Overview
The 2D/3D Viewer is Mozaik's visualization tool used throughout the software. It displays 3D views of rooms and elevations, product 3D views, 2D drawings, parts, nested sheets in the Optimizer, and more.
View Modes
1. View Mode Options
Switch between three different display modes:
Wire
Shows only edges and outlines - fastest performance, useful for complex scenes.
Hidden
Shows solid faces with hidden lines removed - clean technical appearance.
Filled
Shows full materials and textures - most realistic, best for client presentations.
Saved Views
2. Views Feature
Save and recall specific 3D viewing angles along with visibility settings.
How to use:
- Rotate and position your view as desired
- Hide/show parts as needed
- Click the Save button
- Name your view
- Select from dropdown to instantly recall
Benefits:
- Perfect for client presentations
- Quick access to standard views
- Views can be inserted into Multiprint pages
- Views auto-update if design changes
Common saved views:
- "Client Presentation" - polished view with all details visible
- "Construction View" - exploded view showing assembly
- "Front Elevation" - straight-on view of front
Display Controls
3. WASD Navigation
Use keyboard keys for 3D navigation (first-person view style):
- W: Move forward
- S: Move backward
- A: Move left
- D: Move right
Tip: Hold Shift while using WASD for faster movement.
Current View Selection
4. Current View Dropdown
In the Product Editor, switch between different view types.
3D Perspective
Angled 3D view showing depth - best for visualizing overall design.
2D Orthographic Views:
- Left: View from left side
- Front: View from front
- Right: View from right side
- Back: View from back
- Top: View from above
Important: You can only add dimensions in the 2D orthographic views (not in 3D Perspective).
Layers and Parts Visibility
5. Layers Menu
Control which parts are displayed and how operations appear.
Part Categories: Check/uncheck to show or hide:
- Backs
- Bottoms
- Doors
- Drawer Boxes
- Ends
- Face Frames
- Glass
- Hardware
- Inserts
- Interiors
- Legs
- Linear Lights
- Spot Lights
- Toes
- Tops
Operation Detail (Low, Medium, High)
☑ Display drilling, routing, and other operations on parts to varying degrees
High Detail
☑ Show finished results of operations (e.g., actual cutouts, not just operation symbols)
Note: High Detail can slow performance on complex parts with many operations.
Quick action: Click "Check All" to show all part types at once.
Side Toolbar
6. Toolbar Functions
Layers icon: Open the Layers menu
Orbit: Click and drag to rotate view around the model
Pan: Move the view up/down/left/right without rotating
Look: Use mouse to move the product freely
Explode: Use slider to create exploded assembly view (parts separate)
Zoom to Extents: Fit entire model in view
Print: Print current view
Cross Section: Cut through model to see interior construction
Ruler: Add temporary measurement ruler
Dimension: Add permanent dimension lines (2D orthographic views only)
Exploded View
The Explode function separates parts to show assembly order.
How to use:
- Click the Explode icon
- Move the slider right to increase separation
- Move left to bring parts back together
Use for:
- Assembly instructions
- Understanding construction
- Showing how parts fit together
Additional Options
7. Filled SketchUp Models
Control how SketchUp models appear.
☑ Filled: Show SketchUp models with materials and surfaces
☐ Filled: Show as wireframe only
8. Low Detail Doors
Simplify door display to improve performance.
☑ Low Detail Doors:
- Removes edge, frame, and panel profiles
- Doors appear as simple shapes
- Faster performance on older computers
- Best for floor plans and elevations
☐ Low Detail Doors:
- Shows full door detail with profiles
- More realistic appearance
- Requires more processing power
Viewing Nested Sheets
9. 2D/3D Nested Sheets
The 2D/3D Viewer displays optimized sheet layouts from the Optimizer.
3D View (Perspective):
- Shows sheets stacked or angled
- Good for visualizing material volume
- Easier to see part thickness
2D View (Top):
- Flat view of sheet layout
- Can add dimensions to check spacing
- Best for verifying nesting accuracy
Tip: In 2D Top view, use the Dimension tool to measure spacing between parts and verify minimum distances.
Navigation Tips
Mouse Controls
Rotate (Orbit):
- Click and drag in empty space
- Or use the Orbit tool from toolbar
Pan:
- Click Pan tool, then drag
- Or middle-mouse button + drag
Zoom:
- Scroll wheel up/down
- Or use Zoom to Extents to fit all
Keyboard Shortcuts
WASD: First-person navigation (forward/back/left/right)
Mouse wheel: Zoom in/out
Shift + WASD: Faster movement
Tips for Success
💡 Save multiple views - Create views for different purposes (client, shop, assembly)
💡 Turn off antialiasing for speed - Only enable for screenshots and exports
💡 Use Low Detail Doors for complex jobs - Speeds up navigation in large projects
💡 Hide unnecessary parts - Use Layers to hide parts you don't need to see
💡 Use exploded view for assembly - Great for understanding how parts fit together
💡 Add dimensions in 2D views only - Switch to Front, Left, Right, Back, or Top view to dimension
💡 Zoom to Extents frequently - Helps reorient if you get lost in navigation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why can't I add dimensions in 3D Perspective view?
A: Dimensions can only be added in 2D orthographic views (Front, Left, Right, Back, Top). Switch your Current View to one of these options.
Q: How do I rotate the view?
A: Click and drag in empty space, or click the Orbit tool and then drag. You can also use WASD keys for first-person navigation.
Q: What's the difference between Wire, Hidden, and Filled modes?
A: Wire shows just edges (fastest), Hidden shows solid surfaces without materials (clean), Filled shows full materials and textures (most realistic).
Q: Can I save a specific viewing angle?
A: Yes! Position your view, then click the Save button in the Views section. Give it a name and you can recall it anytime from the dropdown.
Q: Why is Mozaik running slowly when I view my design?
A: Try these performance fixes: Enable Low Detail Doors, turn off Antialiasing, turn off High Detail, hide unnecessary parts in Layers, or switch to Wire or Hidden view mode.
Q: What does High Detail do?
A: High Detail shows the actual finished results of operations (like real cutouts and profiles) instead of just operation symbols. It's more realistic but can slow performance.
Q: How do I create an exploded view?
A: Click the Explode icon in the side toolbar, then move the slider to the right. Parts will separate to show assembly order.
Q: Can I print what I see in the viewer?
A: Yes, click the Print icon in the side toolbar to print the current view.
Q: Why don't my SketchUp models look right?
A: Check the "Filled SketchUp Models" checkbox. If unchecked, SketchUp models will display as wireframes instead of solid surfaces.