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Offset groups

An offset group is a named position in your 3D model, stored as an X, Y and Z vector. Its main use cases are building connectors and Moving objects through 3D visualisation rules.

Mark an offset group as a connector and it becomes a snapping point, a place where another product can attach in the 3D scene. Think of modular products such as sofa elements, shelving systems or kitchen units. The product's connection modules (Dependencies) define which products can connect. Offset groups define where they attach in 3D.

How it fits together​

Setting up connectors takes three steps:

  1. Connection modules on the product (Dependencies tab) describe what the product provides and requires (Dependencies).
  2. Offset groups on the 3D visualization (this tab) describe the attachment positions. Turn on Connector for each position that should act as a snapping point.
  3. A visualization mapping links each snapping point to a connection module, in the Map to Connection Modules section (Visualization mapping).

Where offset groups come from​

Offset groups are created when you import a 3D model (Imports). You can't add them on this tab. To add or move positions, update them in the 3D model and import it again.

Open a visualization under Visualization › 3D Visualization and click the Offsets groups tab to see all present offsets in a product.

Make an offset group a connector​

Turn on the Connector switch on the row. The offset group now appears as a snapping point in the Map to Connection Modules section of the visualization mapping.

When you turn the switch off, the backoffice asks you to confirm. After that, the offset group no longer appears as a snapping point in visualization mapping.

Offsets in 3D rules​

Offset groups are also available in the 3D rule designer (3D visualization rules), for scene behaviour such as moving or rotating a group of objects.

Based on a trigger you could move or rotate an offset group on either the x, y, or z axis. You could also have this movement happen over a set amount of seconds creating a linear animation.

Best practices
  • Create simple and clear offset names for example connect_left and connect_right. The Offset id is what you'll see when you map snapping points, so clear names make mapping much easier.
  • Only turn on Connector for positions that are real attachment points. That keeps the snapping point list in visualization mapping short.
  • Each snapping point can be linked to only one connection module per visualization mapping. If two kinds of products attach at the same place, plan your connection modules around that.
  • Set up the connection modules on the product first, then the connectors here, then the mapping. Working in that order means everything you need to map already exists.