3D visualization overview

Opening the 3D visualization window

To open the 3D visualization window, click the button in the Trace,Image, or Workspace ribbon. View your image or image stack, plus your reconstruction data in three dimensions, as a partial projection, or as cross sections. Use the 3D visualization window to create video clips, and export your 3D representations. Edit trees, somas, spines, markers and contours that were placed in the main Neurolucida software window.

See also Neurolucida interface overview, 3D window button bar, short video introduction to the 3D visualization window (1:17) on YouTube

Tools in the 3D visualization window

Present your data to others

	Create video clips using movie mode.
	Export your 3D model with a click (button is in the 3D window button bar).
	Use the Set Scene Rotation tool to specify the perspective (image rotation in X, Y, and Z) when creating figures or movies to share your work.
	Take a snapshot of what is displayed in the 3D visualization window (button is in the 3D window button bar).

Edit structures that were traced/detected in the main (2D) window:

• Somas
• Trees
• Spines
• Varicosities
• Puncta

Segment and annotate your image data:

• Split large and/or complex images into Subvolumes to facilitate analysis
• Select a color channel for display in the 3D visualization window using the Channel panel
• Edit Contours in the 3D environment
• Edit Markers in the 3D environment

Moving and displaying images and data

Navigating with your mouse

• Drag to rotate (3D view only)
• Drag to pan/move the image (projection views only)
• Hold down the SHIFT key and drag to pan (3D view only)
• Scroll the mouse wheel to zoom

Additional image-navigation controls

	Use the Set Scene Rotation tool to indicate the degrees of rotation in X, Y, and Z to rotate the image. The effect is equivalent to dragging the image with your mouse, but with more precision.
	Use the 2D rotation tool to spin a stack and change its orientation: click the button and drag to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.
	Use the move-pivot-point tool to change the rotation axis: click the button, then click the new rotation point in the image. When you drag the image, it will rotate around the new point.
	Click to return to the original orientation of the image.

3D and cross-section (image slice) views

Click the Image button to access the Change Image Display controls.

• 3D Volume is the default view. You can choose to show just portion of the 3D volume by selecting partial projection and adjusting sliders in the user interface.

• Image Slice mode is also available. Display or hide planes (XY, XZ or YZ) to facilitate your work.