Model Tree Guide

Overview

The Model Tree is a powerful navigation tool that allows you to explore the hierarchical structure of your 3D models. This feature is particularly useful for complex assemblies with multiple components, enabling you to understand model organization, control component visibility, and focus on specific parts of your design.

When to Use Model Tree

The Model Tree is most valuable for:

• Complex Assemblies: Models with multiple nested components
• Component Analysis: Understanding how parts relate to each other
• Selective Viewing: Hiding parts to see internal components
• Quality Control: Systematic inspection of assembly structure
• Documentation: Creating focused views of specific components

Accessing Model Tree

Desktop Access

1. Enter Fullscreen Mode: Click the fullscreen button (⛶) in the viewer toolbar
2. Open Model Tree: Click the "Model Tree" button (🗂️) in the fullscreen toolbar
3. Panel Display: The Model Tree panel opens on the left side of the screen

Mobile Access

View Modes

The Model Tree offers three distinct view modes, each optimized for different use cases:

Simple Mode

Purpose: Clean, minimal view for straightforward navigation
Display: Shows only nodes that contain mesh geometry
Best For: Simple models with few components or quick component identification

Features:

• Hides empty organizational nodes
• Focuses on actual geometry components
• Fastest loading and best mobile performance
• Ideal for initial model exploration

Flat List Mode

Purpose: Linear view of all model components
Display: All nodes shown in a flat hierarchy without nesting
Best For: Searching specific components or systematic inspection

Features:

• No hierarchical indentation
• All components visible at once
• Easy scrolling and searching
• Quick component comparison

Tree View Mode

Purpose: Full hierarchical structure navigation
Display: Complete assembly tree with parent-child relationships
Best For: Complex assemblies with nested sub-assemblies

Features:

• Expandable/collapsible nodes
• Visual hierarchy with indentation
• Assembly structure understanding
• Precise navigation control

Core Operations

Node Expansion and Collapse

Individual Nodes

• Desktop: Click the arrow icon (▶) next to parent nodes
• Mobile: Tap the arrow icon to expand or collapse

Batch Operations

• Expand All: Opens all parent nodes to show complete structure
• Collapse All: Closes all nodes for clean overview
• Keyboard: Use Ctrl+E (expand all) or Ctrl+C (collapse all)

Component Visibility Control

Individual Components

• Hide/Show Toggle: Click the eye icon (👁) next to any component
• Visual Feedback: Hidden components show crossed-out eye icon (👁‍🗨)
• Instant Update: 3D view updates immediately when toggling visibility

Batch Visibility

• Show All: Makes all hidden components visible
• Hide Selected: Hide multiple components by selecting them first

Focus and Navigation

Fit to Window

• Single Component: Right-click component and select "Fit to Window"
• Desktop Shortcut: Double-click component name
• Mobile: Long-press component and tap "Fit to Window"
• Result: Camera automatically positions to show the component optimally

Node Selection

• Visual Highlight: Selected components are highlighted in both tree and 3D view
• Multi-Selection: Hold Ctrl (desktop) to select multiple components
• Clear Selection: Click empty space or press Esc

Mobile-Specific Instructions

Touch Interactions

Opening Model Tree

1. Tap fullscreen icon to enter fullscreen mode
2. Tap "More" (⋯) button in toolbar
3. Select "Model Tree" from menu

Navigating the Tree

• Expand/Collapse: Tap arrow icons (▶/▼) next to parent nodes
• Select Component: Tap component name to highlight it
• Toggle Visibility: Tap eye icon (👁) to show/hide components
• Fit to View: Long-press component name, then tap "Fit to Window"

Mobile Layout Optimization

• Sliding Panel: Tree panel slides in from the left on mobile
• Overlay Mode: Panel overlays the 3D view for maximum space usage
• Quick Close: Tap outside the panel or use the X button to close
• Touch Targets: All buttons are sized for comfortable finger navigation

Mobile Performance Tips

For Large Models

• Start with Simple Mode: Use Simple view for initial exploration
• Progressive Loading: Switch to Tree View only when needed
• Close When Done: Close the Model Tree panel to free up memory
• Avoid Deep Nesting: Don't expand all nodes at once on complex models

Gesture Efficiency

• Single Tap: Quick component selection
• Long Press: Access component actions menu
• Pinch Zoom: Zoom in 3D view while keeping tree open
• Swipe: Navigate between different tool panels

Advanced Features

Search and Filtering

Component Search

While not directly built into the current interface, you can quickly locate components:

• Flat List Mode: Scroll through alphabetically organized components
• Manual Filtering: Use visibility controls to isolate relevant components
• Progressive Disclosure: Start collapsed and expand only relevant sections

Smart Navigation

• Breadcrumb Trail: Remember your navigation path through complex assemblies
• Component Grouping: Related components are typically grouped under parent nodes
• Material Grouping: Components often share materials in the tree structure

Workflow Integration

CAD Review Process

1. Start with Tree View: Understand overall assembly structure
2. Switch to Simple: Focus on individual components
3. Use Fit to Window: Examine each component in detail
4. Toggle Visibility: Create focused views for documentation

Quality Control Workflow

1. Expand All Nodes: See complete structure
2. Systematic Inspection: Work through tree level by level
3. Hide Verified Parts: Remove components from view as you verify them
4. Document Issues: Use screenshots with specific components highlighted

Integration with Other Tools

With Measurement Tools

• Isolate Components: Hide surrounding parts for precise measurements
• Component Focus: Use Fit to Window before measuring
• Clear View: Remove visual clutter for accurate dimension checking

With Export Functions

• Selective Export: Choose specific components for export (future feature)
• Component Documentation: Create component-specific views for export
• Assembly Breakdown: Export individual components separately

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Model Tree Won't Load

1. Check Model Complexity: Very simple models may not show tree structure
2. Wait for Processing: Large models may take time to build tree data
3. Refresh Viewer: Close and reopen fullscreen mode
4. Check Memory: Ensure sufficient device memory for large assemblies

Missing Components

1. Check View Mode: Switch to Flat List to see all components
2. Expand Nodes: Some components may be nested deep in hierarchy
3. Verify File: Ensure original CAD file contains proper assembly structure
4. Model Quality: Some CAD exports may flatten assembly hierarchy

Performance Issues

1. Simplify View: Use Simple Mode for better performance
2. Limit Expansion: Don't expand all nodes on very large assemblies
3. Close Panel: Keep Model Tree closed during intensive 3D operations
4. Refresh Browser: Clear memory by refreshing the page

Mobile-Specific Issues

Panel Display Problems

1. Screen Size: Minimum 5-inch screen recommended for comfortable use
2. Orientation: Try landscape mode for better panel layout
3. Browser Zoom: Ensure browser zoom is set to 100%
4. Clear Browser Data: Clear cache if panel layout appears broken

Touch Response Issues

1. Clean Screen: Remove fingerprints for better touch recognition
2. Single Tap: Avoid rapid multiple taps that may confuse the interface
3. Patient Interaction: Allow time for component highlighting to update
4. Close Other Apps: Free up memory for better touch response

Best Practices

Efficient Navigation

• Start Broad: Begin with collapsed tree view to understand overall structure
• Work Systematically: Expand one level at a time for complex assemblies
• Use Fit Commands: Leverage auto-fit features rather than manual camera adjustment
• Clear Selection: Regularly clear selections to avoid confusion

Performance Optimization

• Close When Unused: Hide the Model Tree panel when focusing on 3D operations
• Selective Loading: Only expand tree sections you need to explore
• Memory Management: On mobile, close the panel between different model loads
• Progressive Disclosure: Start with Simple Mode and upgrade to Tree View as needed

Professional Workflows

• Document Structure First: Use Tree View to understand assembly organization
• Create Component Lists: Use Flat List for systematic component inventory
• Focus Documentation: Use component isolation for technical drawings
• Quality Verification: Hide components systematically during inspection

Integration with STP Viewer Features

Combined with View Controls

• Preset Views + Tree: Use standard views with component isolation
• Up Vector Control: Maintain proper orientation while navigating components
• Projection Modes: Switch between perspective and orthographic for technical review

Combined with Measurements

• Component Isolation: Hide irrelevant parts before measuring
• Focused Measurements: Use Fit to Window for accurate dimension capture
• Clear Context: Remove visual distractions for precise measurements

Combined with Export Features

• Component Documentation: Create focused views for each component
• Assembly Breakdown: Document individual components systematically
• Technical Drawings: Use orthographic views with component isolation

Ready to explore your model's structure? Enter fullscreen mode and open the Model Tree to begin navigating your assembly hierarchy!