Compare inspected objects

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Hold one object in Object Inspector while exploring another object in the Visual Components layout.

Keep one reference while exploring

Use a fixed Inspector reference when you need to compare a known object with nearby objects or check whether a second object has the same geometry or properties. The VC selection can change independently until you ask Inspector to inspect it.

Steps

1. Select the object you want to use as the reference and open Object Inspector.
2. Choose a gadget that answers the investigation question, such as Object bounds for dimensions and world center.
3. Clear Follow selection in the Inspector toolbar.
4. Select another object in the VC layout. The VC selection changes, but the Inspector continues to show the held reference.
5. Compare the current VC selection with the values for the held reference.
6. When you are ready to change the reference, select the magnifying-glass button beside the refresh control to inspect the current VC selection.

Return or hand off the reference

• Use the back button to return to an earlier inspected object. The mouse back and forward buttons also move through the inspection history.
• Use the select button to make the held inspected object the current VC selection when the object is still valid and selectable.
• Use the Notes button to create a note with a reference to the held object before continuing the investigation.

Result

The Inspector and VC selection can represent different objects while follow mode is cleared. Re-enable Follow selection when the panel should track each later layout selection automatically.