# SimLab VR Studio Help
# Introduction
**SimLab VR Studio** is a complete VR experience creation tool. It allows the user to create all kinds of VR experiences from simple VR visualization to advanced training experiences without coding.
SimLab VR Studio aims to simplify the 3D visualization process for the user, offering powerful and easy to use tools that can significantly improve the overall workflow, and allow the user to focus more on creativity rather than exhausting technicalities.
**SimLab VR Studio Documentation** is divided into the following Books
**[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/43#bkmrk-page-title)**
[Creating your first VR experience](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/43#bkmrk-page-title)
### SimLab VR Studio Help Content
- [Main Window](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/36#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Scene Browser](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/37#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Properties Panel](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/38#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Library](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/44#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Assets Library](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/55#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Material Library](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/56#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Animation Time Line](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/50#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Sequences Library](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/57#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Scene States Library](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/58#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Common Toolbar](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/40#bkmrk-)
- [Quick Access Toolbar](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/41#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Active Camera](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/42#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Main Toolbar](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/8#bkmrk-page-title)
- [File Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/9#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Move Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/10#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Create Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/11#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Geometry Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/12#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Material Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/13#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Scene States Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/14#bkmrk-page-title)
- [VR Effects/Media Menu ](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/51#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Interactions Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/21#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Training Builder Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/22#bkmrk-page-title)
- [VR Viewer Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/24#bkmrk-page-title)
- [VR Evaluation](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/25#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Help Menu ](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/26#bkmrk-page-title)
- [VR Evaluation](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/28#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Getting started with VR Evaluation](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/29#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Creating Quiz](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/30#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Creating Survey](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/32#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Pre/Post Question Events](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/54#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Creating User-defined Evaluation](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/33#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Distributing VR experiences](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/34#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Viewing Results](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/35#bkmrk-page-title)
- [VR Viewing](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/6#bkmrk-page-title)
#### SimLab Academy
**SimLab Academy** includes the tutorials, and the models you need to run those tutorials. SimLab Academy provides full featured, free path for learning SimLab VR studio, the following video shows SimLab Academy in action.
# Main Window
# Main Window
SimLab VR Studio **Main Window** is where all work is done. The largest part of the Main Window is the **3D Area**, where the user views and interacts with 3D models.
The following is a sample view of SimLab VR Studio Main Window in Action
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-04/Pasimage.png)
In addition to the 3D Area, Main Window includes the following components:
- [Main Toolbar](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/1-main-tool-bar)
- [Scene Browser](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/2-scene-browser)
- [Properties Panel](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/38#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Library ](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/44#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Assets Library](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/55#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Material Library](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/56#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Animation](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/50#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Sequences Library](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/57#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Scene States Library](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/58#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Common Tool Bar](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/40#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Quick Access Tool Bar](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/41#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Active Camera](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/42#bkmrk-page-title)
These components are shown in the following image
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/vr-studio-gui-2.png)
# Scene Browser
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/scene-browser.png)**Scene Browser** lists all elements in the scene and shows clear tree structure of the models, where the user can view parent/child relationships.
When a **parent** in the Scene Browser is selected and hidden/deleted, the effect is automatically applied to all its **children** so they are automatically hidden/deleted.
**Scene Browser** allows using **Shift** or **Ctrl** to select as many items.
Changing **parent**/**child** relationship in Scene Browser can be done easily by **dragging** an object or group off objects and **dropping** them onto a new parent.
**+/-** buttons on top of the Scene Browser allows expanding all level in the tree (**+ button**) , or closing all and keeping just the top level (**- button**)
**Environment** at the top of the **Scene Browser**, always exists and can not be deleted. When you click on **Environment** in the Scene browser, **Properties Panel** is updated to show the properties of the environment, which allows you to make changes.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/scene-browser-right-click.png)
Selecting object(s), then **right clicking**, shows a helping menu allowing quick actions like **Hide/Show** object(s), **Change parent**, **Add parent**, or perform a **geometry operation**.
---
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/scene-browser-filter.png)
Scene Browser uses icons to identify the object types, but even with icons for large scenes it may not be easy to find the object(s) you are looking for. For helping in this task Scene Browser provides two options:
**Scene Browser Filters:** select filter to show only object(s) of specific type, for example select Lights filter to view all Lights in the scene.
**Searching Scene Browser:** by clicking the search button the user can search for objects in the Scene Browser based on **names** or **object attributes**
---
**Attributes Manager**
From the top bar of Scene Browser, **Attribute Manager** can be started. **Attribute Manager** allows viewing attributes attached to objects in the scene, and updating them.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/scene-browser-attributes-manager.png)
The following tutorial shows how to use **Attribute Manager**.
**Selection Sets**
Makes selecting multiple objects more convenient. Usually, users select objects using the tree structure in SimLab VR Studio. This works well for single selections but can be tricky for multiple selections. Sometimes users want to select multiple objects repeatedly without changing the tree structure. For example, selecting all car wheels or the tops of multiple desks while keeping their original organization.
The solution - Selection Lists; allows users to save groups of objects which can be quickly selected whenever needed. It doesn't alter the original tree structure, so objects still move and behave correctly.
The following tutorial demonstrates how to use these Selection Lists effectively in SimLab VR Studio.
# Properties Panel
When selecting an object or entity in the scene the **Properties Panel** appears in the right side of the application showing its properties.
Objects are shown in the Scene Browser, they are part of the model tree is the **Scene Browser.** An object can be selected by clicking on it in the **3D Area** or by selecting it from the **Scene Browser.**
**Properties Panel**, may have two tabs or more depending on the object type.
When selecting a part of an assembly object (not the end leaf in the tree) Properties Panel usually shows two tabs as shown in the following image
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640430837801.png)
those tabs are **Object Tab**, and **Transform Tab**
#### Object Tab
**Object Tab** includes functionality that can be applied to any object in the scene. This includes: **Copy Object**, **Create Instance**, **Isolate**, **Hide/Show**, **Freeze/Unfreeze**, in addition to changing the name of an object.
The described functionality is available in the top of the Object Tab
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640431098733.png)
##### Object Actions
Object Tab also includes **Object Actions**, which is a simple way of defining what to do if the user clicks on the object in the VR experience.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640431209267.png)
Object Actions can be one of the following
1- Open URL
2- Play/Stop Animation
3- Multi Action (you can ask multiple actions to be executed when object is clicked)
4- Apply Scene State
5- Play Sound (thought it is better to use SimLab Composer Sound object)
6- Play Sequence
7- Show Message Box
8- Video Action
9- Load Scene
10- Import Model
---
##### Attributes Panel
**Attributes Panel** shows attributes applied on the object. Attributes can be imported when importing the 3D model, or created using **Attribute Panel** or the [**Attribute Manager**](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio-help/page/scene-browser#:~:text=bkmrk%2Dattributes%2Dmanager-,Attributes%20Manager,-From%20the%20top) (which is accessible in the Scene Browser)
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640431618384.png)
The following tutorial shows how the user can utilize attributes in VR experiences
---
**Transform Tab** allows the user to view/modify local and global location, orientation and scale of the object and its pivot.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640431814901.png)
---
##### Extra Tabs
Based on the object type, an additional tab may be added to the **Properties Panel**, for example if user selected a leaf object (3D object) the **Material Properties** tab is added, as shown in the following image
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640432142123.png)
The following tutorial borrowed from SimLab Composer shows how to use the Material Properties
Effects like VR Fire, VR Smoke, VR Shows, VR Video, VR Sound and others will add an additional VR or VR properties tab, allowing the user to set specific properties of the selected object, the following image shows the new **VR Video** property tab added when selecting a VR Video
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640432550643.png)
---
#### Entity Panel
When the user clicks ESC (to make sure no object is selected) the user can go to the library and click on a sequence, a scene start or a key in the animation time line to view its properties in the **Properties Panel**
##### Sequence Properties
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640432913677.png)
##### Scene State Properties
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640432958460.png)
##### Key Frame Properties
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640433047093.png)
---
#### Environment Properties
By clicking on **Environment** (always the top element in Object Browser) , the **Properties Panel** will the **Environment Properties**
Environment properties include the following tabs
HDR
Sun
Background
VR
##### HDR Tab
This tab allows the user to select the environment image used to light the scene, also it allows user to control its power, orientation and brightness.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640433445761.png)
##### Sun Tab
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640433662015.png)
Sun tab allows the user to enable/disable sun effect, and to control sun/sky power in the scene
It also allows the user to set initial sun location in the scene
---
##### Background Tab
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640433771915.png)
This tabs allows the user to select background to be used for the VR scene, it can be from environment (HDR , or Sun) or the user can select a background image or Color to be used as a background
---
##### VR Tab
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640444069514.png)
VR Tab allows user to control the created VR experience, the user can control Environment, Navigation mode, Scene Settings, and to decide to make VR Catalog(s) available in the VR experience
# Library
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640350346872.png)
Libraries Panel at the lower part of the application interface, provides access to following elements in SimLab Composer
[Assets Library](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/55#bkmrk-page-title)
[Material Library](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/56#bkmrk-page-title) [Animation Time Line](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/50#bkmrk-page-title)[Sequences Library](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/57#bkmrk-page-title)[Scene States Library](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/58#bkmrk-page-title)
Both **Asset Libraries** and **Material** Library are mainly used to access assets and materials provided from SimLab Soft. The user can still add her/his own assets to the asset libraries.
**Animation**, **Sequences** and **Scene States** tabs provide access to user created elements in the scene and to add more elements to the current scene.
# Assets Library
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640350346872.png)
**Assets Library** gives user access to **3D models** to be added to the scene
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640350441510.png)
The user can add also scene **Backgrounds** and **HDR** (Environment images)
Lighting settings gives user access to some predefined **Lighting Settings**, and to add **IES lights** to the scenes
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640350910700.png)
**Predefined VR Lighting settings** are shown in the following image
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640351007127.png)
The following image shows some of the **IES lights** included in SimLab Composer
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640351082006.png)
Adding an element from **Asset Libraries** to current scene can be done in one of two ways
1- **Dragging** and element from the library and **dropping** it on the 3D area
2- **Double** clicking the element in the Asset Library
##### SimLab Academy
**SimLab Academy** the last element in the Asset Libraries in SimLab Academy, **SimLab Academy** includes free step by step tutorials with all models needed to follow the tutorial.
For example to start learning VR creation, the use starts by clicking on SimLab Academy, then selecting VR
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640351448881.png)
Then select what do you want to learn like Basics
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640351492765.png)
The following video shows SimLab Academy in action
# Material Library
Default Material Library can be downloaded by selecting the **Material** tab in the **Library**, and clicking **Download Materials Library**.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640363072381.png)
After installing the library the user can select the material group
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640360516256.png)
To assign a material to an object in the scene just drag the material and drop it onto that object in the **3D Area** or in the **Scene Browser**.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640360577793.png)
The following tutorial from **SimLab Composer** shows the material management capabilities
Using **+/-** at the top right side of the Materials Library the user can add new materials, and delete unused ones.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640362266943.png)
For managing Material Library the user can click on **Manage Library**, For sharing part of contents library (Materials or 3D models), the user can use **Share Library Content**
The following image shows the **Manage Library** dialog
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640362317924.png)
---
#### Share Contents
With this feature, sharing different resources is simplified significantly. The rule is clear; if a resource exists in a library, then it can be shared.
Resources can be:
Materials
HDRs
Models
Background Images
And even more...
To share a resource, just drag and drop it from the **Library Panel** to the area with the title Drop to Share, surrounded by orange dotted border. Sharing dialog includes the following control elements, as shown in the following image:
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/image-1642008091795.png)
**Drop to Share:** Area where the user should drop in the resource to be shared
**Save Package**: Exports the recourse to be shared with colleagues and save it as \*.spk (SimLab Package).
**Load Package**: Allows the recipient to import the \*.spk package recieved into SimLab Composer library.
# Animation
SimLab Composer is able to Import Rigid and flexible (Joints-based rigged) bodies animations as well as create animation for objects in the animation timeline through several tools.
To access the Animation timline, open the **Animation Tab** in the library panel at the bottom of SimLab Composer.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/access-animation.jpg)
---
#### Animation Timeline User Interface
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/timeline-layout3.jpg)
**1. Animation Keyframes Creation tools**
Creates an animation where a Camera revolves up to 360 degrees around it's center point of view while decending downwards.
**5. Capture Video**
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/create-video-fromview.png)
Render View in VR
Renders an animated camera as a sequence of images using the SimLab VR Viewer.
Sets the end of the animation range by being dragged to a specific frame or by double clicking and entering the value numerically.
---
### Animation Creation
To create Animation in Simlab Composer there are two methods that can be followed depending on the type of animation you want to create, you can either manually create the animation by transforming objects and capturing keyframes, or you can use object and camera tools to generate procedural animation such as wheel and path animation.
Watch this tutorial to learn more about animation in SimLab Composer
##### 1. Animation through Capturing keyframes
If the auto key button is toggled, all you need to do to animate an object is to move the current time indicator/slider to a frame other than 0, then move, rotate or scale the object (change its transformation) and 2 key frames will be created, a key frame at frame 0 to store its initial transformation, and the second key at the current time to store the new transfromation.
when playing the animation, an ainterpolation between the 2 keyframes will be automatically created and the object will transform from its initial state to the new state.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/animationexample.jpg)In this example, the car object was selected, and the current time slider was moved to frame 30, then the car was moved 2 meters, so 2 keyframes were created at frame 0 and frame 30 to denote the animation of the car
In addition to the standard transformation animation, there are other attributes or elements you can animate, each with a different keyframe type representing it in the timeline.
Created when a camera has a change of transformation ( position, target) along the timline, either through capturing or using the director record tool.
##### 2. Automatic Camera and Object Animation
SimLab Composer has several tools that enable you to automatically create a procedural animation for an object or a camera without manually adjusting the time slider and changing the objects transformation.
These tools can be accessed from the Object animation and the Camera animations menu at the top of the timline panel.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/animationmenus2.jpg)
When an object or a camera is selected and one of those tools is clicked, a dialogue will appear to set the parameters for the automatic animation that is to be generated.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/rounddialog.jpg)
This is an example of an animation dialogue that appears when the user selects the round table animation. In this dialogue, the user has to specify the start frame and the end frame, as well as the angle of rotation for the object or the camera.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/roundtableanimation.png)
The Round table animation will be represented as a single block instead of multiple keyframes, since it *cannot* be modified manually but rather through its attributes that appear in the panel to the right.
---
##### Keyframes interpolation (Ease in and Ease out)
Animation in SimLab Composer has a linear interpolation by default, which means that objects or attributes are animated at a constant speed througout the animation range, however, there is a way to change the interpolation of animation by srtting he keyframes interpolation to to an ease in or ease out interpolation.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/prop1.jpg)
To change a keyframe interpolation, **Select the key frame**, and from the **Properties panel** to the right, open the interpolation drop down menu and select ease in, ease out, or auto ease.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/prop2.png)
To change the interpolation for an object or a camera's automatic animation, **Select animation block**, and from the **Properties panel** to the right, open the interpolation drop down menu for the start frame and select ease in, ease out, or auto ease, and the menu for end for to change the interpolation at the end of the aniation
When choosing the **Ease out** interpolation, which should be applied at a frame at the beginning of the animation, the speed of the animation starts at 0 and then accelerates gruadually to get to a constant speed.
With the **Ease in** interpolation, which should be applied at frame at the end of an animation, the speed deccelerates towards 0 instead of abruptly changing to 0.
The **Auto Ease** interpolation combines both the Ease in and Ease out and is usually used for keyframes in the middle of an animation where the speed goes down as the current timeslider appraches that keyframe, and it picks up again as it leaves it.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/interpolation.gif)
Notice the constant speed in the default linear interpolation(top) and the acceleration in the Ease out interpolation(bottom).
---
#### **Utilizing Animation in VR**
To utilize Imported or created animation in VR you need to first store it as a component named **"Animation Sequence",** and then you can either attach it to a **Play Sequence Response** in the Training Builder, or use it as a **Grabbable Sequence**.
##### Animation Sequence Creation
To create an Animation Sequences you need to select all the animation keyframes regardless of their type for all the objects you want to include in the animation sequences, then click on the **"Create Animation Sequence"** button in the animation panel.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/create-sequencebutton.png)
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/sequencecreationdialog.jpg)
In the creation Dialogue, type a name for the Sequence. and choose whether you want to create a reversed version of the animation, and whether you want to delete the animation from the timline or not.
Created Animation Sequences can be found in the Sequences tab next to the Animation tab in the bottom panel in SimLab Composer.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/sequences-tab.jpg)
from the Sequences tab you can :
- Preview Animation Sequences.
- Attach Animation Sequences to responses in the Training Builder.
- Send Animation Sequences to the timline.
- Find the objects that are affected by the animation sequence.
- Attach Sequence to object (in case if impoting a flexible body animation and you want to attach it to a joints-rigged object).
- Make flex object stationary ( in case of having a walk cycle for example, and you need to keep the walking animation but dispose of the object's translation).
##### Attaching Animation Sequence to Responses
In the Training Builder create a Play Sequence Response, then select the Animation Sequence from the Sequences tab and then click the attach button on the Play Sequence Response.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/trainingbuilder.jpg)The Animation in VR will play once the Event attach to the response occurs.
##### Grabbable Sequences
Grabbable Sequences are a type of objects grabbing that constricts the movement of the grabbable object through an Animation Sequence.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/make-grabbable-sequences-256x256.gif)
A practical example would be to create a Lever's animation of it going up and down, then set it as a Grabbable Sequences where the user can grab the Lever arm but can only move it up and down in accordance with its created animation, unlike regular grabbing where the user can move and rotate the object in any direction.
To create a Grabbable Sequence from an animation Sequence follow these steps :
1. from the interactions menu select "Make Grabbable Sequence".
2. Select the 3D object that you need to make grabbable and click the check mark.
3. Select the Animation Sequence you want to attach to the object and click the check mark again.
4. Specify the grabbing visual helper's size then click the check mark again to finish the process.
# Sequence Library
**Sequence Library** shows a list of all sequences in the scene.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640362662585.png)
**Sequence Preview**
To preview a sequence without converting it into animation, the user can highlight the animation icon part of the sequence, which will be converted into a play icon, clicking the play icon will preview the sequence, as shown in the following image
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640518756428.png)
On the left side of the Sequence library the user can do the following:
**Find affected Objects**: zooms the view in the 3D area to the objects affected by this sequence, which makes it easy to find what objects the sequence affect in the scene.
**Apply Sequence to Animation Time Line:** adds the contents of sequence to the animation time line, this can also be achieved by dragging the animation and dropping it on the 3D Area
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640519040909.png)
When applying Sequence to **Animation Time Line** the following dialog appears allowing the user to repeat the sequence multiple times. or to use it in a follow path animation.
Sequences will be added starting from the **current frame** in the **Animation Time Line**
**Attach Sequence with Object** : This option attaches selected unattached sequence to the selected object to affect it, better explained in the following tutorial
**Make Flex Object Stationary**: in case you have a sequence moving **VR Guide** legs , and at the same time moving it from place, you can use this option to remove the move from place part from the sequence and make the **VR Guide move in place**, this is very useful to apply user desired motion on the **VR Guide
Delete Selected Sequence**: Deletes the currently selected sequence
**Delete All Sequences**: Deletes all sequences in the Sequence Library
The following tutorial shows how to use **Sequence Library** to add **VR Guide** to the VR experience
**Sequence Groups**
Sequences in **Sequence Library** can be organized in groups, a new group can be added by clicking on the **+** button next to group tabs, to rename **Sequence Group** the user needs to double click on its tab label as shown below
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640519960885.png)
When deleting a sequence group the user will get the option to delete sequences in the group or to move them to the Default sequence group, as shown in the following image.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640520117324.png)
# Scene States Library
[Scene States](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/14#bkmrk-page-title) enable the user to capture different configurations for the selected 3D model(s), or for the whole scene.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640621338400.png)
To view what is selected in the scene state, make sure nothing is selected in the scene, then click on a scene state in the Scene State Library
**Properties Panel** update will allow the user to change what to effect in the Scene State, it also allows the user to change the group of the Scene State
---
Scene State Library, includes small tool buttons on the left side, allowing the user to:
1- Open the Capture Scene State Dialog
2- Regenerate Scene State Images
3- Delete Active Scene State
4- Delete all Scene Sates
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640362862604.png)
**Scene State Groups**
**Scene State Groups** are very similar to **Sequence Groups Library,** they can be used to organize Scene States, a new group can be added by clicking on the **+** button next to group tabs, to rename **Scene State Group** the user needs to double click on its tab label as shown below
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640621706549.png)
When deleting a Scene State Group the user will get the option to delete Scene States in the group or to move them to the Default group
# Common Toolbar
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640264225011.png)
Common Toolbar is located in the lower part of the 3D Area on top of the Library, it is always accessible to the user and it includes the following
#### Select Object
The Default Pick mode in SimLab Composer returns the location and the normal direction at the selection point. The geometry at the picked location will be selected in the Object Tree, and its bounding box will be displayed in the 3D area.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640264383816.png)
To get more precious picking the user can change selection to
**Center of Curvature:** To select center of a circle or arc
**Edge Loop:** To select center of a closed loop, like center of one of the faces of a cube
**Edge End Point:** To select the closest end of an edge
#### Window Configuration
By default the user views 1 view in the 3D Area, which covers all available space, this configuration allows the user to switch to 2 or 4 views. Different views can help the user better arrange elements in the scene
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640264658271.png)
The following image shows switching Window Configuration to 4 views
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640264885425.png)
#### View Mode
The default view mode in SimLab Composer is the Solid View, which displays solid models with edges hidden. The user can change the view mode to any of the available modes from this menu.
1\. **XRay View**; gives x-ray effect to the models in the scene.
2\. **Edges Only View**; displays only the edges of the models, in the scene.
3\. **Solid Illustration**; displays models in solid view, with their edges illustrated.
4\. **Solid View**; displays models in shaded solid view.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640265091177.png)
The following image shows a scene in XRay View
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640265073353.png)
#### Light On/Off
This option allows the user to turn off the default camera light in SimLab Composer to get a view better matching what the user will see in VR Viewer.
#### View Behavior
In this menu the user can set the behavior of the mouse while interacting with the scene.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640265286633.png)
**Default view behavior**
The mouse behavior will be as shown in the table below:
**Navigation**
**Mouse Button**
Pan
Middle mouse button
Rotate
Left mouse button
Zoom
Right mouse button
**Camera Pan**
Changes the behavior of the left mouse button, to Pan.
**Camera Zoom**
Changes the behavior of the left mouse button, to Zoom.
**Rubber band**
This function changes the selection mode in the 3D area and it has three options:
**Rubber Band Selection:** Changes the selection icon to a square band, allowing the user to window select more than one geometry in the 3D area.
**Append To Current Selection:** The selection icon will show a ‘+’ sign inside the square band. The user can window select more geometry in a different section of the 3D scene, without losing the previous selection.
**Remove from Current Selection:** With a ‘-‘ sign added to the band, the user can remove geometry form selection, without losing previous selections.
---
#### Fit all
Updates camera to fit all geometry in the scene within the active view area.
#### Zoom to Object
Updates the camera in the active viewport, to zoom to the selected object. In case the user presses the button without selecting an object, a message will be displayed on top of the Setup Toolbar asking him to do so.
#### Switch Between Parallel and Perspective View
Switches the camera between perspective and parallel modes, in the active viewport. For engineers who are used to parallel mode, this option would be helpful.
#### Capture View image
Captures an image for the current view from the scene, and opens a dialog to save it.
# Quick Access Toolbar
When 3D geometry is selected in the 3D area, the Quick Access Toolbar will appear, with a set of handy functions, Quick Access Toolbar will appear close to the selected geometry.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/3wDquick-access.png)This options include
**Translate** : to show draggers needed to move the object
**Snap to Object** : to allowing the user to snap a selected object to another.
**Copy** : to create a new copy of the selected geometry
**Value Input**: allows the user to enter exact values for translation or rotation
**Material**: opens Material Finish options
---
**Move selection Up/Down**: it allows moving up or down in the Scene Browser based on selection, going up means selecting the Parent, moving down means selecting a child, this makes it very easy to select and move a specific part or assembly
**[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/quick-access-material.png)Material Finish options:** it makes it easy to change material finish to another type, for example you can set it to Plastic, Metal, or Glass
---
**Note**: From preferences the user can select to turn on/off appearance of Quick Access Toolbar
# Active Camera
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/active-camera.png)
**Select Active Camera :** Selects the current active camera in the scene, and shows its properties, to make it easy to adjust those properties.
**Capture Camera Snapshot:** Saves the current camera view, and generates a new image below this button. Clicking the snapshot generated image, the camera is updated to look at the same view when the snapshot was created.
# Main Toolbar
# Main Toolbar
Main tool bar in **SimLab Composer** is located at the top of the application, it gives the user access to the different Workbenches and their menus in SimLab Composer.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-09/o1oimage.png)
[File Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/file-menu)
[Move Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/move-menu)
[Create Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/create-menu)
[Geometry Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/geometry-menu)
[Material Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/material-menu)
[Scene States Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/scene-states-menu)
[VR Effects/Media Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/51#bkmrk-page-title)
[Interactions Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/interactions-menu)
[Training Builder Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/training-builder-menu)
[VR Viewer Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/vr-viewer-menu)
[VR Evaluation](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/vr-evaluation)
[Help Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/help-menu)
# File Menu
In the **File Menu** the user can perform file and scene operations, including staring a new scene, save, import, export and other operations. Setting general preferences is also done here.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-09/cgqimage.png)
### Scene Group
#### New/New Protected
Clears the current scene, then displays **Welcome** (new scene dialog), where the user can select to create a 2D ground scene, open a scene, or create an empty one. Images for the last opened scenes are displayed under the Recent Files tab for quick access.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-09/mmgimage.png)
**New Protected** option is the same as creating a new scene, except that this scenes can only be saved as **sim**, **zim**, or **vrpackage**. If the user attempts to export it into any of the available formats, the below message will appear. This is done to protect users property 3D models from being used by others.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639757656775.png)
#### Open/Open Recent
Opens **Open VR Studio** file dialog, where the user can brows to a \*.sim or \*.zim file to open. The Open Recent on the other hand will show a list of the last few \*.sim files that were opened.
#### Save/Save As
Opens **Save VR Studio** file dialog, where the user can select the name and location for the created \*.sim or\*.zim file format
**Note:** Sim file (\*.sim) is the native file format for VR Studio. It stores the scene, but it does not include contents it references in the disk space. For moving files between machines it is better to save the scene as Zipped Sim File (**\*.zim**), which collects all needed resources (Textures, Sounds, Thump nails, and other resources) and saves them in a single file that can be passed between machines as it is contains all what is needed.
Sim and Zim files are compatible between **SimLab VR Studio** and **SimLab Composer** in case you need to open a file for rendering, or using any other feature from SimLab Composer. Models can be moved in (\*.zim) format and both VR Studio and SimLab Composer should be of the same version.
#### Increment then Save
This feature -with **shortcut** Ctrl+Alt+Shift+S- will save new increments for the same (\*.sim) file. These increment files can be helpful in undoing a feature in a complicated scene after some time. So the user can go back to the file before the feature was added and continue from there.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/image-1641204531911.png)
#### Pack
In addition to \*.zim you can use pack the scene to pack the model and its textures in one zip file. Supported formats to be used for Packing include **OBJ**, **Collada**, and **FBX.** This is used usually to move files to other applications on other machines.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639757824389.png)
#### Textures Optimization
Opens the corresponding dialog, which gives the user the option to optimize textures used in the scene in one click.
In VR and specially when using stand alone devices like Quest, Pico, Android or iOS, it is important to make sure you are not to consume large amount of memory for textures on those devices to have a smooth VR experience.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639757915687.png)
The dialog can also be accessed from **Show in Viewer** dialog, under VR Viewer menu.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/start-vr-experinece.png)
The texture table shows Number of Files, and Total size for each texture type. If you do not need one of there types, you can simply click on the delete button in the same raw.
**Texture Optimization options:**
**Remove Duplicate Maps**: Removes any duplicate textures and have the materials use a single shared texture.
**Compress Maps**: Uses a compression algorithm to reduce the size of the texture while maintaining its resolution.
**Maps Maximum Size**: Sets a maximum resolution for textures, any textures exceeding that resolution will be resized to the maximum size.
**Background/HDR Maximum Size**: Similar to the Map Maximum Size tool, but applies to Background and HDR images with different height to width ratio.
**Output Directory:** Determines where the processed files are going to be placed. This option is important to preserve the original textures, in case you want to use them in their original state.
Texture optimization is part of the full model optimization capabilities in VR Studio, the following tutorial shows Texture optimization in action
#### Replace Rules
Replace rules makes it easy to replace geometries in the imported file with new entities. For example you can replace a simple cube geometry named Fire with [VR Fire effect](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio-help/page/vr-effects-media-menu#:~:text=fire%2Dand%2Dsmok-,Create%20Fire%20and%20Smoke,-Enables%20the%20user). It also supports replacing material types, for example each material that includes plastic in its name can be automatically converted to a plastic material.
This tool is usually used by 3D designers, where they do not need to repeat tasks in VR Studio when moving their models.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639758041734.png)
### Share Group
#### Import/Export
Opens the corresponding **Import/Export Geometry** dialog. The import function enables the user to build scenes of 3D models from different [file formats](http://www.simlab-soft.com/3d-products/simlab-composer-supported-3d-formats.aspx). The export function, on the other hand, enables the user to share the created 3D scenes with others in different [file formats](http://www.simlab-soft.com/3d-products/simlab-composer-supported-3d-formats.aspx "file formats").
In the Import Geometry dialog, the user can browse to 3D geometry to import. Clicking Open displays the Import File dialog, where the user can set different options for 3D import. General Settings include Up vector; Z axis is selected by default. The user can choose a different access depending on the design of the imported 3D geometry.
Place in view, places the import geometry in the current view, rather than the center of the scene. Keep dynamic link, when checked keeps 3D geometry linked and automatically updates to any changes in the home CAD application.
Zoom to imported model, imports the object to the center of the scene and zooms the camera to it.
Import Measurement and annotations, will import these elements with the 3D geometry.
The Import File dialog will have more elements depending on the imported file format. The image on the left below, is for 3D PDF file import, while the one on the right is for DWG file import.
Export function will open the Export Geometry dialog, and will enable the user to export the 3D model to any of the supported file formats. For a list of supported Import/Export file formats, visit this page.
#### Export Selection
The user can select specific nodes/objects from the scene to be exported. The objects will be exported to the specified folder with their names in the Objects Tree.
**Export Selection** can be used to export a single part from the 3D scene or to create a [VR Catalog](https://youtu.be/AV10SoCzp0s?t=143), from the exported selections \*.vrpackage(s). Creating VR Catalogs is a feature in SimLab Composer Ultimate edition. The following video shows export selection in action
#### 3D PDF
3D Scenes created in SimLab Composer can be exported into custom designed 3D PDF files, using SimLab Template Designer. The exported 3D PDF files can be opened using the free Acrobat reader (version 9.0 or newer), to take advantage of all the features in the generated 3D PDF file.
Creating quick 3D PDF in SimLab Composer can be done following these [steps](https://www.simlab-soft.com/solutions/simlab-3d-pdf.html) other more advanced 3D PDF file are shown there as well.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-09/XXRimage.png)
[Tutorial ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7V4XX4D9iI)video showing how to export 3D models to 3D PDF and visualize it with others using the free Acrobat Reader.
####
#### 3D WebGL
Features exported to 3D PDF files, as well as to HTML/WebGl files are listed in the table below.
### Clouds Group
#### Share to SimLab Cloud
This function enables users to share their 3D scenes as VR Package on SimLab cloud. When selecting this option the **Login** dialog will appear, where the user can Sign Up/Sign in.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639759101774.png)
Once the user logs in, the Cloud Sharing dialog will appear, allowing the user to share created 3D scenes with full features as VR Package. Full features mean all created animation, scene states, actions and more. By default a user will start with a **trial sharing space** of 2 GB valid for 3 months.
A user can manage uploaded files by clicking the **Manage Cloud Files** button in the Cloud Sharing dialog, which will open the Sharing Manager dialog. As the sharing period or space are expired, a user can [purchase SimLab Sharing keys](https://www.simlab-soft.com/technologies/simlab-sharing.aspx). To learn more about sharing methods and capabilities please refer to this video tutorial (Share VR Package section ONLY).
[](https://youtu.be/-0FJTQ0DoJU)
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639759455450.png)
### Settings
#### Preferences
Common settings for 3D scenes can be adjusted once in the Preferences dialog.
##### Appearance Tab
In this tab the user can set the preferred appearance options in SimLab VR Studio, including:
**Language and font**; the user can select the language and the font style to be used in SimLab VR Studio from the supported languages combo box, and available fonts list. Changing the language, and **font** takes effect next time SimLab VR Studio runs.
**Style**; the user to change the transparency for the objects Tree, and set appearance for 3D area. The 3D area appearance can be set as color, or background image.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639759710079.png)
**Show objects quick access toolbar**; shows the Quick Access Toolbar for ease of access for its objects functionalities.
**Generate material preview images**; generates preview images to the scene materials in the Scene Materials dialog.
##### Import/Export Tab
**Import Measurements and Text Annotations**; the user can select to import measurement and text annotations created in the design CAD package.
**Import Polylines** can also be checked, and the width of the imported lines can be specified.
**Automatically generate texture coordinates**; texture coordinates for the imported geometry will be automatically generated when this option is checked.
**Scale down preview images of textures**; reduces the size of textures images for improving interactivity.
Import/Export file dialog; is shown by default. So every time the user imports or exports models / scenes the dialogs will appear.
If the user checks the "Do not show again for this file type" option in the dialog, clicking this option again will reset the dialogs to show for all.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639759895567.png)
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639759902130.png)
##### Advanced Tab
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/preferencs-vt-studio.png)
In the **Annotation Settings** group; the user can select to let SimLab VR Studio Auto set the size of the annotations, or set its **Default Size**.
**Measurement Units**, and its **Precision** can also be set here.
**Camera Settings** group; has two options **Keep Above Ground**; stops the camera rotation at the ground level, and will not go below, and it is applicable to Parallel and Perspective cameras.
**Two Sided Lighting**; when checked will draw faces twice so it always appear, it may give better visualization, but It is recommended to uncheck this option for large scenes.
**Directories Settings** group; the user may select to move the **User Data** directory to a new location; the user should copy the original data to the new location before setting the new User Data folder.
**Reset Composer data** button; will reset the composer data to its original setting.
**Flaying Mode Settings** group; it allows the user to adjust flying and rotation speed while navigation inside VR studio, when using the keyboard keys for moving and mouse for looking around
### Exit
Will display the Save File dialog for the user to save the current scene before exiting the application.
# Move Menu
Includes all Transform/Snap/Pivot Tools necessary for positioning any geometry in a 3D scene.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/move-menu.png)
### Transform
Transform functions are used for placing 3D models.
**Select None**; will clear selection, **shortcut (Esc button)**
**Transform**; displays transform axes on the selected object allowing the user to move, rotate, and scale the object. The transform axis will be aligned with the object orientation as shown in the image below. **shortcut (2)**
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/ozItransform.png)
**Global Transform**; displays transform axes on the selected object allowing the user to move, rotate, and scale the object. The movement axis will be aligned with world axes, so direction is not affected with selection rotation, **shortcut (3)**
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/6sFglobaltransform.png)
When the user clicks any dragger, a small scroll combo box will appear in the **Quick Access Toolbar.** The user can use this box to input exact numbers for translation/rotation/scale or can just scroll up and down. If the user prefers to freely drag the 3D geometry, this can be done using the dragger in the 3D area
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/quick-access.png)
### Snap
Snap functions are used for aligning 3D models, and there are two types:
**Snap To Ground**; snaps the selected object(s) to the ground **shortcut (G)**
**Snap To Object**; prompts the user to select the object to snap to, then snaps the selected object(s) to the target one **shortcut (N)**
**Align**; aligns selected object(s) along a user defined axis, can be used in conjunction with SimLab VR Studio picking modes **shortcut (A)**
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639760622084.png)
**Dynamic Snap**; a smart tool that aids the user in placing an object in accordance with its surrounding. When activated, a blue box will envelope the selected object which in turn will snap and collide with nearby objects giving the user a guide on how to place the object without penetrating other objects in the scene **shortcut (5)**, check this [tutorial](https://youtu.be/-Ejp5m_avB8)
### Pivot Tools
The pivot of a 3D geometry is the point around which transformations to that geometry are applied. By default pivot is in the center of the geometry, if you want to rotate the object around one of its sides instead of its center, you need to move the **pivot**.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639760678434.png)
- **Show Pivot**: shows pivot point for the selected geometry and grant control over its location and rotation **shortcut (4)**
- **Move Pivot**: allows the user to move the pivot point to another point location. The user can make use of the Pick Mode options described in the Common Toolbar, to help in selecting the point's location accurately.
- **Snap Pivot**: requires the user to select two points, and the pivot of the 3D geometry will be snapped to the center between them. The user can make use of the Pick Mode options described in the Common Toolbar, to help in selecting points accurately.
- **Reset Pivot**: This function restores a modified pivot location to the center of the selected geometry.
# Create Menu
Enables the user to create different scene elements that can add value to 3D scenes.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639760844169.png)
### Lights
Lights menu includes the supported light types in SimLab VR Studio, suitable for interior scenes. Users can add any of these light sources in addition to the light sources included in the Environment. Light sources in SimLab VR Studio.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639760875043.png)
#### Point Light
Creates a spherical Light Source geometry and adds it to the scene. Point lights can be moved and positioned, using any of the move draggers.
The light properties can be found in the **Properties Panel**, to the right of the 3D area. There the user can edit the light properties, like changing its color, or its power. The following image shows properties of the point light.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/point-light-properties.png)
#### Area Light
Depending on the effect the user needs, this is another light type that can be used. Same as Point lights, area lights have parameters that the user can change in the Properties Panel.
#### Spot Light
In addition to the main light properties, spot light has Blend property that reduces the sharpness of the spot light making it blend with the environment. It also has Cone Angle property that sets the angle of the light.
#### Directional Light
Directional lights are for exterior scenes. The user can change the direction of the light but not its location. Other parameters for this light include, light Color, light Power, and light Name.
#### IES Light
IES Lights describe light distribution, the use can create an IES light from the Create -> Lights menu or from the **Library** -> **Lighting Settings** -> **IES Light** as shown in the image below
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/ies-lights-in-library.png)
### Shapes
This menu enables users to create simple 3D shapes that can help in completing 3D scenes.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-06/image.png)
The shapes are **Plane**, **Box**, **Sphere** and **Cylinder**;
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-06/taQimage.png)
First the user needs to select the method for creating 3D shape, it can either be:
- **Draw on Object**, the user needs to select object to draw on
- **Draw on Grid**, the user needs to plane to draw on
- **Draw by Dimensions**, the user needs to input coordinates/dimensions for the shape to draw in the Create Basic Shape dialog as shown below.
**Plane**: creates a 2D Plane, at Center coordinates entered in the first field. Width and Depth values determine the size of the created plane.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639761124355.png)
**Box**: creates a 3D Box, at Center coordinates entered in the first field. Width, Depth, and Height determine the size of the created box.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639761135404.png)
**Sphere**: creates a 3D sphere, at Center coordinates entered in the first field. Radius determines the size of the created sphere.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639761157362.png)
**Cylinder**: creates a 3D Cylinder, at Center coordinates entered in the first field. Radius and Height determine the size of the created cylinder.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639761176564.png)
After creating a basic shape, selecting the shape will show its **Control Points** which appear in white. Picking on one of these points will change it into an arrow that can be pulled to update the size of the basic shape, as shown in the image below.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/control-points.png)
### Paths
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639761224888.png)
#### Create Path
Paths created in SimLab VR Studio can be from points in 3D space or on a plane. So when clicking the Create Path option, the **Path Creation** dialog will open, for the user to pick 3D or planer path.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639761239793.png)
Picking points in 3D space will crate a path that is not in one plane. This can be useful to create a path for geometry to follow, or path for camera.
Picking points on a plane, requires specifying the plane to create the path on. The path and all selected points will be on this plane.
Both path creation options will open the **Path Creation** dialog shown below, where the user can create different types of paths.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639761254612.png)
The user can select Linea Path, B-Spline Path, Arc Path, or switch between the types to have a line segment for example following a B-Spline Path.
Paths can be open or closed, clicking on the first point in the path will close the path.
#### Apply Tangents
One of the points of a created path should be selected, before choosing this option. The program will ask for picking a point and normal to determine the tangent. So picking a point will modify the location of the picked path point to become tangent to the selected point.
#### Generate From 2D
Creates 2D path from the outline of a selected surface. Using the Select options from the Common Tool bar can help in selecting a face, like selecting Pick Edge loop, as shown in the image below.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639761315580.png)
### Feature
Features created in SimLab VR Studio allow the user to perform basic modifications and improvements to 3D models in order to improve the realism of the 3D scene without needing to revert to a CAD application.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639761356039.png)
#### Sweep
This feature enables users to extrude a shape along a created path. After creating the path and shape, select Sweep form the menu, and start by picking the path to sweep along as the message indicates. Next select the profile to sweep, and rotate the profile as desired then click to create sweep.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639761425121.png)
#### Extrude
Create a closed 2D shape, then in the extrude window enter the height, and a 3D object will be created. If an open 2D shape is used the created model will be hollow.
#### [](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639761464439.png)Wire
A path should be created first for the wire to follow, then the steps are as shown below. Check this [tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edGyNUfkI7k) on how to create wires.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639761520999.png)
#### Street
SimLab VR Studio's **Street** creation tool expands design capabilities effortlessly and efficiently.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639761962818.png)
1. Create a path for the street to follow
2. Select the path then select Street under Features from the Create menu[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639762037624.png)
3. Select the type of street from the available options
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639762154635.png)
4. Select texture for street and pavement once you click on (+) in the textures side of the window.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639762393019.png)
5. Click Create and the street will appear in the 3D area and will be added to the Objects Tree
### Annotations
Adding annotations and measurements to 3D scenes in SimLab VR Studio, can create a professional presentation that facilitates communicating and sharing a design.
Upon selecting this option, 3D plane selection will appear to select the the plane on which to create the annotations. If it did not appear click on the Pick button highlighted in the image below.
Selecting the proper plane for the annotations creation is crucial in terms of where the annotations will be projected for viewing. You also have the option to offset the plane you have selected parallel to its axes. Measurements units can be changed in the dialog below.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639762456054.png)
Several types of annotations can be created.
- **Linear**, measures the projected width between two points and not the distance between them.
- **Aligned**, measures the distance between two points in space without projecting their location on a principal axes
- **Radial**, measures radial distance of 3D object.
- **Angular**, measures the angle between two intersecting lines.
- **Leader**, adds custom text with a pointer to the design.
### Bounding Box Group
Creates a ghost box for a single selected object or a group of objects. The ghost box can then be used in a Boolean operation to modify the geometry of objects. Select an object or group of objects, then click select Bounding Box form the Create menu. The Bounding Box will appear and will be added to the Objects Tree.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639762810721.png)
### Camera
Creates a camera in the 3D area and adds it to the **Scene Browser**. All necessary functions for creating, and setting the different cameras can be found in the **Properties dialog** when the camera is selected.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639762834654.png)
### Billboard
Creates geometry that will be always aligned to the current camera. The plane geometry linked to the Billboard will rotate around the local Z axis to face the viewer at all times.
To create a Billboard, select Billboard from the Create menu, click anywhere in the 3D Area to pick a position (X Y Z) to place the billboard at. Browse and select an image (choose PNG image format to preserve transparency). The default image will be a tree if the user didn't select an image. Enter the suitable height in meters, it takes the aspect ratio of the selected image, the width of the Billboard will be approximated automatically.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639762876178.png)
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639762882233.png)
The billboard object always faces the camera, to allow architects to add PNG trees and humans to the scene.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639762905523.png)
### Decal
Applying a company Logo, or product images to 3D models is made easier with Decal Creation from the Create menu. The parameters in the Decal window are;
- **Image**; requires setting a valid path for a valid image file.
- **Projection Scale**; uniform scale value applied to the decal image.
- **Display Projection Image**; check box which if checked will display selected image for easier application.
To learn more about decal creation, check this [tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIEF6iJa5gs), and this [article](https://vrforcad.com/easy-decal)
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639763005889.png)
### Text
#### 2D Text
Used to create 2D text, that can be formatted as in any other text editor, as shown in the dialog below. This 2D text can be saved as a \*.png Image that can be used to create Decal.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639763046506.png)
A Plane can be created by picking two points, in the dialog below, and the 2D text will be attached to it.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639763073086.png)
Finally the 2D text can be added as a Billboard by selecting a position for it in the dialog shown below.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639763087809.png)
#### 3D Text
In the **Create Text3D** dialog, the user can type in text, and select its format. Clicking OK will create 3D text parallel to the ground at the center of the 3D area. An assembly with geometry for all letters in the text will be added to the Scene Browser, and different transforms can be applied to the 3D text. A user can also change the material of the generated 3D Text, by dragging material form the materials library, and dropping it on its geometry in the Scene Browser.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639763118579.png)
To modify anything in the created 3D text, select the text in the 3D area, or from the Scene Browser, to display its properties in the Properties Panel.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639763133200.png)
### Section Plane
Section plane will be created and selected in the 3D area with the 3D dragger to enable the user to transform/rotate the section plane. Section plane effects are exported to file formats such as OBJ.
By default a section plane cuts through the whole scene. Using the [**Break By Section Plane**](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio-help/page/geometry-menu#:~:text=by%2Dsection%2Dpla%7D%7D-,Break%20by%20Section%20Plane,-A%20section%20plane) tool in the Geometry menu, the user can select the geometry to cut using the section plane(s).
In the image shown below a scene with three spheres inside each other and three section planes were created with different orientations. Select each section plane and use it to cut through the outside and the middle spheres. To do that go to Geometry menu and with the sphere to cut being selected, select Break by Section Plane function. This will break the geometry into two in the Scene Browser and the 3D area.
Repeating this for all three section planes will split each sphere into eight parts. Deleting / hiding some of the parts will result in the shown image.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639763191310.png)
# Geometry Menu
Provides the user with geometry related tools, that can be used to modify imported 3D models.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639763266060.png)
### Break Group
#### Break Geometry
The smallest representation of geometry in SimLab VR Studio is 3D Geom, which is a geometry that has one transform and one material applied to it. All contents of 3D Geom are moved together, and have the same material.
Some model formats do not support saving **Scene Browser** structure, so when importing 3D models of those formats, 3D Geom can contain many none connected parts. The **Break Geometry** tool enables the user to break a 3D Geom that contains none connected parts into multiple 3D Geoms. Each one of the new 3D Geoms can be moved separately and can be assigned a unique material.
##### Break Faces
In case the Break Geometry tool fails, **Break Faces** will break the selected 3D model into its faces. Each face will be converted to 3D Geom, and added to the Scene Browser. Unique materials can be assigned to each face.
##### Break by Section Plane
A section plane should be created first in the scene, using [Section Plane](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio-help/page/create-menu#:~:text=bkmrk%2Dsection%2Dplane-,Section%20Plane,-Section%20plane%20will) function in the **Create menu**. This function requires/enables the user to select the geometry to cut through. Using the same section plane with different orientations, different cuts can be done on the geometry.
##### Break Instances
Instances in SimLab VR Studio are multiple duplicates of an object using the same materials structure, and same transforms as the original object. Instances are created by selecting an object then clicking **Ctrl+t**. In the below image a second water pump was created as an instance of the original one, thus they share the same material.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639763379112.png)
Using **Break Instances** each pump can now have its own materials/transforms.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639763394633.png)
### Explode Group
#### Explode / UnExplode
Can be used to show the components of an assembly. Selecting it will show geometry draggers, allowing the user to move (explode) the selected object(s) in the X, Y, and Z directions. The user can also rotate the dragger to select an arbitrary vector to be used for exploding the assembly. Check this [tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZNMtariggs) for more about Explode function.
The user should click either the **Approve** or the **Decline** mark in In the central part of 3d area, when done with exploding the geometry. Clicking the red **Decline** mark will cancel the operation of creating the exploded view. After completing the explode operation the user can go back to the original model by selecting UnExplode.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639763441971.png)
### Tools Group
#### Merge on Material
With an assembly selected in the 3D area, selecting this tool will merge geometry using the same material into a single geometry.
#### Smooth Normals
This tool can be used to average the normals of the geometry to appear smoother during rendering. Also vertices having the same position and normal direction will be replaced by a single vertex, thus reduce the size and complexity of a 3D model.
#### Flip Normals
Clicking this tool will have the selected objects normals flipped.
#### Fix Scene Normal
Generates appropriate normals for the selected geometry.
#### Mesh Decimation
Reduces the number of polygons in the selected geometry without affecting its appearance greatly.
The following tutorial shows Mesh Decimation in action, The tool can be very helpful if you need to run VR experience on memory limited devices
#### Info
Clicking this tool will display Geometrical Info dialog, showing the number of Objects, Vertices, and Polygons in the selected geometry. Knowing the number of vertexes and polygons can help a user estimate the size of the output file. This might make the user ignore some details, for sharing efficiency. **shortcut (Ctrl + Shift + I)**
### Voxel Group
#### Voxelize Selection
Voxlizing a 3D model is rebuilding the 3D model using building blocks (voxels), like LEGO. The user can choose the building block to use for voxelization, and can choose to voxilize the whole scene, or the selected geometry. Notice that this will add a significant number of polygons to the 3D scene.
The **Voxelize Options** dialog will open, when selecting this options. The default voxel object is a cube of certain size, and the user can choose a different object shape, by clicking the **Pick voxel** option. The voxel object needs to be a geometry in the scene, and the user can just pick it.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/image-1641491838955.png)
The **Combine voxels based on material** option, if checked, will combine all voxels, based on material, each in one geometry in the Scene Browser.
If not checked each voxel will have its own geometry in the Scene Browser.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639763714490.png)
To Voxelize any 3d model, follow the steps below:
1. First, export 3D model from any 3d software as one of the [Supported Import Formats](http://www.simlab-soft.com/3d-products/simlab-composer-supported-3d-formats.aspx) in Composer.
2. Import your model in Composer, click File → Import, or by using Ctrl+I, then select your model format and click Open.
3. Select the 3D model in SimLab VR Studio and click on Geometry → Voxelize Selection. The Voxelize Options dialog will appear, where the default voxel object is a cube of certain size. **The smaller the size of the voxel the larger the size of the output file**. The user can choose a different object by clicking the Pick voxel option then select another small object eg, Sphere, Cylinder or any object in the scene, then click Start.
4. When the convert operation is complete, the new object will be added to the Scene Browser.
### Boolean operations Group
#### Boolean Operations
Boolean operations are smart tools that ease the process of performing simple modeling tasks in SimLab VR Studio and without the need to go back to the CAD design application.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639764071632.png)
- **Union**; removes the intersecting part of two objects or set of objects, and preserves the remaining as one.
- **Difference**; deducts the shape and volume of one object or set of objects from another object or set of objects. So it like the first 3D object minus the second.
- **Intersection** ; preserves the intersecting part of two objects or set of objects, and removes the rest.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639764121378.png)
# Material Menu
Includes all the functions needed for material application, and materials management. Check this [tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=46&v=_miVD1W7TdA) for more about material management.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/image-1641492505837.png)
### Scene Group
#### Manage Scene Materials
Scene Materials dialog includes the material functions shown in the image below. It shows all materials in the scene where the user can make changes to all of them at once.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639764315529.png)
- **Add Material**; adds a new default material to the list. The new material with all of its properties will be shown in the Properties Panel of the application Interface.
- **Delete Material**; deletes the selected material, from the list. In case the material is being used by objects in the scene, a dialog will appear asking the user to select a replacement material before the deletion.
- **Delete Unused Materials**; Deletes all materials not referenced by any object in the scene.
- **Select Objects Using Material**; This function selects all objects, in the scene using the selected material in the Scene Materials dialog. These objects-geometry will be highlighted in the Scene Browser, and in the 3D area.
- **Apply Material To Selected Objects**; to use this function the user should select object(s) first, then select a material from the Scene Materials dialog or the from the Material library. After that he can click this function button and the selected material will be applied to the selected objects.
- **Merge Identical Materials**; in cases where more than one object in the 3D scene are using the same material, different copies of that material will appear in the Scene Materials window. This function cleans the materials dialog from unnecessary duplicates.
- **Change View**; this display option is available for the user to change the way the materials are displayed, in the Scene Materials dialog. They can be displayed as Large, or Small icons, or can be shown as a list.
- **Sort by Name/Sort by Attributes**; two options for sorting the Scene Materials are available for the user.
##### Save as Library
After applying all materials for all geometry in a 3D scene, clicking this function will display the New Material Library window. In this window the user can input a name for the new library then click Ok. This will save the applied scene materials in a library, and it will be shown in the Current Library combo-box, and in the Manage Material Libraries panel.
##### Retain from Library
Before clicking this function button the user should select the material library to use, in the Current Library combo-box. This function will reapply materials included in the selected library to the different geometry based on previously assigned materials names.
#### Merge Identical Materials
Cleans **Scene Materials** dialog from unnecessary duplicates.
### Material Palette Group
#### Save Material Palette
Material palette is a useful feature that SimLab VR Studio provides, it can save materials progress in a separate external file that can be re-applied easily.
From the material menu select Save Material Palette. Set the path and name for the file and click Save.
Reopen CAD Software and load the saved file, then from the extension menu, go to SimLab VR Studio integration and select Link with SimLab VR Studio.
As you can see the materials and textures applied in SimLab VR Studio, are the same materials applied in CAD Software.
#### Retain Material Palette
This function allows the user to keep applied materials in SimLab VR Studio to the design. Not having this option toggled will re-import the original materials from CAD Software to the design.
Select the palette file that you previously save, and set the mode to material name
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639764567189.png)
### UV
Texturing is the process of applying an image to 3D object, to give it a more realistic look. Texture Coordinate menu gives the user different options to define the way the image is applied to an object.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639764601484.png)
# Scene States Menu
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639764667482.png)
### Capture
Enables the user to capture different configurations for the **selected 3D model**(s) (**Selection** option), or for the **whole scene** (**Scene** **option**). The user can check the properties to include in a scene state.
Scene State may include a combination of:
- Material
- Position/Transform
- Lighting
- Show/Hide
- Camera
- Environment
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639764687224.png)
After selecting what to include in the **Scene State**, the user needs to click **Scene** or **Selection** to capture scene state of either one. Captured scene states are added to the **Scene States Library**.
Scene states can be applied as **Object Actions** in the **Properties dialog**. **Apply Scene State** can also be used as a response in [**Training Builder**](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio-help/page/training-builder-menu#:~:text=bkmrk%2Dpage%2Dtitle-,Training%20Builder%20Menu,-Training%20Builder%20is)
### Generate From Cameras
Captures scene states from the created cameras in the scene, as shown in the image below.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/generate-from-cameras.png)
### Manage
Opens **Manage Scene States Groups** dialog box, where the user can add a new group, remove, rename, or reorder groups.
When creating a new Scene state it will be automatically added to the active group tab in the **Scene State Library**.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640620620352.png)
The following tutorial shows how to use **Scene States**
# VR Effects / Media Menu
This menu allows the user to add visual effects and dynamic elements to the VR experience .
It is organized in the following groups:
- [**Particle**](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/51#bkmrk-particles-group)
- **[Landscape](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/51#bkmrk-landscape-group)**
- **[Media](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/51#bkmrk-media-group)**
- **[UI Panels](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/51#bkmrk-ui-panel-group)**
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639764890638.png)
### Particles Group
Includes the below visual effects supported in SimLab VR Studio:
[Create Fire](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/51#bkmrk-create-fire-and-smok)
[Create Smoke](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/51#bkmrk-create-fire-and-smok)[Create Spark ](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/51#bkmrk-create-spark%C2%A0)[Create Shower](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/51#bkmrk-create-shower)[Create Wire/Rope](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/51#bkmrk-create-wire%2Frope)
##### Create Fire and Smoke
Enables the user to add fire effect to the scene, this can be a large trailing fire, a stove, or a candle.
Fire effect automatically includes smoke option to be shown with the fire. If the user wants Smoke alone without fire, then **Create Smoke** can be used.
The following tutorial shows the process of creating fire and smoke in VR studio
#### Create Spark
Spark effect can be used to show electrical sparks, or welding effect. The following tutorial shows, how to create Spark effect in VR studio
##### Create Shower
For creating moving water or liquid effect in SimLab VR Studio, this can be done using shower effect. It allows the user to control color, speed and strength of water flow. The following tutorial shows the process of creating Shower effect in VR studio
##### Create Wire/Rope
Creates connecting wires in the scene, like connecting the soldering kit shown below with its electric plug.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/create-wire2.png)The following tutorial shows the process of creating a wire in VR Studio.
### Landscape Group
#### Make Water
Make water works on one object or group of objects, the process is as follows:
1. From **Effects** menu » select **Make Water**.
2. Select 3D object(s) to become water, then click [](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/image-1641559302867.png)
In the **Scene Browser** notice that the shape of the icon for the 3D object(s) has changed to the water shape.
The water settings can be adjusted from the **VR Water** tab in the **Properties** dialog. Water settings are:
- **Water Color**: the user can select a color to use for the water.
- **Water Depth** and **Water Speed**: these two parameters can be used to make more realistic water surface.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640854173697.png)
To remove water effect, from **Scene Browser** top comb box select VR Landscape. An 'X' mark will appear next to the water geometry, click it to remove water effect.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/5NYremove-water.png)
#### Make Ground
Ground objects are objects the user can teleport to in VR. By default the user does not need to set ground objects. Any object with good orientation (has normal close to the up vector) is considered ground.
If the user wants to have more control and wants to prevent others from moving all around the scene, the user can use **Make Ground** to define the object(s) the user can teleport to. When **Make Ground** tool is used, **default ground is turned off**, and only objects defined as ground by the user are considered as ground
Press and hold to activate Teleportation mode. Then Release to teleport to a valid destination.
- A **red teleportation** pointer indicates possible teleportation on an object.
- A **green teleportation** pointer indicates forbidden teleportation on an object.
#### Grass
Enable users to add realistic grass effect to VR scenes. Selecting this VR effect will open the VR Grass Generator dialog.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640855433922.png)
VR Grass generation dialog allows the user to control:
- Generator Name
- Geometry the grass should be added to; select the geometry then click (+)
- Overall Coverage with grass from the selected object
- The percentage of the different kinds of grass to be generated
The following video shows a sample of Grass effect in action
The following tutorial shows how to use grass in VR Studio
### Media Group
#### Make Video
With Make Video effect, the user can convert any 3D object to a video player. The video should be an MP4 file.
The user can use a URL link in which case the video will be streamed during the VR experience, or a local link for a file on the users machine. Local videos are automatically added to the VR experience package, so the videos can still play when VR experiences are distributed
The following dialog shows the VR Video properties
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639765420586.png)
To learn how to use Video effect in VR, check the following tutorial
#### Remove Video
To remove a video click the "X" mark in the Scene Browser next to the 3D geometry including the video.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639765500793.png)
Video Action response in VR Training Builder can be used to control the Video play in VR. It can be used to pause, play, toggle, or seek in VR, as a response to an event. For more info about Video Actions in VR Training Builder check this [tutorial](https://youtu.be/96HWC7eufGk).
#### Create Sound
This function adds 3D Sound object to the scene, and the **Scene Browser**. Selecting the 3D Sound form the tree will display its properties in the **Properties Panel**, **VR Sound** tab. The 3D sound object occupies a location in the 3D scene.
The user can determine if the sound should be played on start of the scene, or not. To be played once or in a loop.
The type of the 3D Sound can either be **Spatial**, which means the sound volume is automatically affected by the location of the 3D sound in the scene, or **Constant**. Constant sounds when played has the same volume in all areas of the scene.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640856128399.png)
For more information about VR Sound check this [tutorial](https://youtu.be/Pv1OFdxb8dE)
### Create Web Browser
Adds a flat screen **VR Web Browser** element to the Scene Browser, and the 3D area. In the Properties Dialog under the **VR Web Browser** tab the user can input the URL for the browser to display.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640856957969.png)
The user can change the width and height of the Web browser plane using the white points that appear on it when selected. The web browser can be placed on a PC screen, or a full wall in the VR experience.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/wbbvr-webbrowser.png)
#### Create Surveillance Plane
**Surveillance Plane** allows the user to view far or not easy to view parts of the scene using **VR Camera**. VR Surveillance plane is linked to the camera so it shows what the camera is seeing. The following tutorial shows how to use **VR Surveillance**
Creating **VR Camera** is available under **VR Viewer menu**
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640857427829.png)
### UI Panel Group
#### Create Variable Writer
This tool enables the user to track the value of a **VR Variable** in the VR experience.
Click [Here](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/22#bkmrk-variables-and-expres) to learn more about creating VR Variables.
The value of the variable will be updated dynamically, so whenever the variable value changes the variable writer will be updated to show the new value of the variable. The user can control the size, and place for the variable writer, so it can be aligned on a wall in the scene or on a monitor.
User selects which variable to view, color of the text, and prefix text.
Having multiple variable writers belonging to the same group make them have the same font size.
#### Create Scene States Lister
Scene State Lister automates the processes of showing the **Scene States** in the scenes and allows the user to switch between them during the VR experience.
Adding a Scene State Lister will add it to the 3D area, and the Scene Browser. The user can control **Scene State Lister** parameters from VR Scene State Lister tab in the **Properties Panel**, as shown in the following image.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640859822645.png)
The following tutorial shows how to use **Scene State Lister** in a VR experience
# Interactions Menu
Allows users to define interactions in VR scenes.
[ ](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/interactionsmenu.png)[ ](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-01/image.png)[ ](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-11/77limage.png)[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-09/Lm7image.png)
### Grabbing Group
#### Make Grabbable
Makes selected object(s) **grabbable** in the scene. A grabbable object is an object that can be grabbed by a controller in a VR experience or using a desktop hands and can be moved from one place to another.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640597943069.png)
Grabbable objects are highlighted clearly in the **Scene Browser**
---
Grabbable objects are highlighted in the Desktop or VR viewing modes with orange highlight, as shown in the following image
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640598102544.png)
#### Make Grabbable Sequence
Grabbable sequences allow users to interact with 3D object(s) in VR by linking then to animation sequences. In the image below an animation to control the arm was saved as a sequence, then linked to the arm object using **Grabbable Sequence**. When the arm is grabbed in VR the path appears and the user can move the grabbed object along the path.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639835396166.png)
The following tutorial shows how to create and use **Grabbable Sequence**
### Dynamics Group
#### Enable Physics
The physics feature allows for the object to have physical properties such as gravity, mass and friction. To add physics to an object select Enable Physics then select the object you want
#### Make Climbable
With this feature selected objects in the scene can be made climbable such as ladders. Just click Make Climbable and select the object you want.
Check this [tutorial](https://youtu.be/uvifY6bfMoo) for more about these two features.
### Clipping Plane Group
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639838990390.png)
#### Make Clippable Object(s)
Can be used to view a section of the model or to hide specific objects in the scene. Select objects to be clipped then check [](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/image-1641559302867.png)
By determining the Clipping Plane and Clippable Objects the user can make clipping effects for some or all objects in the scene. The clipping plane can be static or it can be animated showing clippable objects as it moves as in this [**tutorial**](https://youtu.be/n03IDuBGlhU)
#### Create Clipping Plane
Also known as Section Plane in VR, it can be static, animated, grabbable, and turned on/off dynamically.
From **VR Clipping Plane** Tab in the **Properties Panel**, the user can select to show or hide the clipping plane. The direction of the clipping plane normal determines the clipped section of the model.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-01/gV7image.png)
### Disassembly and Docking Group
#### Make Dock and Target
**Dock** is the static object, and **Target** is the (**grabbable**) moving one, so Target needs to be made Grababble first. After selecting this function the user will be asked to Select Dock Node, then to Select Target Node, and last to Configure object orientation.
In the VR experience, the user grabs the **Target** and when it is left (grab ends) while it is intersecting with the **Dock**, it is moved to the docking target's predefined position.
#### Remove Dock and Target
Selecting this function will prompt the user to Select Dock Node, and Select Target Node then the relation will be removed
The following tutorial shows how to create Dock and Target interaction in SimLab Composer.
#### Manage (Dis)Assembly Process
In case the assembly/disassembly process is linear, which means it goes in a defined order this function can be used. It simplifies the process and makes it move in a very specific scenario. Highlights will guide the user throughout the assembly/disassembly process with ease and without any confusion. **Green highlight** object in an assembly refers to the currently available part of the system that can be removed. **Yellow highlight** indicates that the object can be grabbed.
**Blue highlight** in the assembly indicates that the object can be placed there.
Press Right Mouse to toggle the hand. The hand has a fixed position at the center of the view, but can be moved away or closer using the mouse scroll.
The assembly management interactions, and settings:
- Plus button: Adds the selected node (from the 3d Area) to the disassembly diagram. If a disassembly graph node is selected, it will become the parent of the newly added node.
- Ladder button: Change the parent of selected disassembly graph nodes, a graph node must be selected before clicking this button, and the graph node selected afterward will become the new parent - or - if a blank space is selected, the graph node will become independent (with no parent).
- Red Minus button: removes a node from the graph.
- Create new: create a new disassembly diagram.
- Rename: change the name of the disassembly diagram.
- Delete: remove the disassembly.
**Note**: Training Builder can be used for creating a more open assembly/disassembly process. It can be used to define the logic for the processes, giving the user more control without forcing her/him to adjust the model structure in Scene Browser or go through a single path of exclusion.
### Industries Solutions
SimLab Composer is continuously adding new features to make the experience of its users more joyful, and easier.
#### Door/Cabinet Animation
Automatically creates an animation for an object depending on its type. This can be useful for scenes with multiple objects of the same type. There are two main methods for defining which objects to animate:
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639846169901.png)
##### Object Selection
With this method, the user will manually select the components in the scene to create an animation for.
This method is suitable for scenes with a small number of objects. Check the following tutorial on automatic animation for Doors / Cabinets using the Object Selection Method
##### Object Name
With this method, the user will type in the name of the components, and SimLab Composer will automatically find them in the scene and list them.
This method is more suitable for scenes with a large number of objects to animate. Check this tutorial on automatic animation for Doors / Cabinets using the Object Name Method
##### Doors and Cabinets Settings
- **Send animation to timeline;** Enabling this option sends the created animation as keyframes to the **Animation Timeline**. This can be helpful when you intend to combine multiple animations or modify the animation further.
- **Create animation Sequences**; This option creates separate animation sequences for each object, those sequences can then be used in VR.
- **Animation sequence naming convention**; The user can select the naming method for the sequence.
- **Attach sequences**; This makes the scene ready to be used in a VR experience. Sequences can be applied as **Actions** (executed when the user clicks on a door or panel) or as **Grabbable Sequences** (the user can open or close interactively in the VR viewer)
- **Create reversed versions**; Reversed version of animation allows the object to go back to its original state. For example, if you have created an animation for a door opening, a reversed version of the door closing will be automatically created.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640601023394.png)
#### Visualize Scene Options
Visualize scene options (scene states and animation sequences) by displaying them as entities in a 3D world for easier and more practical VR experiences. Check this **[tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaR9X_8ktP0&feature=youtu.be)** on how to visualize scene options in VR.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639846690281.png)
Press "3" on your keyboard in VR Viewer to show available Pins, "LBUTTON" to select Scene States/Animation Sequences that appear as entities from the Pins.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639848777780.png)
1
Select a Scene Node from the Objects Tree or from the 3D area, then click this option to add a Pin to the selected node, showing its scene states if interacted by the user in SimLab VR Viewer.
2
Remove a Trigger and eliminate any associated pins and scene options.
3
The list of Triggers.
4
Activates Scene States library to drag-and-drop Scene States from it into Pin nodes.
5
Activates Animation Sequences library to drag-and-drop Animation Sequences from it into Pin nodes.
6
Add a new Pin to the selected node to hold other scene options chosen by the user. Once added, either Scene States or Animation Sequences from their corresponding libraries can be dragged and dropped into it.
7
Remove the selected Pin node from its diagram.
8
Scene States/Animation Sequences can be dragged-and-dropped here from their corresponding libraries.
9
Added Scene States/Animation Sequences
##### Visualize Scene Options - Step by step
1. Create multiple Scene States/Animation sequences (at least two), for a 3D model.
2. From the Interactions menu click Visualize Scene Options.
3. Select the object for which to make a list, Ex: Bedside Table, select the table model then Add a Trigger by clicking [](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639851544234.png)
4. The object name (Bedside Table) should appear on the Pin and Scene Options side as shown in the image. [](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639851925566.png)
5. Drag and drop created Scene States/Animation Sequence (created in step one) from their libraries into VR List1 one by one
6. The Scene States/Animation Sequence will appear under the VR List1
7. Select List 1 to display its properties, and change its name, and properties[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639852422955.png)
### User Gadgets Group
#### Add User Gadgets
This function will **add** some gadgets to the **Viewer start model**, as shown in the dialog below:
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640602517072.png)
**Adjacent Objects:** These are objects that move with the **Viewer start model** in the VR environment. They can be something like tools (screwdriver or hammer). Check this **[part](https://youtu.be/RagOTsIqSH0?t=118)** of the tutorial for more about Adjacent Objects.
**Controllers**: This allows the user to change the VR controllers with selected 3D models for Hands, or Gloves. Controllers appearance is only available in VR Mode. The following video shows the effect of using Controllers in the VR experience.
The following tutorial shows how to use controllers gadget in SimLab Composer.
**Hud**: Hud is a plane shown in front of the user so it is easy to show instructions or current status. The following video shows the Hud appearance in a VR experience.
The following tutorial describes how to add/use **Hud** and **Adjacent Objects**
****
**Change Equipment State** Response in **Training Builder**, which be used to control equipment state (Equipped or Unequipped) for all gadgets (**Adjacent Objects**, **Controllers**, and **Hud**)
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640603991677.png)
#### Avatar Generator
In this dialog users can build their own avatars from a collection of Faces, Uniforms, Headwear, and Glasses. Avatars are used in VR Collaboration, in SimLab VR Viewer. For more about Avatar Type and Creation check this [tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA22RZh-rjU)
[ ](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-01/Bwzimage.png)[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-01/vwximage.png)
[ ](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-01/7iUimage.png)[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-01/tpwimage.png)
#### Voice Commands
For improving VR based training that involves interacting with humans in the real world, voice commands support is added.
Voice commands are new events that are fired when the appropriate voice command is said in the experience. SimLab Composer will support voice commands in 20 languages
The following example shows how voice commands can be used in the VR experience.
[](https://youtu.be/7hSdzWdlI1w)
The following tutorial shows how to add voice commands in SimLab Composer:
#### AI Agents
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-09/8HFimage.png)
The user can make it work with 3D Avatars, by describing the agent role, talk to it and get answers in different languages.
The following image shows how to set your OpenAI API key in the viewer
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-09/tpnimage.png)
With this feature To learn more about this feature check the following tutorial.
### Find & Control
#### Searchable Components
With a complex CAD model with good tree structure, this feature can be very useful. It allows users to search for objects then show/hide, isolate, highlight, and grab them.
# Training Builder Menu
**Training Builder** is a **visual** tool that allows VR experience designer to control the logic in the VR experience without the need to write any code.
**Training Builder** allows the user to links **Event** with **Response**(s)
An **Event** is fired when something happens in the experience, for example when the user clicks on a specific object, or when an object collides with another object. A **Response** is the reaction the VR experience should do when an **Event** takes place.
For example when the user clicks on Globe Object (Earth\_geo) Scene Node in the Node Triggered **Event**, it starts the rotation sequence (Play Sequence) **Response**, as shown in the following image;
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-01/G4pimage.png)
There is no limit to the number of elements in **Training Builder**. The user can add as many elements as needed in diagrams.
Each Diagram can have up to 300 elements to keep things organized for big projects. For small projects one diagram should be enough, for larger projects the user needs to organize work by keeping up to 300 elements in each diagram.
**[Creating your first VR experience](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/43#bkmrk-page-title) **can serve as a good first interaction with the **Training Builder** to see it in action
The following video provides more details about using **Training Builder**
[**SimLab Academy**](https://youtu.be/IxnOLrPTav0) (in the **Library** panel) under VR Creation includes a section dedicated for **Training Builder** tutorials.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-12/r1jimage.png)
### Variables and Expressions
Using **Training Builder**, enables users to add variables and use them in creating VR experiences. Check this **[tutorial](https://youtu.be/vKIfpe1q-K4?t=901)** about using variables in Training Builder.
Supported variables are of the following types:
**String Variable**; Stores object names, message data, ..etc
**Number Variable**; Supports both integer and float numbers. Can be used for calculating , and storing values
**Time Variable**; can save the time at any stage of the VR experience
#### String Variables
Initial value can be set to any string in the variable editor in training builder.
When used in Change Variable response, string should be surrounded in single quotations (' ')
Expression supported operations include adding strings, and substring
#### Number Variables
Initial Value can be set to any float or integer numbers, the following operations are supported for number variables
**Increment**: Adds one to the current value
**Decrement**: Subtracts one from the current value
**Time Difference**: Calculates the different in seconds (up millisecond precision) between two time variables
**Expression**: large number of expressions are supported, list of supported expressions can be found in the following **[link](https://www.simlab-soft.com/3d-products/vr-expressions.aspx?utm_source=Composer&utm_medium=Tooltips&utm_campaign=Tooltips)** , The following tutorial shows how expressions can be used in **Training Builder**
#### Time Variables
Initial value for all time variables is set to the start time of the VR experience, at any point of the VR experience the user can capture current time and store it in a time variable
#### Variable writer
This tool enables the user to track the value of a variable in the VR experience
The value of the variable is updated dynamically, so whenever the variable value changes the variable writer will be updated to show the new value of the variable. **Variable Writer** is available under the [VR Effects Menu](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio-help/page/vr-effects-media-menu#:~:text=bkmrk%2Dpage%2Dtitle-,VR%20Effects%20/%20Media%20Menu,-This%20menu%20allows).
The user can control its size, and place, so it can be aligned on a wall in the scene or on a monitor, user selects which variable to view, color of the text, and prefix text.
Having multiple **Variable Writers** belonging to the same group make them have the same font size.
### Create/Edit Variables
Variables can be created and edited by clicking the **Edit Variables** button ay the top right part of the **Training Builder.** It allows the user to view/delete/change initial values of existing variables, or create new variables.
Clicking '+' at the top right corner of the **Edit Variables and Initial Values** dialog will add a new variable. The user can click to change the name of the variable, select its type from the combo box, and set its initial value.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640786112008.png)
#### Inputs
Inputs are entities used as triggers for actions in the **Training Builder** diagram. For example if multiple nodes in the diagram use a **Scene Node**, it can be used as input and be connected to multiple blocks. Updating the input once will be reflected to all blocks using this input.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-12/x5Oimage.png)
#### Events
Events are triggered when something happens in the VR experience.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-12/5NNimage.png)
The following image shows how to use **Scene Start** Event, which takes place as soon as the VR experience starts, to play Sound Action **Response**.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-01/CGZimage.png)
To learn more about Grip Press event check this [tutorial](https://youtu.be/2-m_s1rwrLc).
#### Responses
Responses are defined reactions to events. To link a **Response** to an event simply the user needs to connect the Execute channel from **Event** to the execute channel of a **Response.** The user can connect the output Execute channel from a Response to input Execute channel of another response to guarantee order of execution and to link multiple responses to an **Event.**
**[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-12/KLqimage.png)**
In the diagram below shows responses to clicking on an object (Node Triggered)
1- Play a Sequence
2- Wait for 2 seconds
3- Hide an object from the scene
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-01/nzximage.png)
#### Booleans
Booleans includes two groups **States**, and **Operations.**
**[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-09/trjimage.png)**
**States** are similar to events, and the current state can always be gotten from them. For example in the following image, **Objects Overlap** is shown, if the two objects Overlap you get OnTrue execution, as soon as they do not, you get OnFalse execution. The output Boolean value can be checked at any point to see if they are Overlapping on not. OnTrue or OnFlase are only fired when the state changes.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-09/e0bimage.png)
**Opinations** allow running Boolean operations on Boolean variables. Supported operations include **And**, **Or** and **Not**
#### Templates
**Training Builder** works great for describing multiple step training scenarios. But what if the same behavior is repeated for a class of objects. For example if the user ends grabbing any of the tools in the training, the response should be for it to fall to the ground, this is when templates are used.
To Create a **Template** diagram in Training Builder click **Create Template** button at the top right side of the **Training Builder**.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-01/Wphimage.png)
After clicking **Create Template** , a new **Template diagram** is added. A template diagrams is different from regular **Training Builder** diagram in its orange background marks, and in Template Scene Node block added in it. This block can not be deleted.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-12/uzcimage.png)
Template Scene Node block selects a group of Nodes based on query that can include one or more rows connected with And or Or, as shown in the following image.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640870035944.png)
Logic connected to Templet Scene Node block will be applied to each Node that satisfies the selection query, for example in the previous image, each object having "box" in its name, and having "wood" in the value of its material attribute will be selected.
The following tutorial shows the power of Template Diagrams in the training builder
### Advanced Features
#### Copy part of a diagram
To repeat same logic for more than one object (in case templates did not do the job), part of the diagram can be copied. This is done by using the Left Mouse button to highlight the part of the diagram to copy, while the section is highlighted click **CTRL + C** to copy it, then **CTRL + V** to Paste. After that the Scene Node Object needs to be changed, and any block that needs update.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-09/ZXlimage.png)
#### Drag/Drop of the scene
To add inputs like a **Scene State** or a **Sequence,** the following process is used
1- Click on Sequence from the toolbar
2- From Sequence Library select the desired Sequence
3- Click attach Sequence
As shown in the following image
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-09/O7Dimage.png)
If you know the **Sequence** or the **Scene State** you can directly drag it from the Library and drop it on the **Training Builder**
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/tCjimage.png)
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640876911877.png)
#### Right Mouse
Clicking Right click in the training builder shows all toolbar elements, organized, so you can add any block without moving the mouse to the tool bar.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/YTKimage.png)
You can also click few characters in the filter to find an element quickly, as shown in the following image.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/YScimage.png)
#### Attributes
Attributes can be used with **Training Builder** in many ways:
- They can be used for creating **Template** diagrams
- They can be checked to determine behavior
- They can be used as local variables saved on each object.
It is a good idea to be familiar with attributes to create advanced VR experiences. To learn more about attributes check the following tutorial
### Tools to organize Training Builder experience
Some users are creating large and complex training, and virtual reality (VR) experiences using the training builder. To help manage these complex diagrams the following tools have been provided:
**Notes**: Use notes to describe the logic, making it simpler for both you and others to understand and update the training builder diagrams in the future.
**Groups**: You can organize nodes into groups and give them clear names. This makes it easier to find and update the logic of your training builder.
**Search**: Suppose you've improved an animation sequence and want to replace the old one in the training builder. Use the search tool to find all instances of the old sequence and replace them with the new one."
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-02/nE8image.png)
## Dynamic Training Builder
The Dynamic Training Builder is available in **SimLab VR Studio Pro**. You can learn more about Dynamic Training Builder in this [document](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/dynamic-training-builder-nodes-manual).
# VR Viewer Menu
VR Viewer menu is where the user can export 3D scenes into \*.vrpackage file format, and view it in either Desktop Or VR Mode.
[ ](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640857539747.png)[ ](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-10/j9cimage.png)
### Show in Viewer
SimLab VR Viewer enables users to experience rich and interactive environments in three navigation modes
- **Desktop:** Game-like controls using keyboard and mouse, with viewer running in Windows or Mac.
- **PC VR:** For VR headsets connected to a PC like Rift S, VIVE, VIVE Pro, or Quest connected with a Link cable
- **Standalone VR:** For standalone headsets like Pico, Quest (not connected to PC), Android, and iOS
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639929466797.png)
#### Texture Optimization
More information about Textures Optimization can be found [**here**](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/9#bkmrk-textures-optimizatio)
#### Settings
**Optimize Package:** Optimize package merges all objects sharing the same material into one object, which in turn speeds up the experience and smoothest it significantly, especially when the model has a large number of objects. Optimize package will affect static objects only, so if you have objects that have animation, scene states, or are part of any interaction they will be excluded from the process and any interactions in VR will occur without any problems.
**VR Viewer Only:** When checked, the exported VR package can not be imported by SimLab Composer
**Enable VR Menu:** The experience designer can control what the user running the VR experience will be able to view, or how the user can interact with the scene in the VR Viewer
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639929500514.png)
### Open Viewer
Opens the stand-alone VR Viewer, viewer can be then used to open a VR package, or to share a VR package with others.
### VR Environment
Displays the Properties dialog at the right side of [](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-10/xUPimage.png)
the application[ ](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-10/lahimage.png) window. In this dialog with its different tabs the user can change settings for application/VR environment.
###
###
### VR Display Settings
The user can adjust the display settings in the VR viewer using the below dialog. Check this [tutorial ](https://youtu.be/sNY0MvYIXyA)for more information.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-10/t3Bimage.png)
###
### Stet Start Position
Loads the **Viewer Start** model, clicking on any place in the scene after clicking **Set Start Position** will snap the Viewer Start model to the picked location. The **Viewer Start** model defines the start place for the VR experience viewer and the orientation at the experience will start at.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640952738805.png)
If **Viewer Start** model was already added to the scene, no new model will be added and the user can directly click to snap the **Viewer Start** model.
Users starting the VR experience without calling Set Start Position will automatically have **Viewer Start** model added to the scene and will be able to set its location in the scene.
**Viewer Start** model can be used in **Training Builder,** for example, **Viewer Start** model is used in **Node Entered Node** Event, in **Training Builder** diagram, to turn lights on, when a VR experience user enters a room.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640952473898.png)
### Create VR Camera
Creating **VR Camera** adds a new **VR Camera** to the scene. The user should place the camera and set its orientation, currently selected **VR Camera** appears in wireframe mode.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640953465481.png)
User can place multiple **VR Cameras** in the scene, while running the VR experience the user can activate the **Camera Teleport** mode, by clicking on it, or using the **shortcut (4),** as shown in the following image
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640954049910.png)
When starting **Camera Teleport** mode the scene turns into a ghost view, **VR Cameras** are shown as white spheres, and hovering over one of the spheres shows the view seen by the camera, clicking on the white sphere moves the user to the **VR Camera** location.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640954119879.png)
VR Camera can also be used in **Training Builder,** in the **Teleport to Camera** response block. When this response is called, the viewer is moved from the current location to the location of the **VR Camera** connect to the response block
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640954432540.png)
When moving the viewer to a **VR Camera**, we can select to align the viewer orientation with the orientation of the **VR Camera**, this is done by checking the option Apply Orientation in the VR Camera **Properties Panel,** as shown in the following image
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640954703768.png)
**VR Camera** can also be linked to the **Surveillance Plane** under the **VR Effects** menu, to learn more about using **VR Camera** with a **VR Surveillance** camera use the following [link](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/51#bkmrk-create-surveillance-)
### Export VR Package
Export the current scene as a VR Package (\*.vrpackage), which can be opened using the free **SimLab VR Viewer.** When exporting the **VR Package** the user can set
- Title
- Publisher
- Description
- Preview image
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640958886443.png)
This information will be visible in the **VR Viewer** to help users to find the correct VR experience.
### Export VR Catalog Item
**VR Catalog Items** are very similar to **VR Packages,** and they share the same extension (\*.vrpackage), the only difference is that they will not require adding **Viewer Start** model, as they are not planned to be used as stand-alone VR experiences, they are created to be used in VR Catalogs, visible while running the VR experience, as the one shown in the image below
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640959394922.png)
Creation of new VR Catalogs requires the ultimate edition of SimLab Composer
### Export EXE File
EXE files can be exported from the Windows version of **SimLab Composer**, they are similar to **VR Packages**, as they include the current scene. EXE files can be shared with users who do not have **VR Viewer** installed.
Upon clicking on the EXE, it will try to find **VR Viewer**, if found it will use it and open the scene. If **VR Viewer** was not found, it will automatically install the latest version of **VR Viewer**, then it will use it and open the scene, which makes it easier to share VR experiences with new users.
### VR Store
designed to simplify the process for VR experience designers to market and sell their creations. In earlier versions, we tested a VR warehouse model, but based on feedback from designers, it was clear that they preferred licensing their VR experiences instead of selling zim files. This allowed them to retain copyrights for the zim files, enabling them to build new experiences on top of them or customize them for specific users. SimLab VRStore addresses these concerns by offering an alternative avenue for marketing and selling VR experiences, while still maintaining the availability of traditional methods. This new feature is particularly advantageous for larger organizations, providing them with an easier way to sell their VR content and gain more visibility. Any experiences created using the free SimLab Composer and VR Studio, after undergoing the review process, will be showcased in the VRStore. These experiences can be either paid or free and will appear without watermarks. This flexibility is beneficial for new users who want to start showcasing their work without any initial financial investment, and it also caters to the needs of educational institutes. The VRStore is intended for creators, and we welcome any notes, requests, or feedback from users. Your input is valuable in helping us refine and improve this platform to better serve the VR community. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us soon.[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-01/ufGimage.png)
Check this [article](https://blog.simlab-soft.com/how-to-protect-your-vr-product-and-prevent-copyright-infringement/) to learn how to protect your VR product and prevent Copyright infringement.
### Viewer Settings
This option gives user quick access to viewer settings, to check and update those settings before exporting the VR package.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2024-01/OzUimage.png)
### Languages
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-12/62Zimage.png)
This option allows the user to make the VR experience support multiple languages, the user defines special objects for each language, those objects can be Objects, Videos, Sounds, Presentations, or Text.
When starting the experience, the end use will select the language she prefers to run the experiences in, all objects in other languages will be automatically deleted, so the VR experience will run in the selected language.
The following video shows how to use multiple language support
### Mixed Reality Elements
The Quest 2 and Quest 3 now offer mixed reality support, enabling users to engage in interactive experiences while maintaining visibility of their actual surroundings.
With the Mixed Reality option, designers can specify the environmental elements within the experience. When users run the experience in Mixed Reality (MR) or Augmented Reality (AR) mode, these elements will be concealed, whereas they will be visible in other modes. This flexibility empowers designers to craft a unified experience that seamlessly transitions across Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), or Augmented Reality (AR) modes.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2023-12/twkimage.png)
The following tutorial shows how to use the MR elements
In addition to single user MR mode, MR mode can be used in collaboration, the following tutorial shows users located in the same room, how to perform synchronization to work effectively in the MR mode.
# VR Evaluation
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639929586893.png)
VR Evaluation menu gives user access to the full VR Evaluation process which includes
Creating Quizzes/Surveys
Distributing VR experiences to students
Viewing Results
**[VR Evaluation Chapter](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/28#bkmrk-page-title)** goes through the process of creating and distributing a successful VR Evaluation.
# Help Menu
In this menu, the user has access to different sources of information about SimLab VR Studio.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640947197275.png)
#### News
Starting with News where a dialog will be displayed including latest news regarding the application, and it's updates.
#### Check for Updates
Check for Updates, as the name implies, will display the dialog with the latest releases of the application.
#### License
License, displays the Registration dialog, where the user can request start free personal license, request a trial license, or activate a professional license. More information about VR Studio licensing process can be found [here](https://www.simlab-soft.com/simlab-vrstudio-license-steps.aspx)
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640947316636.png)
#### Cloud License
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640947709204.png)
**Cloud license** option allows the user to do the following:
- View current cloud account status
- Number of models uploaded
- Used Cloud Space
- Number of paired devices
- Add additional cloud keys to increase cloud account capacity or to extend its period.
Note: Professional software key received when ordering a license of VR Studio is also a valid Cloud Key, so the user can use it to activate the Cloud Account. All what the user needs to do is register a Cloud account then to add the key.
#### Docs
This option provides users with a list of help links available for SimLab VR Studio. Including a link to this help document, and a link for more information about **SimLab VR Viewer**.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1639908715560.png)
#### Learn
Learn option directs users to learning resources for SimLab VR Studio.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640948294664.png)
SimLab Academy displays SimLab Academy in SimLab VR Studio library, More information about SimLab Academy can be found **[here.](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/44#bkmrk-simlab-academy)**
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640948373731.png)
SimLab [YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/user/SimLabSoft) direct the user to the corresponding site.
#### Support
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640948686758.png)
Support menu allows the user to do the following:
- Report an issue
- Provide a Suggestion
- Get access to SimLab Community Forum
- View Blog
# VR Evaluation
# Introduction
Evaluation allows measuring the performance of the user by using
- [Quizzes](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/30#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Surveys](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/32#bkmrk-page-title)
- [User Defined Evaluation](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/33#bkmrk-page-title)
To have access to the evaluation tool you need to be part of an **organization**, creating organization and managing users in an organization is done through **SimLab Admin**, which is included in **SimLab VR Studio**.
VR experiences can be distributed to end users using **SimLab VR Viewer**, or **LMS** (Learning Management System). Any **LMS** supporting **xAPI (Tin Can)** or **Scorm** can be used to distribute VR experiences to users
In case of no LMS system available **SimLab VR Viewer** can be used. It includes all what is needed to distribute VR experiences and VR based Training.
After users run the experience, results can be accesses using **SimLab Admin**.
- [Getting started with VR Evaluation](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/getting-started-with-vr-evaluation)
- [Creating Quiz](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/creating-quizzes)
- [Creating Survey](https://help.simlab-soft.com/books/simlab-vr-studio/page/creating-survey)
- [Creating User Defined Evaluation](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/33#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Distributing VR experiences](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/34#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Viewing results](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/35#bkmrk-page-title)
- [Advance xAPI LRS settings](https://help.simlab-soft.com/link/223#bkmrk-page-title)
# Getting started with VR Evaluation
To create VR experience including evaluation you need to be part of an **organization,** which you can be invited to by any **admin** of the organization (each organization can have one or more admins), or you can create an organization using **SimLab Admin**
**SimLab Admin,** allows the admin to define and manage **Admins** / **Teachers**
For creating lessons and distributing them to students, the user needs to be an **admin** or **teacher** in the organization
**Admin** has the extra ability of adding and managing other users.
The following tutorial shows the process of creating an organization using **SimLab Admin,** and adding new **admins** and **teachers,**
In addition to creating organizations and defining users SimLab Admin allows the creation of **Groups** and **Courses**.
**Group** is a collection of **courses** that makes it easy to find them. Educational institutes can for example create groups Like **Summer 2023**
A **Course** is a collection of lessons that serves a purpose, it can be something like **Math 101,** or **Safety introduction**.
When a **lesson** is created it should be added to a **Course**, which is a part of a **Group**.
When a creating an organization a default **Group** and **Course** are added, which can be renamed. Other **Groups** and **Courses** can be added also.
# Creating Quiz
Each Quiz created using VR Studio may include one or two types of questions
1- **Multiple Choice Question**
2- **Interactive Question**
In a **Multiple Choice Question** the student needs to select the correct answer from any number of choices (from 2 for true/false question, to any number of choices defined by instructor)
In an **Interactive Question** the student should select the correct 3D model representing the correct answer
For the Quiz the teacher can determine the time allows for the student. If the student did not submit answers before this time, answers will be automatically submitted by the end time. The teacher has the option of keeping time open.
VR experience can have one or multiple quizzes and/or surveys. The teacher can determine when a quiz or survey is started, the VR experience can show material then run a quiz, or it can start with a quiz of survey
The following tutorial shows how to create a quiz using **VR Studio**
# Creating Survey
Each Survey created using VR Studio may include a mix of three types of questions
1- **Multiple Choice Question**
2- **Interactive Question** 3- **Star Rating**
In a **Multiple Choice Question** the student needs to select one of the available choices
In an **Interactive Question** the student should select the 3D model from the scene
In a **Star Rating**, the user needs to rate the experience (4, 5, and 10 stars) based on designers choice
Unlike Quiz, Survey does not have a correct answer.
But it shares with Quiz other features
# Pre/Post Question Events
**Training Builder** is needed to determine when to start a Quiz or Survey in the scene. Starting a Quiz and Survey can take place after the student learned new material, or even on the start of the scene if this is simply a Quiz VR experience.
This is not the only place you need to make Quiz or Survey utilize the **Training Builder**. For a special question you may need to arrange scene in a specific way, or make sure the student look in a specific direction, for those situations you can use **Pre/Post Question Events**.
This is done by clicking on **Pro/Post Question Even** button on Quiz/Survey dialog
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640878206402.png)
If this is the first time **Pro/Post Questing** **Event** button is clicked a new event is added to the **Training Builder** as shown in the following image
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2021-12/image-1640878264364.png)
This even can be used to execute all preparations needed for the question.
If it was clicked before it will open **Training Builder** and focus on the **Pre Question Event** so user can check it, or update it.
**Post Question Events** work in the same way, the only difference is that they are called when the user ends the question, so they are usually used to restore state of the scene if needed.
# Creating User Defined Evaluation
In addition to using Quizzes to evaluate participants in VR, you can create your own customized evaluation criteria through the **Report Response**.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/reportresponse.jpg)
Report is a Response in the **Training Builder** that can be connected to any event, and upon the occurance of the connected event, it will submit a User defined status.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/reportnode.jpg)
In this example, the Report Response will be triggered once the user enters the object named "End Zone", and it will report the completion of "Final Zone", and submit the value of the variable "Total\_Score" as the score, and the value of the Variable "Total\_time" as the duration.
---
#####
#####
##### Report Response Types
There are 4 types of reports that can be submitted using the Response Node :
**1. Completed[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/image-1641199484238.png)**
The Completed Response will report the status "Completed" with an object name that would describe what has been completed, you can also attach a variable to the score field to report a numerical value, as well as a variable to the Duration field to report a time interval.
**2. Passed**
The Passed Response will report the status "Passed" with an object name that would describe what the user has passed, as well as score, when you attach a variable to the score field to report a numerical value.
**3. Failed**
The Failed Response will report the status "Failed" with an object name that would describe what the user has failed in, as well as score, when you attach a variable to the score field to report a numerical value.
**3. Scored**
The Failed Response will report the status "Scored" with an object name that would describe what the user has Scored in, as well as the numerical value of the score through attaching a variable to the score field.
---
##### Report Response Versatility
The Report Response unlike Quizzes, is very versatile and can be used to report the status of any event throughout the VR experience. You can, for example, have multiple Reports for each phase of the experience, or different reports for the same event but are triggered under different conditions.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-01/multireports.jpg) In this example, 2 Report Responses are connected to the same event, but each will be submitted depending on the value of the variable "Total\_score" which will determine whether the user has passed or failed.
To learn more about utilizing the Report Response in VR, watch the following tutorial video.
# Distributing VR experiences
#### Distribution methods
VR experiences created using **VR Studio** can be shared using SimLab **VR Viewer**, or **LMS** (Learning Management System)
If your organization is already using an LMS, then you may want to utilize it to distribute VR experiences, if you do not know what an LMS is, or your organization does not have one then you can complete the task using **SimLab VR Viewer**
#### Distribution using SimLab VR Viewer
SimLab **VR Viewer** includes all the tools needed to upload VR experiences and share them with user(s) or groups. The process is described in the following tutorial.
#### Distribution using LMS
**VR Studio** supports exporting VR experiences as xAPI (Tin Can) or Scorm packages, both xAPI and Scorm are standards utilized in most LMS systems, if your LMS system supports xAPI or Scorm simply you need to export the VR experience to the correct output supported by your LMS
##### VR experience to xAPI
The following tutorial teaches the user how to export the VR experience as an xAPI package and how to use it in TalentLMS
#####
##### VR experience to SCORM
The following tutorial teaches the user how to export the VR experience as a SCORM package and how to use it in Moodle
Most modern LMS system supports at least one of the two xAPI and Scorm.
The following tutorial shows how to run VR experiences in BlackBoard (BB) LMS
# Viewing Results
After students run VR experiences including evaluation, teacher can use **SimLab Admin** to view results. To do this, the teacher starts **SimLab Admin,** then logs in to his account.
From **SimLab Admin** the teacher selects the **Group** and **Course** under which the **Lesson** she/he wants to view its results, exists.
By double clicking the teacher can view results for Quizzes, Surveys, and User defined measurements
The teacher can view **Firs trial**, **Last trial**, or **Highest trial** (assuming multiple trials are allowed), teacher can set passing mark which is by default 50% of the full score, the teacher can export results to CSV file
The following tutorial shows how to use **SimLab Admin** to view results
# Advanced xAPI LRS Settings
By default SimLab Soft will send the evaluation results into Its own secured LRS, however If you have setup your own LRS with your LMS, you can configure your experiences to send the results into your own LRS.
#### **How to send results into your own LRS:**
- Go to SimLab VR Studio.
- Go to **VR Evaluation > LRS Settings**.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-12/asset-1.png)
- Choose **custom** LRS settings and **fill** your LRS Authentication information.
[](https://help.simlab-soft.com/uploads/images/gallery/2022-12/asset-2.png)
**After doing so, any VR experience you create should send its result into your LRS system.**
By defining Custom LRS settings, Its your responsibility to receive and keep the data on your LMS, SimLab Soft will not save or backup the data anywhere on its VR platform.