3D vs 2D

[starsman20]

I am just learning Xlights and am rebuilding my show models (from vixen). I really like the idea of the 3D models to do front to back show wipes but when I locate the models in 3D space they no longer look correct in the preview because the background image is 2D and not perfectly vertical.  What is the common practice here? To draw the models on the 2D image or to build up the 3D model?  IF I leave the 3D model as is will it actually look right?
There also seems to be some sort of discrepancy in the scale of the coordinate system with poly lines.  I moved back some candy canes and cirlces to -300 Z.  To get the end of a polyline to line up it is something like -4000 Z, more than a factor of 10 greater.  I still haven't figured out the scaling.  Thanks.

[Ebuechner]

When I did my layout I set up everything in 2D then went into 3D and moved all of my models forward only to get my depth.
When you do it like this you can switch back and forth between 2D and 3D.

[Gilrock]

Most people model their house in 3D instead of using a 2D image.  The PolyLine if I remember right is showing you positions that are relative to the first point in the PolyLine not an absolute world space position.  I had thought about changing it or allowing a toggle between relative and absolute but never got motivated to do it.

[starsman20]

Do you have any props that run front to back and if so how did you handle those?  Thanks.

[starsman20]

Most people model their house in 3D instead of using a 2D image.  The PolyLine if I remember right is showing you positions that are relative to the first point in the PolyLine not an absolute world space position.  I had thought about changing it or allowing a toggle between relative and absolute but never got motivated to do it.

Modeling the house in 3D makes the most sense but I do not see any drawing tools to do that.  I can do a house model in solidworks pretty quickly (including the uneven yard) but I do not see any model import functions.  The scale seems to be in pixels as well so I am not sure how that translates into real world dimensions.

Points relative to the first point makes sense as well.  I did a little test and I think that is correct.
This probably belongs in the feature request but a front/side/top/iso view buttons would make seeing it a bit simpler.

[Gilrock]

The far right button on top I believe says "Add" in orange there should be an Add Mesh which allows you to import an OBJ file.  Whatever drawing program you used you'll most likely need to export with Y inverted.  The "units" in xLights 3D have no meaning.  You can consider each unit whatever you like but the only thing is there currently is no way to set a default starting viewpoint so its nice to size things so that they are positioned where you want them when you open the program.  It may take a couple iterations to figure out a good size to start with in your drawing program so that it doesn't need scaling after import.