Why is my 3D view empty?

Issue description

You open a 3D view in your project, but instead of seeing your model, the window appears completely blank. Despite having elements visible in plan view, nothing appears in the 3D window.

Solution

An empty 3D view can be caused by several settings that control element visibility. Below are the most common causes and their solutions.

1. 3D Cutaway

The 3D Cutaway feature might be positioned in a way that cuts out all visible elements.

1. Check if the 3D Cutaway is active by looking for cutting plane handles along the edges of your 3D view.
2. If active, reposition the cutting plane by clicking and dragging the handles to include your model elements.
3. Alternatively, turn off the 3D Cutaway by going to View > Elements in 3D View > 3D Cutaway
   

2. Layer Visibility

Elements might be on layers that are hidden in the 3D view.

1. Open the Layer Settings dialog by going to Document > Layers > Layers (Model Views)...
2. Ensure that layers containing your model elements are set to visible (eye icon is open)
   
3. Check if any layers are set to Wireframe in the 3D view mode column, as these might appear invisible in certain 3D styles
4. Try applying a different layer combination from the Quick Options bar to see if your elements appear
5. As a quick test, use Document Layers Show All Layers to make all layers visible at once

3. Design Options

If you're using Design Options (available in Archicad 27 and later), the current view might be displaying an empty or different design option.

1. Open the Design Options palette under Document > Design Options > Design Options
2. Look for the open-eye icon which indicates which design option is currently visible
3. Make sure the correct design option is set to visible by clicking the eye icon next to it
   
4. Check if the current view has a specific Design Options Combination applied that might be hiding elements

4. Renovation Filter

The current Renovation Filter might be hiding elements based on their renovation status.

1. Go to Document > Renovation > Renovation Filter Options...
2. Check which Renovation Filter is currently applied in the view
3. For each Renovation Status (Existing, To Be Demolished, New), verify if they're set to Show, Hide, or Override
   
4. Try switching to the All Visible and Unlocked Renovation Filter to see all elements regardless of their renovation status.
5. If needed, modify the current filter settings to show elements with the relevant renovation status.

6. Filter and Cut Elements in 3D

The Filter and Cut Elements in 3D settings might be limiting which stories or areas are displayed.

1. Go to View > Elements in 3D View > Filter and Cut Elements in 3D.
2. Under Stories to Show in 3D, check if Limited is selected instead of "Infinite".
3. If Limited is selected, verify that the story range includes the stories where your elements are located.
   
4. Check the Marquee Effect settings if you've used the Marquee tool before generating the 3D view.
5. Ensure Inside Marquee is selected if you want to see elements within a previously drawn marquee.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

Check for Elements Far from Origin

Sometimes elements placed very far from the project origin can cause the 3D view to appear empty.

1. In plan view, use Edit > Find & Select All to select all elements.
2. Look for elements with selection nodes far away from your main model.
3. Delete these distant elements or move them closer to your main model.

Verify 3D View Settings

The 3D view settings might need adjustment.

1. Try switching between different 3D view modes (Wireframe, Hidden Line, and Shading) using the View 3D View Options menu.
2. Check the 3D Projection Settings if using a perspective view, as the camera might be positioned incorrectly.
3. Use the Zoom Extents command (Ctrl+' or Cmd+') to fit all elements in the view.

Restart or Refresh

Sometimes technical issues can cause display problems.

1. Try closing and reopening the 3D view.
2. Update your graphics drivers if you experience persistent display issues.
3. In extreme cases, restarting Archicad might resolve temporary display glitches.