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Version: 1.2.0

Point Cloud Setup

This document explains how to use PointCloud Mode (C) to quickly adjust point cloud settings while drawing.

Why Use PointCloud Mode?​

To change point cloud settings, you would normally find the PointCloud item in the Reference layer of the Hierarchy Panel and click it. However, doing so shifts the current selection to the Reference layer, requiring you to navigate back to your editing layer. If you need to change settings frequently during drawing, this constantly interrupts your workflow.

PointCloud Mode (C) lets you quickly change point cloud settings while keeping your current working layer active.

How to Use​

  1. Press C to enter PointCloud Mode (C).
  2. Click the PointCloud you want in the viewport with .
  3. Change the desired settings — Material, Opacity, Colormap, etc. — in the right Properties Panel.
  4. Press Esc or C to exit the mode. You are automatically returned to the layer you were working on.

Octree Boxes​

The PointCloud section of the right panel in PointCloud Mode (C) holds an Octree Boxes switch. It is a mode-wide setting rather than a per-item property, so it is always shown — even with no item selected.

Turning it on draws the point cloud's octree structure as bounding boxes.

BoxDescription
Overall bounding boxThe full extent of each loaded PointCloud.
Octree node boxesThe extent of nodes being rendered or downloaded, colored by depth level.
Blinking boxesNodes whose download is still in progress.
Usage

Use it to see how far the detail has loaded after raising the depth limit (Z), and where loading is currently progressing. Reading it alongside the Nodes display in the status bar makes the loading state easy to follow.

It is off by default, and since the boxes get in the way while drawing, turning it back off once you are done is recommended.

Workflow Example​

When drawing across multiple Locations, the point cloud settings that work best (Opacity, Colormap, Size, etc.) may differ from location to location. In this case:

  1. When you need to change settings during drawing, press C to enter PointCloud mode
  2. Click the PointCloud in the viewport → adjust properties
  3. Press C (or Esc) to exit → automatically return to your previous editing mode
  4. Continue drawing without interruption

For detailed point cloud property settings, see the Point Cloud documentation.