Modes

There are three basic program modes (View, Select and Edit) and a mode hierarchy that allows you to move between them easily. While you are editing the model you may select items to edit. When you are finished selecting you will be returned to editing. Likewise, while you are selecting items you can adjust the view and then be returned to selecting.

Different mouse cursors are used with each mode to indicate what the current mode is.

View Mode is the upper-level mode that allows you to adjust the view by zooming in and out, rotating and setting Model Display Options. This mode supersedes all other modes so that you may do these things at any time, and then be returned to the previous mode. This mode does not cancel other modes, so when you are finished adjusting the view you are returned to what you were doing. See Graphic Display for more information.

Select Mode is the middle-level mode that allows you to make a graphic selection of model elements.  This mode supersedes the Edit Mode, but not the View Mode. This means that you can make a selection while in the middle of editing the view and when you are finished, you are returned to the editing feature that you were using. It also means that you may adjust the view while remaining in the same Select Mode. See Graphic Selection for more information.

Edit Mode is the lower-level mode that allows you to graphically edit the model. You may make selections and adjust the view while in the edit mode such that when you are finished selecting you will be returned to the Edit Mode. Some Edit Mode features have options on how you apply the edit. See Graphic Editing for more information.

Note: The default mode is a selection mode that is indicated by the standard mouse cursor. While in this mode you can select/deselect individual items by clicking on them. You can view information about the selected item in the Properties panel. Use the ESC key or the right mouse button to cancel an active mode.