an "image material," it cannot be used by snapping it to a perspective ruler that you placed earlier.

 

Some people may feel that it is less convenient if it cannot be snapped to a ruler, but this can be solved with some ingenuity.

 

In the next "How to Organize 3D Materials 2," we will therefore introduce the steps for incorporating 3D objects that have become image materials into a background, so please take a look if you are interested.