This chapter describes the view options, the view manipulation tools, the 3D compass, and the perspective tools, all of which control a camera that creates the view in a viewport. The view options allow you to switch between two camera modes and numerically control some of their properties. The view manipulation tools and 3D compass control the camera to position, orient, and magnify objects in the view; you can also select custom views such as front and back, as well as define your own views. The perspective tools control whether Abaqus/CAE displays your model with or without perspective; using perspective gives a more realistic appearance for three-dimensional models. The following topics are covered:

• “Understanding camera modes and view options,” Section 5.1

• “Understanding the view manipulation tools,” Section 5.2

• “The 3D compass,” Section 5.3

• “Customizing the view triad,” Section 5.4

• “Controlling perspective,” Section 5.5

• “Using the view manipulation tools,” Section 5.6

• “Using the 3Dconnexion motion controllers with Abaqus/CAE,” Section 5.7