:: General
Q: Where can I download trueSpace?
A: trueSpace can only be downloaded from the Caligari download web page. Caligari developed trueSpace and they are now a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft. In May 2009, Microsoft was forced by the ailing global economy to lay off thousands of employees and cut funding to many projects. Sadly, Caligari funding was cut and all trueSpace development stopped. At present, trueSpace is available for free from the Caligari website for as long as the website remains active (it is estimated to stop operation around October 2009). Since Microsoft and Caligari do not plan to release the distribution rights to trueSpace, it will no longer be available when the Caligari website goes offline. For this reason, we encourage everyone interested in trueSpace to download it as soon as possible. We also recommend that you download many of the training courses which are also now free at Caligari.
When you visit the Caligari download page, you should find:
- trueSpace 7.61 -- the latest version of trueSpace with both the Model Side and Workspace Side.
- trueSpace 7.61 workspace only -- the latest version without the Model Side or Bridge. It is also labeled the "Std" (Standard) and "Rosetta" edition.
- truePlay 7.61 -- a stand-alone player/viewer for trueSpace that you can give away to clients so they can view 3D scenes and animations created with trueSpace 7.61.
- trueServe 7.61 -- the latest server software that enables you to set up shared workspaces and "worlds" that are accessible from either trueSpace or truePlay.
- trueSpace SDK 7.61 -- the software development kit to aid the development of trueSpace scripts and plugins.
- trueSpace 7.6 -- This is the previous release of trueSpace, prior to tS7.61 being released on May 22nd 2009, provided for legacy compatibility with previous scripts, scenes and plug-ins. Most importantly, please note that V-Ray users will need to use this version, as V-Ray for trueSpace is not compatible with trueSpace7.61. This version will not load trueSpace7.61 scenes. Please use the manual and videos from the trueSpace7.61 section..
A: No. trueSpace has always required Microsoft Windows. trueSpace 7.6x is only available for PCs running Microsoft Windows XP with DirectX 9c or Microsoft Windows Vista with DirectX 10. It also runs under the forthcoming Windows 7 with DirectX 11. (Note: "DirectX" is the 3D rendering engine built into Windows that trueSpace uses for real-time rendering.) Multicore processors and both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows are supported.
However, this does not mean that you cannot run trueSpace on a Mac---what it means is that you will need an "Intel Mac" and it will need to run a PC emulator (like BootCamp) and have a full version of Windows XP/Vista with DirectX 9c/10 installed. We explain this so you'll know it is possible but we don't recommend it because you will get better performance (with comparable hardware) running trueSpace on a "native" Windows PC.
Q: Why is there a "Model Side" and a "Workspace Side"?
A: Beginning with version 7.x, trueSpace is actually two programs connected by a "Bridge". The "Model Side" is the old 6.6 version of trueSpace. The "Workspace Side" is the new program. The older Model Side was bolted into the new program sort of like a big plugin to provide backward compatibility and access to plentiful Model Side tools. The purpose of the "Bridge" was to allow you to move your work back and forth between the two sides while the program was being converted to it's new architecture: the Workspace Side. Note: The last release of trueSpace (version 7.61) was available in two editions, including a "Std" (Standard) / "Rosetta" edition which contained only the Workspace Side. While the transition to the Workspace Side was not completed and some Model Side features and tools had not yet been ported to the Workspace Side when trueSpace development unexpectantly ended in May 2009, yet the Workspace Side is very powerful and offers third-party developers extensive access to its kernel so that development can continue via plugins and scripts.
Q: Does this mean that trueSpace will no longer be maintained?
A: Yes and no. All official development of the core trueSpace program, itself, ceased in May 2009 when Microsoft, in the midst of an ailing global economy and unprecedented layoffs, was forced to pull funding from Caligari, its wholly owned subsidiary and the author of trueSpace. Perhaps Microsoft will restart development after the economy rebounds---we don't know.
Regardless, there is good news: trueSpace 7.x is unique in that it was designed to expose the kernel (core engine) of its new architecture (the Workspace Side) to third-party plugin developers so they would have nearly the same access as the Caligari programmers. To facilitate this, Caligari provides a free trueSpace SDK (software development kit) to aid plugin and script developers. This enables third parties to continue to add features and extend trueSpace. Indeed, a trueSpace development community is continuing to grow. To learn more please visit the trueSpacePlugins website and forum.
Plus, with support for multicore processors, 64-bit PC hardware, 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows (including Windows 7), trueSpace 7.6x should not be outdated anytime soon.
Q: Is trueSpace 7.6x compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows?
A: Yes. Since version 7, trueSpace has been compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows XP and Vista. Plus, early reports are that trueSpace 7.6x also works well with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the next Microsoft operating system, Windows 7.
Q: Can trueSpace 7.6x take advantage of multicore CPUs?
A: Yes. Since version 7, trueSpace has been designed to support multicore computer processors in order to speed its operation.
Q: I'm more comfortable using text-style menus for some operations. Do I have to always use icons when working with trueSpace 7.6x?
A: You do not have to use icons and you can use text menus if you prefer. This is one of the unique features of trueSpace 7.x---you can choose how to view the Workspace Side. If you like icons, you can view the Workspace with just icons. If you prefer drop down menus, one click turns the icons into text menus. You can even mix and match between text and icons. trueSpace 7.x truly allows the user to work in the way that is best for them.
Q: I've used earlier versions of trueSpace but I'm having a hard time diving into the new Workspace Side of trueSpace 7.x. Why is everything so different?
A: It is not really that different and the old trueSpace 6.x user interface is only one click away on the Model Side. It is true that version 7.x has a whole new software architecture that allows for more rapid tool development. This new architecture is called the "Workspace Side" and it is the new default user interface for trueSpace 7.x. However, you can switch to the old user interface by clicking on the "Model" tab in the program's title bar. Even better, you can switch back and forth between the old and new user interfaces during a single project or even work session via the Bridge. This may seem unusual at first, but it gives you the added power of combining old familiar tools with the new ones on the same object. The original plan was to migrate all trueSpace 6.x tools to the new Workspace Side. Even though this was not fully completed by the time trueSpace development stopped in May 2009, the Workspace Side is very powerful and it will continue to gain capabilities as advanced third-party plugins and scripts are added.
Q: Will my plugins for earlier versions of trueSpace work with trueSpace7.6x?
A: Compatibility between trueSpace 7.6x and older plugins is nearly 100% thanks to the inclusion of the Model Side. If a plugin worked under trueSpace 6.6, it will most likely work in the Model Side of trueSpace 7.6 and 7.61. However, there is one exception: The unique 7.61 "Standard" ("Rosetta") version contains only the Workspace Side and therefore cannot use any Model Side plugins.
Q: Will trueSpace 7.6x work with my graphics tablet?
A: Limited support for graphics tablets is available primarily on the Model Side of trueSpace 7.6x. Unfortunately, full support was not implemented before development ceased in May 2009. However, it is possible for a third party developer to extend graphics tablet support via a plugin.
Q: Does trueSpace support dual displays?
A: Yes. trueSpace fully supports dual displays.
Q: How can I save my custom Layout?
A: There are 2 ways:
- Method 1 - Select the "Save" command from the File menu. Then select "Layout files (*.rsl)" for the Type of File. Use the same File menu if you need to load a Layout.
Method 2 - Open the Library Browser and search "Layouts - Configurations". You will see a Layout panel on your Stack Library panel. Right click and select "Insert". Note: If you reset trueSpace, your Layout will be visible with the other default tS Layouts on the main toolbar the next time that you launch the program.
A: Because version 7.5 and earlier layouts are not compatible with version 7.6x layouts.
Q: Can the new trueSpace 7.6x "RsScn" scene files be used with older versions trueSpace?
A: No. "RsScn" scene files can only be opened by the same version of trueSpace that created them. They are not backward compatible with previous versions of trueSpace. For example, trueSpace 7.61 RsScn files cannot be opened by trueSpace 7.6, 7.51 or 7.5, etc. And trueSpace 7.6 RsScn files cannot be opened by trueSpace 7.51 or 7.5, etc. However, there is upward compatibility---older scenes can be loaded into newer versions of trueSpace. For example, you can open a trueSpace 7.5 scene with trueSpace 7.61.
Q: I only want to use the Model Side (6.6) / I only want to use the Workspace Side (7.x). How do I do that?
A: Disable the Bridge as follows:
- 1. Switch to the Model Side by clicking the Model tab in the upper left corner of the program.
2. Select the Setting tab in the upper right corner of program.
3. Set the Bridge option to "Off" with the drop down list in the Desktop section (upper portion of the Setting tab). Note: The default Bridge setting is "Auto".
Don't forget that if you're using trueSpace 7.61 and you want to use only the Workspace Side, there is a Workspace Side-only version available. It is called the "std" (Standard) or "Rosetta" version and, since it does not contain either the Model Side or the Bridge, it runs faster and uses less system resources. If desired, you can have both the full trueSpace 7.61 edition (with both Workspace and Model Sides) and the trueSpace 7.61 standard/Rosetta edition (with just the Workspace Side) installed on the same computer because each program installs to a different path. Then you can pick which version of the program to run.
Q: Why can't I see things properly in the Workspace and/or why do things not display correctly in trueSpace?
A: Your graphics card may need to be upgraded and/or its drivers may need to be updated. Ensure that your graphics card fully supports DirectX 9 and that you have installed the latest drivers for it. Better yet, get a graphics card that fully supports DirectX 10 if you're using Windows Vista.
Q: How can I get the manual to open and use the Table of Contents links?
A: Check that the files for the manual are installed to the correct path. It should be:
- [drive]:\[trueSpace folder]\tS\PDFMan\
- [drive]:\[trueSpace folder]\tS\PDFMan\resources\chapter1\
Q: How do I find stuff in the manual?
A: You can use the Adobe Reader's built-in search functions:
- 1. Click on the Manual icon to open the trueSpace manual.
2. In your browser’s address bar delete "ts76_manual.html" from the address and click "go". This will open the pdf manual folder.
3. Copy the path in the folder’s address bar and double-click on any pdf document in the folder.
4. On your Adobe Reader toolbar, click on the down arrow next to "Find" and select "Full Search".
5. When the search window opens type in the word or phase you want to search for and select "All PDF Documents In" and paste in the path that you copied from the manual’s folder.
You can also use your Windows search tool:
- 1. Click on Start and select Search.
2. In the search dialog enter your query for a word or phrase in the file.
3. Under "Look In" either browse to the "PDFMan" folder or type in the path to the manual folder.
4. Click on Advanced Options and check "Search Subfolders".
Q: How do I make a Floating Panel from an item in the Panel tab?
A: With your object selected so it shows in the stack, hold down the Ctrl key and then drag the desired panel out of the stack. This creates a floating panel for your object. This works for standard objects like cones, spheres, toruses. But it also works with custom objects you create using scripts and the Link Editor (LE).
Q: I closed the Link Editor (LE) and now I cannot find how to open it again.
A: How to open LE again:
- 1. On the bottom row of icons, the LE icon is in the flyout set of icons, 4th from the right.
2. Hover your mouse over the icon that is there. The tooltip will appear. If it does not say "LE Window", click and drag that icon. A flyout window of icons will appear.
3. Hover over each of those icons, reviewing the tooltip. When you find the one that says "LE Window", let go of the left mouse button.
4. The LE should open.
Q: How do I see a hierarchy view of my scene?
A: Use the Scene View icon. It is located in the same icon flyout window as the Link Editor (LE) icon. In the Default configuration, the icon set is the 4th set from the rightmost set, in the lower right hand corner of the program. Click and drag the currently visible icon. The flyout window will appear. Hover the mouse over each icon to view the tooltip for that icon. The Scene View icon looks similar to the LE icon, but with more "levels" visible (a level is a grey bar in the icon).
Q: How do I know which item is selected in the Link Editor (LE)?
A: Select the item in 3D space or in the LE. When you do (in the LE) below the title of the node, there will be two tabs: "Exp" and "Default". No other nodes will be selected like this. This is the indication of which node is selected.
Q: What are "nurbs"?
A: The word "nurbs" is an acronym for: Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline. Nurbs are the playdough of the 3D modeling world---you can create most any shape by squeezing and pulling them. Technically, nurbs are mathematical models representing curves and surfaces that are typically used to create flexible shapes for freeform modeling. Nurbs are only available on the Model Side of trueSpace. Caligari did not have time to port them to the Workspace Side before all trueSpace development ceased.
:: Hotkeys and Shortcuts
Q: I prefer a hotkey type workflow. Where can I find the list of keyboard shortcuts for trueSpace?
A: The keyboard shortcuts are listed on page 52 of Chapter 2 in the trueSpace manual. The section is: 2.4.5 "Preset Shortcuts".
Q: How do I set my own keyboard shortcuts?
A: Keyboard shortcuts can be setup by Ctrl + right clicking on an icon then, when the "Assign shortcut" dialog box displays, press the key combination that you want to use to activate that tool. Click "OK" to close the dialog will set the shortcut.
Q: How do I save my keyboard shortcuts?
A: Keyboard shortcut changes are automatically saved upon exiting trueSpace. So exiting and restarting trueSpace will save your custom shortcuts.
Q: Is it possible to save a backup of my Workspace shortcuts?
A: Yes. You need to backup this file and replace it if needed: [drive]:\[trueSpace folder]\tS\Scripts\Window.Shortcuts.xml. Important: If you uninstall trueSpace you will lose your shortcuts so is good to know how to back them up.
:: Animation
Q: How do I freeze a cloth animation frame to save the object?
A: Use the Start/Stop physics button. It has a third status, Continue, so you can run stepwise through cloth animation. To add this functionality you have to check in the Link Editor (LE) the setting for "Continue" in the PhysEngine.
Q: I have two encapsulated objects that won't break. How can I break them?
A: First, there have to be minimum of two objects for an encapsulation. Second, make sure that you set the encapsulated object as "Breakable" on the Forces tab of the PhysObject in the Link Editor (LE). Third, a force must be exerted on the object to break it. This can be gravity (falling) or pushing.
:: Rendering
Q: Which offline render engines are included with trueSpace 7.6?
A: LightWorks and VirtuaLight and both run ONLY in the Model Side.
Q: Are there any other render engines for trueSpace?
A: Yes. Dribble (RenderMan), Indigo, V-Ray (no longer available to new customers) and YafaRay are each available via trueSpace plugins or scripts.
Q: Are Dribble, Indigo, V-Ray and/or YafaRay free?
A: Some are; some are not. This is explained below...
- Dribble is a trueSpace add-on that enables it to use RenderMan-compliant renderers. You'll need both Dribble and a RenderMan-compliant renderer. Dribble, itself, costs about US$35 and can be purchased at the coolpowers website. There are a number of RenderMan-compliant renderers and some of them are free (such as a single license of 3Delight) and some are not. See the coolpowers website for more information.
- The Indigo exporter add-on for trueSpace is available for free from the Caligari forums (be sure to read the entire "trueSpace Indigo update" thread---the latest download is near the end). You'll also need the Indigo renderer, itself. The latest release of the trueSpace add-on works with versions 1.0.9 to 2.0.x of the renderer. Formerly, the older 1.x versions of the Indigo renderer were available for free from the Indigo Renderer website. However, they are no longer listed on the downloads webpage. Tip: If you search the Indigo forums at their website, you may still find links to the free 1.x downloads. Indigo is a commercial renderer and the current 2.x version costs about 295 Euros (the website claims this is half price and will only be available for a limited time). Use Exchange Rate or similar online currency calculator to calculate the cost in your currency.
- The V-Ray trueSpace plugin and renderer were only available as a commercial product and are no longer available for purchase. But a new V-Ray plugin may become available in the future if there is enough interest.
- YafaRay4tS is a shareware add-on for trueSpace that enables it to use the open-source YafaRay renderer. You'll need both the YafaRay4tS add-on and the YafaRay renderer. YafaRay4tS can be downloaded for free from the YafaRay for trueSpace Project website and we strongly encourage all users to donate US$10 so development can continue. The YafaRay renderer, itself, can be downloaded for free from the YafaRay website.
A: Yes. Indigo, V-Ray and YafaRay can be used in Workspace Side. Here is a list of the render engines and the sides they support:
- LightWorks (included with trueSpace) -- Model Side only.
- VirtuaLight (included with trueSpace) -- Model Side only.
- Dribble (RenderMan) -- Model Side only (but this may change in the future).
- Indigo -- Workspace Side only.
- V-Ray -- BOTH Workspace Side and Model Side.
- YafaRay -- Workspace Side only.
A: After the initial installation the new plugin needs to be installed into the Package Manager of trueSpace 7.6x.
Q: I press the render button but I just get a message saying that there is no offline renderer installed. Why?
A: There are two render buttons: one for the Workspace Side and one for the Model Side. The Workspace render button will only work if you have V-Ray installed (purchased separately). You can render with LightWorks or VirtuaLight from the Model Side by using the render button on the Model side.
Note: There are separate tools for each Side (Workspace and Model). Some of these tools look and work similarly---but they work only with their respective Side. If you are on the Model Side, you must use the Model Side tools. If you are on the Workspace Side, you must use the Workspace Side tools.
Q: I want to use LightWorks to render my Workspace Scenes. How do I do that?
A: Perform all your work on the Workspace Side. Then, when you are ready to render your final image/animation, turn the Bridge to "On, Full Merge". Then switch to the Model Side and select LightWorks as your renderer. Make sure the "Workspace" option is selected.
Q: How do I open the VirtuaLight (VL) Properties Panel? (Model Side)
A: First make sure that you have VirtuaLight selected as your render engine. You can do this by either right-clicking the Render icon at the top of the Model window or use the tSFiles dropdown menu and select "Preferences". With VirtuaLight selected as your render engine, another right-click on the render icon at the top of the Model window should bring up the VL properties panel.
As of this entry, we have a known bug that prevents the VL Properties panel from showing up for some users. If you have followed the above steps and are still unable to bring up the VL properties panel. Here is the bug fix:
Try this first: Close trueSpace and move the "truespace.cfg" file inside your [drive]:\[trueSpace folder]\tS\ folder to another location so the program won't see it. Then re-launch trueSpace. Check to see whether you can now access the VL Properties panel.
If you're still having a problem, you can manually make the required entry to the Windows registry:
- [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Caligari trueSpace7\VirtuaLight\MainPanel]
"PanelX"=dword:00000208
"PanelY"=dword:000000d3
You can also right-click on "PanelX" and "PanelY" one at a time and select "Modify" to enter the correct hex codes listed above.
Q: How do I create my own collection of V-Ray materials?
A: Simply use the shaders to create whatever you want. Sounds easy, right? The "trick" is to understand that you must also include parameters like lighting, view angle, reflections from the scene, blur, depth of field, etc. This is why mixing materials can produce unexpected results. It also shows why experience is required and the best way to get experience is to study what others do and look "behind the scene" to learn how they did it. Tip: Get yourself a collection of samples and carefully document all parameters outside of the shaders.
:: trueSpace SDK (Software Development Kit)
Q: I want to make my own plugins. What do I need?
A: The trueSpace SDK (available at the Caligari download webpage) and Microsoft Visual Studio 2005/2008 (minimum: Standard Edition). Note: The trueSpace SDK may only be available for a limited time.
Q: What scripting languages does trueSpace 7.6x support?
A: trueSpace 7.6x supports the following scripting languages:
- JScript (Workspace Side) - based on the Java language.
- VBScript (Workspace Side) - based on the Visual Basic language.
- PythonScript (Model Side) - based on the Python language.