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Reference
View the glossary or frequently asked questions.
Glossary
View a list of glossary terms and definitions.
View Controls
The view controls are located in the lower left corner of the modeling window.

Welcome
What's New
Discover new features and enhancements.
Get Started
New to Inspire Form? Learn the basics here.
Tutorials
Start using Inspire Form with our interactive tutorials.
Parametric Modeling
Create 2D sketches, surfaces, and solids.
Feasibility Setup and Simulation
Perform Feasibility, Blank Fit, and Blank Nesting analyses.
Die Face Design
Open any part in Studio to design the die, and import the die face design into Inspire Form from Studio.
Tryout Setup and Simulation
Perform tryout analyses to validate die designs.
Rendering
Adjust the materials, environment, and properties of objects in the scene to create a photorealistic image.
Geometric Analysis
Analyze the object geometry for negative draft, trim angle, and shortest distance between parts.
Simulation Results
Review forming outcomes through the Analysis Explorer.
Reference
View the glossary or frequently asked questions.
- Glossary
  View a list of glossary terms and definitions.
  - Alternative
    Alternatives are a convenient way to manage design variations within your model.
  - Configuration (model)
    You can use the Configure toolbar on the Model Browser to activate and deactivate parts. This is called configuring your model.
  - Context Menu
    Context menus contain commands that allow you to edit a selected item, and are available for parts, entities, and tools on the ribbon.
  - Demo Browser
    The Demo Browser (F7) displays a list of demo models packaged with the software.
  - Installation Directory
    The installation directory is the location where the application was installed.
  - Instance (part)
    An instance is a copy of a part that is linked to the original part.
  - Model Browser
    The Model Browser shows all of the objects in your model in a tree structure.
  - Modeling Window
    The modeling window, sometimes referred to as the graphics area or window, is where you interact with your model.
  - Mouse Controls
    Mouse controls are used to pan, zoom, and rotate the model.
  - Orthographic Projection
    In Inspire, there are two basic methods of displaying 3D objects on a 2D plane: perspective projection, which takes perspective effects into account; and orthographic projection, which does not.
  - Parts
    A part is a geometric object made up of any combination of solids, surfaces, and curves. It can also be a mesh.
  - Perspective Projection
    In Inspire, there are two basic methods of displaying 3D objects on a 2D plane: perspective projection, which takes perspective effects into account; and orthographic projection, which does not.
  - Principal Axes
    The principal axes or global axes are the x, y, and z axes in the View Rotator.
  - Property Editor
    The Property Editor shows all the properties of a selected object and allows you to edit them.
  - Ribbon
    The ribbon allows you to quickly access tools and standard functions, and is located at the top of the Inspire workspace.
  - Screen Capture
    The Screen Capture tool saves an image of your model with a white background.
  - Snap Filter
    The Snaps Filter icon is located in the lower right corner of the application window. It opens the snaps menu.
  - Status Bar
    The status bar displays model status information and includes the snaps filter and unit system selector.
  - Unit System Selector
    Use the Unit System Selector to change the display units used in the user interface. (These can be the same or different as the modeling units, which are set in the Preferences.)
  - View Controls
    The view controls are located in the lower left corner of the modeling window.
  - View Normal to Grid
    When in sketch mode, the Rotate to Closest Principal Axes icon is replaced with the View Normal to Grid icon in the view controls.
  - View Rotator
    Use the View Rotator to achieve finer control of rotation than is possible by using the mouse.
  - Workflow Help
    Most tools on the ribbon include text prompts beneath the tool or guide bar that explain what to do next. These prompts are a form of user assistance called workflow help.
- FAQs: Feasibility
  You have questions about Inspire Form's Feasibility component. We have answers!
- Troubleshooting: Feasibility
  Let us guide you through your roadblocks.
- FAQs: Tryout
  You have questions about Inspire Form's Tryout component. We have answers!
- Troubleshooting: Tryout
  Let us guide you through your roadblocks.
- Materials
  Review information about material properties and creating and editing materials.
Keyboard Shortcuts and Mouse Controls
Learn keyboard shortcuts and mouse controls for common operations.

View Controls

The view controls are located in the lower left corner of the modeling window.

Mouse over the colored axes to access the view rotator and standard views.
Use the icons to:
- Activate show/hide mode .
- Store or recall a custom view for future use.
- Alternate between perspective and orthographic projection.
- Rotate the view to the closest principal axes .
- Fit selected parts in the view.
- Take a section cut of your model.