The information in this article applies to:
QUESTION
How can I change the background image that displays in my 3D camera views?
ANSWER
Home Designer offers several options for the background image used in 3D views: an image included in the program's library, a solid color, and an image file from an outside source.
To modify the backdrop
- Select Edit> Default Settings
to open the Default Settings dialog.
- Expand the Camera Tools category, select the camera tool you'd like to modify the backdrop of, then click Edit.
- In the next dialog that appears, click on the 3D Backdrop or Backdrop panel.

- Click on the Select Backdrop button to choose a different backdrop from the Library or a custom backdrop that has been imported.
- Select the Remove Backdrop button to remove the backdrop image and replace it with the Background Color that is specified.
- Check the Use Generated Sky box to simulate a daytime sky backdrop.
- Click OK and Done to confirm the changes and close the dialogs.
Now, when a new 3D or elevation view is created, you will see the changes that have been made to the backdrop settings.
If you have a photograph of the construction area your building will be built on, you may want to import the image and use it as a background or backdrop when creating 3D views to simulate a more realistic rendering of your model and its surrounding view.
To import a backdrop
- Select File> Import> Import Backdrop
, browse for and select the image you'd like to import, then click Open.
- In the Backdrop Specification dialog that displays next, specify a Name, then click OK to import the image into your User Catalog.
- This imported backdrop image can now selected and applied using the Select Backdrop button mentioned in the section above.