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L3D Editor 1.0 - Final Release

· 4 min read
Alex
Alex
Developer DIAL

Today we've released the first major version of the L3D Editor 🥳. It contains many bug fixes and is feature-complete, providing everything necessary to create 3D models for GLDF.

This post is a brief summary of what has changed since the beta version. As well as a small preview of the near-term roadmap.

GLDF Container

Where can I get it​

tip

A short description and links to the docs and the L3D Editor itself can be found here.

What is new​

Functionality​

  • Measurement Tool
    A new measurement tool helps to evaluate dimensions. Especially when modelling with several OBJ, it can be easier to calculate total dimensions with the Measurement Tool instead of aggregating them over individual model dimensions.
  • Visibility toggles
    New toggles allows to show and hide entire objects - or individual OBJ mesh groups if any exist. In addition, it is possible to display L3D-specific objects such as Joints, Connectors, and more.
  • View modes
    Besides the possibility to switch between different 2D views, the editor now has a wireframe mode and the possibility to reset the view to a default distance and angle.
  • Wall mode
    To simplify the modelling of wall-mounted luminaires, the view can now be switched to a Wall Mode. This is a purely visual aid that rotates the coordinate system by 90° without changing the coordinate axis.
  • LES intensity
    The luminosity of the LES surfaces can now be adjusted within the range of 10% to 100%.
  • GO and C0 visibility
    In the beta version, the G0 and C0 lines could be hidden, depending on the placement of models. This has been improved.
  • Warnings
    The L3D Editor warns more often to protect the user from incorrect input or possible data loss. For example, the browser tab no longer closes without prompting. Also, a new project cannot be created without confirmation.
  • Hierarchical tree view icons
    The luminaire structure tree on the left side of the editor has now several icons that make work easier with entries (toggle visibility, move/delete objects and more)
  • Unit bug
    In some cases the L3D Editor created invalid XMLs, because not all units in the object Catalog were implemented correctly. This is fixed now.

Usability​

  • New icons & tooltips
    Many buttons should already have self-explanatory icons. Nevertheless, we have added tooltips to many of them.
  • Shortcuts
    Some shortcuts were added to make the workflow easier as well. They can be found clicking the Settings button rightmost.
  • Axes legend
    An axis legend can also be found in the Settings window now.
  • Selection highlighting
    Both LEO and LES are now better highlighted in the editor. Furthermore, they can be selected in different ways (hierarchical tree view, CAD view).
  • Manipulator improvements
    The usability of some manipulators has been improved. For example, degrees of freedom for Joints can now be set visually.
  • Context menus
    Some functions such as the Move, Selection or Rotate Tool; But also deleting or switching the visibility of objects are now accessible via context menus.

Documentation​

A comprehensive documentation can now be accessed directly from the editor (and found here).

Roadmap​

Finally, a short outlook on further changes:

  • L3D XSD 1.0 support
    Currently, the L3D Editor supports the L3D XSD in version 0.10. One upcoming major change will be the integration of the final L3D XSD specification 1.0.

    Important

    Even though the L3D Editor is already final, the L3D XSD is still close to finalisation. It is unlikely, but we cannot guarantee that the final version won't introduce breaking changes. Keep this in mind when creating L3Ds.

  • More units
    For the scaling of OBJ files, further units of measurement are planned. Currently we plan to add decimeters and yards to close gaps in the existing unit range.