#centered view

Today, we'll show you how to quickly create a perfectly centered, symmetric view using absolute camera values. This is useful for a variety of needs, particularly when working with symmetry or when you need to achieve a perfectly centered front, back, or top view.

Perfect Center View in KeyShot

A perfectly centered and symmetric view of an object brings up a lot of thoughts. It's used to evoke emotion, draw attention to the product’s minimal aesthetic, highlight the symmetry of elements, or direct or eyes with perspective. It may also help for the practical purposes of material selection, lighting, or layout. Whatever the need though, it's easy to achieve in KeyShot.

In our video example, we have a Backplate image applied with a the image aspect ration locked but the same approach is used if using a color or environment as the background.

1. Center Your Model

If you didn’t choose to center geometry upon import or you’ve since moved your model, just select the top hierarchy level within the Scene Tree and choose Center from the Position tab. The Move Tool and the other Translation and Rotation options here will change the position of the model itself. The next step will adjust the camera orientation only.

2. Center the Camera

Now go to the Camera tab. If using Spherical positioning, set your Azimuth to the respective angle you wish to view for a front, side, or top view. (This will depend on what orientation your model was imported.) Adjust the Distance and Inclination value to frame the object for your needs.

If you want, you could select Grid, Quarters to eye-ball setting the camera on center. However, to have your model perfectly centered in the camera view, select the Absolute position option and hit the Z-key to display the X-Y-Z Coordinate Legend to find the axis to center. Then, enter a value of 0 for the X, Y, or Z Position. Now, you have a perfectly centered view of your model.

Note: If at any time your model pops out of the camera view, simply use Alt + Ctrl + Shift + RMB to center the view. (You can go to Edit, Preferences, Hotkeys to change Center and Fit to something like Double Click as well.)

Using  this approach makes it simple to center the view of your model whenever you need it. If you're interested in learning more about the settings and other lighting capabilities in KeyShot visit the Camera Position and Orientation section in the KeyShot manual.

What Can You Create?