Developing a Rough Plot

Identifying Beams

Channel numbers make a great unique identifier for beams, as each channel usually corresponds to an idea. Alternatively, you can use purpose and focus.

The Channel BeamViz command makes channeling a system of beams easy.

You can also manually enter data. Select a beam, and at the bottom make sure Show Paperwork Info is checked.

Those fields can automatically transfer when a beam is turned into a Spotlight Lighting Device.

See: Paperwork ID

Identifier Display

The channel displays at the focus point. You can change the font and size using the Text menu.

You can change the displayed text in BeamViz's settings. See Settings

Hiding Beams (Rough Plot mode)

Uncheck the Show Beam parameter under Display Options.

You can also toggle the Display Field Angle option.

The beam object reduces to the focus point (if it’s shown) and the instrument location, with the channel, field angle, and direction displayed. This is useful for creating a rough plot from your beams.

Moving Beams to a Layer

Organizing systems of beams into layers helps you methodically organize your work, the way you would create worksheets of onion skin by hand.

Use the Move BeamViz Objs to Layer command to "file" all selected or selectable beams to a layer. This command also gives you the option of toggling Show Beam off, placing them all in rough plot mode.