write_vrml

The write_vrml output in the viewer is able to output most graphics objects in the viewer to a VRML-formatted file.

VRML is a network transparent protocol for communicating 3D graphics. It has fallen out of favor on the web, though it is still a standard for 3D model output.

We provide VRML output for two primary purposes:

1. Export of 3D models for conversion to 3D PDF
2. Export of 3D models for 3D Printing

Known Issues

• Turn on the "Use Unlocked Background" option in the viewer->Background editor when writing VRML files, since the background is otherwise rendered as a small square at the origin.  
• Always set your viewer to a Top View (180 Azimuth and 90 Inclination) before writing the VRML file.
• Do not use any modules which display in the 2D overlay. The 2D overlay is analogous to drawing on the glass on a TV or monitor. Items in the 2D overlay do not move, rotate or scale when you manipulate your 3D model. Examples are add_logo, Titles, and legend.
• Do not use volume rendering. These techniques are not supported.
• VRML does not support the full spectrum of data coloring supported in EVS.
  • Though both cell and nodal data coloring is supported, sometimes combinations of these cause problems.
  • Object colors (such as the red, blue, green grid lines of the axes module) often revert to white (uncolored). This can be problematic on a white background.
  • The texture_colors module is recommended for final output of most all colored objects to help avoid these issues.
• Trial and Error is often the only way to determine what combinations of rendering modes are supported, especially for 3D PDF and 3D printing. Remember these vendor's software all interpret the VRML files in slightly different ways. You will likely not be able to do everything you can do in a 4DIM or in EVS.
• VRML viewers: There is a list of VRML viewing software published by National Institute of Standards and Technology here. We recommend Cosmo, though it is far from perfect. We have created VRML files which will not display correctly in any of the VRML viewers that we have tested (including Cosmo), but which DO convert to 3D PDF perfectly. Conversely, there are occasions when something will look ok in VRML and not convert properly to 3D PDF.

Module Input Ports

• View [View] Connects to the viewer to receive all objects in the view