KB: Cannot view objects in 3D mode of PCB editor

Solution Details

In general, the 3D view in PCB editor (View » 3D Layout Mode, or keyboard shortcut '3') is configured in View Configuration panel.  Separately, opacity of 3D Body objects can be configured in PCB panel or, with the object selected, in Properties panel.  If there are other objects such as solder mask not being rendered properly, it could be that Layer Stack assignment is broken somehow.

• In general, View » Panels » View Configuration, on View Options tab, and further on 3D Bodies under General Settings section, Show 3D Bodies switch, or Shift+Z  
• Opacity of 3D Bodies: View » Panels » PCB, in 3D Models mode, click on cone icon to change, or click on component/3D body to open Properties panel and locate Opacity attribute to change
• If other objects also not rendered in 3D, View » Board Planning Mode, or keyboard shortcut '1' to check if the Layer Stack is assigned properly

View Configuration panel
The 3D model display is controlled by the Show 3D Bodies setting. To show your 3D models, ensure this option is turned on View Options tab in the panel View » Panels » View Configuration.

For more information on this area of the software, please review the following page in our documentation: https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/pcb-controlling-the-3d-view#!3d-view-configuration-settings

3D Body Opacity
Additionally, the opacity of 3D body objects can be adjusted by clicking into each of blue cone icons with 3D Models mode in PCB panel: https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/additional-tools-3d-bodies#!browsing_3d_bodies_using_the_pcb_3d_models_panel



Or in Properties panel with the component or 3D body object selected: https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/placing-components-pcb#!component_properties:~:text=the%20component%20height.-,3D%20Body%20Opacity,-%E2%80%93%20enter%20the%20desired



Broken Layer Stack Assignment

1. View » Board Planning Mode, check to make sure the board region has a layer stack assigned so that it does not say 'NO STACK!'                                                               
2. If unassigned, select the Layer Stack from the pulldown:
   • in the popup dialog by double-clicking the green board region, if Standard Mode: https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/planning-pcb-rigid-flex-regions-standard#!assigning-a-layer-stack-and-editing-the-board-region-name
   • in Properties panel, if Advanced Mode: https://www.altium.com/documentation/altium-designer/planning-pcb-rigid-flex-regions-advanced#!board_region_properties