Measurement Guide - Precision 3D Model Measurements
Complete guide to using STP Viewer's measurement tools for accurate distance, angle, and parallel face measurements on desktop and mobile
Measurement Guide
Quick Start (30 Seconds)
Enter Fullscreen Mode
Click the fullscreen button (⛶) or press F11 for the best measurement experience.
Activate Measurement Tool
Click "Activate Measurement" button in the measurement panel to enable measurement mode.
Start Measuring
- 2 clicks: Distance measurement
- 3 clicks: Angle measurement
- Click 2 faces: Parallel face distance
Results are automatically displayed in both millimeters (mm) and inches (in) for maximum convenience.
Core Measurement Types
🔹 Distance Measurement
Point-to-point straight line distance
🔺 Angle Measurement
Three-point angle calculation with degree precision
📐 Parallel Face Distance
Automatic detection and measurement of parallel surfaces
🔹 Distance Measurement
Measures straight-line distance between any two points on your 3D model.
How to Use:
- Desktop: Click two points with your mouse
- Mobile: Tap two points with your finger
Best Practices:
- Zoom in for precise point selection
- Use different viewing angles to verify point placement
- Measurement line appears immediately after selecting the second point
Results Format:
- 25.40 mm / 1.00 in - Displayed with 2 decimal precision
- Visual measurement line remains on model for reference
🔺 Angle Measurement
Calculates angles formed by three points - perfect for verifying design angles.
Point Selection Order:
- First Point: Start of first line
- Second Point: Vertex (where angle is measured)
- Third Point: End of second line
How to Use:
- Desktop: Click three points in sequence
- Mobile: Tap three points in sequence
Results Format:
- 90.0° - Displayed in degrees with 1 decimal precision
- Angle lines remain visible for reference
Important: The second point is always the vertex of the angle. Order matters!
📐 Parallel Face Distance
Measures perpendicular distance between parallel surfaces - ideal for wall thickness and gap measurements.
How to Use:
- Desktop: Click on two parallel faces
- Mobile: Tap on two parallel faces
Auto-Detection:
- System automatically validates that faces are parallel
- Visual feedback confirms successful face selection
- Calculates shortest perpendicular distance
Results Format:
- 12.50 mm / 0.49 in - Distance between parallel planes
- Green indicator: Valid parallel faces
- Red indicator: Faces not parallel enough
Platform-Specific Interface
Desktop Experience
- Floating Card Panel: Always visible on the right side
- Mouse Precision: Exact point-and-click control
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Quick access with function keys
Mobile Experience
- Slide-up Drawer: Measurement panel slides from bottom
- Touch-Optimized: Large buttons designed for finger interaction
- Auto-Close: Panel automatically closes after successful measurements
- Pinch-to-Zoom: Seamless integration with measurement selection
Managing Results
Viewing and Saving
- Real-Time Display: Results appear instantly
- Dual Units: Always shown in both mm and inches
- Save to History: Click "Save" to store important measurements
- Visual References: Measurement lines remain on model
Measurement History
- Organized by Type: Distance, angle, and parallel measurements grouped
- Quick Search: Find specific measurements easily
- Export Ready: Data formatted for reports
- Clear Options: Remove individual or all measurements
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Measurements Not Working
- Ensure measurement tool is activated (button should be filled, not outlined)
- Click directly on model geometry, not empty space
- Wait for click processing (300ms debounce on mobile)
Inaccurate Results
- Zoom in closer for precision point selection
- Use optimal viewing angles - try preset views (Front, Side, Top)
- For parallel faces: ensure surfaces are actually parallel
Interface Problems
- Desktop: If panel disappears, exit and re-enter fullscreen mode
- Mobile: If drawer doesn't appear, try rotating device orientation
- General: Refresh page if tools become unresponsive
Performance Tips
For Large Models:
- Focus measurements on specific areas
- Clear old measurements to free memory
- Hide unnecessary model components
Mobile Optimization:
- Use landscape mode for complex measurements
- Close background apps for better performance
- Use steady finger placement, not quick taps
Best Practices
Professional Workflow
- Plan: Identify what needs measuring before starting
- Position: Use preset views (Front/Side/Top) for optimal angles
- Measure: Take systematic measurements of related features
- Verify: Check critical dimensions multiple times
- Document: Save important measurements to history
Accuracy Tips
- Cross-verify: Compare with known dimensions when available
- Multiple angles: Verify measurements from different viewpoints
- Consistent units: Stick to one unit system throughout analysis
- Screenshot: Capture measurement results for documentation
Advanced Features
Unit Conversion
- Automatic: 1 inch = 25.4 millimeters
- Live Updates: Conversion happens instantly
- Optimized Precision: 2 decimals for distances, 1 for angles
Integration with View Controls
- Preset Views: Use standard engineering views (Front, Back, Left, Right, Top, Bottom)
- Projection Modes: Switch between Perspective and Orthographic
- Display Options: Enable edges and grid for better context
Visual Feedback
- Color-Coded: Different colors for different measurement types
- Persistent Markers: Measurement points remain visible until cleared
- High Contrast: Lines visible in all lighting conditions
Privacy: All measurements are processed locally in your browser. No data is sent to external servers.
Ready to start measuring? Upload your STP file, enter fullscreen mode, and begin precise dimensional analysis in seconds.
STP Viewer Documentation