Patchwork 3D Community 2021.1 X5

P3D Database

In Patchwork 3D, the authoring data for a Digital Aspect Mockup is stored in a single file, a database using the P3D format. This file contains all of the raw editing information and the directory information for external resources, as well as all of the individual internal resources. Each element used to create the final rendering is stored in the .pd3 database whether or not it is used in the Digital Aspect Mockup that has been elaborated. For example, an image used to create relief in a texture, in turn used in a material, is included in the P3D database.

Only one database may be open at a time.

A P3D database created with Patchwork 3D Community can be opened with Patchwork 3D Enterprise via a specific option.

Operations on the P3D database are available from the File menu:

  • New;

  • Open;

  • Reload the last saved state of the database and discard any changes made since then,

  • Recent: a list of recently opened databases. The number of databases listed can be set in the application settings.

  • Show Start Screen

    You will find more information in the Settings (Editor) chapter.

  • Save;

    A database saved by a current version of Patchwork 3D may no longer be readable by earlier versions of the software. When you attempt to save an older database with a newer version of Patchwork 3D, the program will automatically ask you to confirm this action. Confirming the save will change the database version. To maintain a copy of the original file, use the Save as option instead.

  • Save as;

  • Save and clean up;

    This feature allows you to save a version of your database free of unnecessary data such as deleted data which you no longer need. Its benefit is to decrease the database size. But, on the other hand, the time to save the database is lengthened.

Notice

New Features in Patchwork 3D 2021.1 X5

By using Save As or Save and Clean functionalities you can:

  • Do not save cache, Patchwork 3D will purge the cache to save the database. The result is a significantly lighter database that will take a little longer to load the next time you open it.

  • Save all, Patchwork 3D will keep the rendering cache. The next time the database is opened, Patchwork 3D will load the data faster based on the existing renderings.

Saving_cache.png

Tip

  • Use Save (Ctrl + S) frequently during your work session.

  • If you plan to work on the database again, at the end of your work session, use Save and clean and Save all instead. In this way, the rendering cache will be saved.

  • If you plan to share or archive the database you are working on, use instead Save and Clean without keeping the rendering cache (Do not save cache).

  • Import in a new database,

  • Discard Patchwork 3D Operation History.

  • Optimize Meshes.

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