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Appearance Types

SOLIDWORKS Visualize includes an Appearance library that contains preconfigured appearances. All appearances are based on scientifically accurate appearances.

Each appearance is defined by a unique set of appearance parameters and texture properties that simulate a real appearance, such as glass or leather. When you select an appearance in the Appearance library or on an object, you can view and edit its appearance parameters and texture properties in the Palette on the Appearances tab.

Contents

  • Anisotropic

    Anisotropic simulates a surface with an asymmetrical specular highlight that changes when the surface rotates relative to the light sources. An anisotropic appearance has a "grain," or directionality. This appearance is commonly used to simulate brushed finishes on metallic surfaces.

  • Backscattering

    Backscattering is useful for fabrics and works well with Bump map textures.

  • Emissive

    The Emissive appearance emits light into the scene.

  • Flat

    The Flat Appearance Type is not shaded, so it does not react to light or shadows. Therefore, the Flat appearance has a constant color regardless of lighting and shadows.

  • Generic

    The Generic Appearance Type simulates a range of appearances – making it possible to precisely control how light interacts with an appearance.

  • Glass

    The Glass Appearance Type is optimized for windows. It can handle thin or thick glass. Typical applications include automobile windshields and head lamps.

  • Gem

    The Gem Appearance Type is a version of Glass that is optimized for gemstones.

  • Matte

    The Matte Appearance Type simulates matte surfaces, such as flat paint with no specular highlights.

  • Metal

    The Metal Appearance Type simulates metals such as aluminum, gold, and silver, with different finishes such as polished, powder coated, and cast.

  • Metallic Paint

    The Metallic Paint Appearance Type simulates metallic paints such as car paints, but can also be used to simulate multilayer plastic finishes.

  • Multi-Layer

    The Multi-Layer Appearance Type consists of up to four other appearances stacked on top of each other to create sophisticated appearance renditions.

  • Paint

    The Paint Appearance Type simulates non-metallic paint.

  • Plastic

    The Plastic Appearance Type simulates many plastic types.

  • Subsurface

    The Subsurface Appearance Type works in high quality rendering modes only. It is useful for substances such as milk, teeth, some stones, and honey.

  • Thin Film

    The Thin Film Appearance Type simulates items such as soap bubbles and oil slicks, with rainbow color distortion on the surface layer.



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