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Examples and Presets

Form Explorer for Alias provides a number of presets and examples as tool instances. These presets are sets of options, including prompts, designed to give you a starting point for your design exploration. You can use them as they are or modify them to suit your project's needs.

Note: When using a tool instance, the options you are using will be saved automatically and will override the previous options. To avoid overriding a preset, first create a duplicate by Ctrl + MMB-dragging the tool instance to the desired location.

Form Explorer Presets shelf

Installation

See the installation instructions to import the Form Explorer Presets shelf.

Using a preset

  1. Duplicate the tool instance first.
  2. Open the Options window of the duplicated instance.
  3. Change the options as needed.

It is important to duplicate the tool instance first, as changes to the options are saved automatically and will override the previous preset.

Changing a preset

  1. Open the Options window of the tool instance.
  2. Change the options as desired.
  3. Optional: Ctrl + double-click the instance to rename it.

The latest options used are stored automatically.

Creating new presets by duplication

  1. Ctrl + MMB-drag from an existing instance in the shelf.
  2. Optional: Ctrl + double-click the new instance to rename it.

Form Explorer Presets shelf

Creating a preset from current options

  1. MMB-drag the active tool or Ctrl + MMB-drag the active tool instance to a shelf of your choice.
  2. Optional: Ctrl + double-click the new instance to rename it.

Create a preset from a previous exploration

  1. Open Form Explorer
  2. Select the previous exploration.
  3. Select Use Prompt From Selection
  4. Select Use Seed From Selection (if desired).
  5. MMB-drag the active tool or Ctrl + MMB-drag the active tool instance to a shelf of your choice.
  6. Optional: Ctrl + double-click the new instance to rename it.

Deleting a preset

Deleting a preset

MMB-drag the tool instance to the trash can.

Form Explorer Presets shelf

Exporting and sharing presets

You can export and share presets as part of a shelf. To do so:

  1. Open the shelf containing the presets.
  2. Select Menu > Export Shelf….
  3. Save the shelf file to your desired location.
  4. Share the file with a co-worker.
  5. Your co-worker can import the shelf by selecting Windows > Shelves > Import….

Form Explorer Presets shelf

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