About the 3D space in Storyboard Pro

Storyboard Pro is predominantly a software for creating 2D visuals, however it also allows the use of a 3D space. In this article we look at the 3D space in Storyboard Pro and its uses. 

What is meant by 3D space?

The ‘D’ in 2D and 3D stands for ‘dimension’. Storyboard Pro’s default workspace is 2D and only allows for 2 dimensions (X and Y axes). This is the type of space that drawings and paintings are created in. 

However, Storyboard Pro also has a 3D space that can be activated to allow for manipulation of layers on an additional 3rd dimension (Z axis).

Not only does this mean that we can move our 2D layers to create real depth, but it also means we can import and manipulate 3D models.

What are axes?

The axes are what defines the dimensions in 2D or 3D space. Each axis defines a different direction of the space:

• The X-axis runs across the screen from left to right horizontally
• The Y-axis runs from the top to the bottom of the screen vertically.
• The Z-axis runs away from the viewer into the distance. 

Therefore, it makes sense that if we want to create depth dimensionally, the Z-axis will be used, whereas the X and Y axes are used to set up simpler compositional positions.

How do I activate the 3D space?

You can switch between the 2D and 3D space by using the Enable 3D for Current Scene and Reset Scene to 2D buttons found in the Storyboard toolbar at the top of your workspace.

Changing the space from 2D to 3D and vice versa will not change the nature of the objects in the space. 2D layers in a 3D space will still be 2 dimensional, and switching a 3D space to 2D will flatten any 3D models. 

What can I do in the 3D space?

The 3D space can be used to do the following:

• Set up a multiplane/parallax effect on 2D layers. For more info, see the following: 
  • What is a multiplane?
  • How do I create a multiplane?
• Create 3D camera movements. For more info, see Animating the 3D Camera
• Import, manipulate, and animate 3D models in 3 dimensions. For more info, see the following:
  • About Adding 3D Models to 3D Scenes
  • 3D Layer Modes
  • Animating 3D Objects
  • Separating 3D Sub-Objects for Animation
  • Selecting and Manipulating Bones
• Combine 2D and 3D elements. For more info, see the following:
  • Aligning 2D Layers with a 3D Camera
  • Create Layers on Surfaces