3D CoPilot is a tool that automatically appears in Creo Elements/Direct 3D Access when you select certain functions that require you to move faces and other design elements. Usually you can click and grab on the copilot's arrows to easily move parts, faces, etc. This section gives more detailed information on using the copilot.
Starting 3D CoPilot
Copilot automatically appears after you
1. Select a function such as Move 3D, Change radius, Blend, Cross Section, and Position Dynamic.
2. Select the face, edge, or other element on which you want the function to act.
The copilot appears as a single arrow, two arrows, three arrows, or an arrow within a sphere, depending on the move options available with the function and selection you have made.
3D CoPilot properties
In 3D CoPilot, bronze arrows symbolize drag direction, while a bronze ring symbolizes rotational direction. 3D CoPilot also features a window with dynamic position information, and a blue bubble that marks the object’s starting point.
Highlight the ring or an arrow with the mouse cursor and click once. A blue directional line extends from an arrow, or a blue circle surrounds the ring. Move the mouse to reposition the object, and click again when the object reaches the desired point. If necessary, click the green checkmark in the menu to confirm the action. To undo a projected movement or modification of the object, use the 3D CoPilot to bring the object back to the blue starting point, or simply click the red X in the menu to cancel the action.
Dynamic drag feedback
When moving an object, relative distances from the object’s starting point appear in the 3D CoPilot window. To change the units of measurement, right-click the units display on the utility bar at the bottom of the screen and click Units.
Auto-precision dragging
Objects dragged or modified with the 3D CoPilot tools automatically snap to an invisible grid, making it simple to reposition objects quickly and accurately. Windows users can temporarily suspend snapping while dragging an object by pressing and holding the SHIFT key while dragging the object. Release the SHIFT key to resume normal 3D CoPilot functions.
3D CoPilot Settings dialog box
Use the 3D CoPilot Settings dialog box to change snap or drag settings, or to change your CoPilot window viewing options. To access this dialog box, click File > Settings > 3D CoPilot.
Changing snap options with the 3D CoPilot Settings dialog box
To turn 3D snap off, open the 3D CoPilot Settings dialog box and clear Snap always in the Snapping pane.
Changing viewing options with the 3D CoPilot Settings dialog box
To change the appearance or location of 3D CoPilot elements, open the 3D CoPilot Settings dialog box. In the Drag pane, click Smooth to have every pixel considered in zoom mode. Modify the distance and angle used in the Fixed mode. Use the slider to adjust the size of the virtual grid used in the Dynamic mode.
Configure the cursor text using the Text pane. You can define whether the cursor text should be shown or not, and its position.
Customize the colors of snapped lines, history points, and start points using the Look pane. Click the color boxes to open the color palette and select a new display color.
To change the size of the 3D CoPilot on your display, adjust the slider in the Size pane.