This is a tutorial on using the 3D scale, showing how it makes the interiors and exteriors much more unique in content.

Over my time as a reviewer I have seen many wasted opportunities where static scaling was the perfect answer to menageries of arrangements and countless careless disarrangements.

For those of you who don’t know, (which I do know there are at least some of you) the static scalar or “3D Scale” as it is called is a simple little tool that allows both the enlarging and shrinking of any static between 50% of its original size to 200% of its original size.





Open up static properties by simply double clicking it. Refer to the D scale I highlighted with a red circle. The number in the field represents the size of the static. 1.00 is the default figure, meaning it is at its original size. 100%.

You have the ability to change it to ANY decimal figure between 0.5 to 2.0 however it will always round your numbers to 2 decimal places.

For example,

- Entering the smallest allowed figure, 0.5 will logically reduce your static to 50% of its original size.
- Entering the largest allowed figure, 2.0 will logically make your static become twice its original size, 200%!

Now that you know how to manipulate an object using the 3d Scale, I shall show you the most commonly wasted opportunities where I consider static scaling to be most appropriate.

Here is an arrangement of crates. May people use stacks of crates in interiors and exteriors alike. While some of you think it may look perfectly fine, to me, it says bland, boring and very, very repetitive.





Here is the same stack of crates, only it has been scaled to varying sizes. Isn’t it already much ore appealing?





But why stop with only using one static to clutter over and over again. When we scale things down. We save space! Now we can and should add additional statics to the collection for the most unique and attractive of display. Isn’t this now much, much better? AND it takes up the same amount of space as the original stack only its soo much better.





Here are some other ideas to motivate you.

Here is a simple collection of crockery on a bookshelf. While it may look fine, it has the potential to become even more eye catching.





Here is the same array of crockery only, isn’t this prettier and more unique than seeing the same things repeated over and over again? Using the 3D scale will make your array ‘personalised’ and all ‘personalised’ things are unique.





Many beautiful arrangements can be made with the powers of the 3D Scale and your imagination.








Here is an array of cushions and the smallest table I could find and placed them straight from the object window. Do you think it can be turned into a more beautiful array?





Of course it can!





Don’t forget this important quality,

Using the powers of the 3D scale, you can position things where you couldn’t have positioned things before!

Now we can have a whole array of small little chests on our bookshelves rather than just the same, boring old 2. See! We could never have fit those other 3 chests on the bookshelf before.





Other statics that can now fit on shelves can include the baskets, the crates, the sacks


Perhaps one of the greatest uses for the 3D scale that I find, is when it comes to building interiors themselves. Using the 3D scale can turn a repetitive interior into something REALLY unique.

Take the Mournhold Tileset for example. The tileset offers a ‘limited’ array of static pieces. Using the powers of the 3D scale I was able to create something TRULY breathtaking.

This is the only doorway the Mournhold Tileset offers (save for another in a half elliptical like shape), But truly, seeing this over and over again, meh…





We can create magnificent doorways, thresholds and interiors if we scale the tile peices. Here is an example of an entranceway crafted out of an array of scaled statics. You wont ever see this again because it was handcrafted. AMAZING!





Here is perhaps the most beautiful thing I can think of with regards to what the static scalar can offer. You can’t drag this piece straight from the Object Window onto your working canvas. Truly amazing and very, very unique.




You should see what its like to look down from a balcony rather than up to one. It’s a very nice visual experience.


So, this concludes my tutorial on the great uses of the 3D scale and the versatility it can be bring into the creation of truly spectacular and mesmorizing arrays. Just remember though, the main point of static scaling is to ‘personalise’ something with your own touch. And in TR, we want things to be as personalised and as unique as possible when existing resources are finite and limited. You just have to use your imagination.

I know that many of you already know how to use the 3D scale. That is not the point, its that many of you don’t use it half as often as you should or *could*.

I hope you have been enlightened and I look forward to seeing interiors in the future that has made greater use of this wondrous tool.

Thankyou

:]

[Addendum by Vegor: you don't have to use the scaler but instead just the 'S' button. It's easier, faster and usually also helps in cleaning because you don't change an item's properties.

And scaling down beyond .75 and 1.5 should be avoided most of the time because it looks crap. Like the large chests scaled down look stupid. Crates, barrels, baskets and such can be scaled to any number though.

Scaling should be used on household items, just not too often. Keep the standard scale at 1 but try to vary when you place them in groups to make it look more realistic.]