Aligning the Surface Pattern on a Model Element

In a 2D or 3D view, you can align a surface pattern on a model element. For example, you can use this technique to align the following:

• ceiling tiles with a corner of a room
• masonry to the edge of an exterior wall

Example

Surface pattern on wall before alignment

Surface pattern aligned to upper-left corner of wall

If you are adjusting the surface pattern of a free-standing stone wall, you can align its surface pattern on each exposed side individually.

You can align the surface pattern for each surface of a model element (not just for the model element as a whole).

Suppose you align the texture of a render appearance to the surface pattern (see Texture Alignment), and you align the surface pattern with a model element. When you render a 3D view containing the element, the rendered image reflects the alignment of the surface pattern and the texture.

To align a surface pattern on a model element

1. Open a project view that displays the model element with the surface pattern to align.

   To specify a surface pattern for the material of the model element, see Changing the Graphics Properties of a Material. If the surface pattern does not display in the view, you may need to change the view’s detail level to fine, or zoom in on the model element.

2. Place the cursor over a line of the surface pattern.
3. Press TAB one or more times until the surface pattern line highlights.
   
4. Click to select the surface pattern line.
5. Move the selected surface pattern line as desired, using one or more of the following techniques:
   • Press the arrow keys to nudge the surface pattern up, down, left, or right, in small increments.
   • Use the Move tool to move it a specified distance. See Moving Elements with the Move Tool.
   • Use the Rotate tool to rotate the surface pattern. See Rotating Elements.
   • Use the Align tool to select a model reference with which to align the surface.