I figured out how to render quick orthographic cross-section views with a camera, like the attached one of our Soyuz set for “Lunatics!” This is pretty simple:
- Set an orthographic camera
- Adjust the camera clipping range in the camera parameters panel so that the near cutoff falls where you want the cutting plane to be (you can also adjust the position of the camera which has the same effect)
- Render as usual from the camera
This would be a lot more useful though, if I could do the same thing with the 3D viewport while modeling. I am of course aware of other techniques like using wireframe on the whole scene or individual objects using the “Display” menu in the object panel, and of using layer visibility.
I’m also aware that you can use perspective mode and move inside of an interior model, but this can lead to confusion about dimensions and you can get lost more easily. Orthographic projection can really help during modeling – but it’s awkward for interiors if you can’t somehow set a cutting plane so you can see the interior of the model.
Is there really no way to do this in the 3D viewport in Blender, or have I just not learned how yet?
