Working in 2D

Did you build from above in TRAX2? You still can in TRAX3D. With three switches your layout looks like a track plan on paper: straight from above, in flat colours, and only the track.

1. Straight from above

Click Switch between 2D and 3D on the View tab, or press 2. The camera then looks straight down and no longer turns. Panning and zooming work as usual.

If your layout is not in view, press Home: it then fits the screen exactly.

You go back to 3D with the same button, or with 3.

2. The drawing

Choose CAD on the View tab, or press C. Your layout then becomes a drawing: flat colours, outlines and the article numbers beside the track. See The construction drawing (CAD).

3. Track only

On the View tab, in the Terrain group, turn the Track only switch on. Tables, landscape, grass, trees, buildings, platforms, roads and water disappear from view. Only the track is left.

What stays 3D?

Even in 2D your layout is a layout in three dimensions. Heights, grades, tunnels and bridges simply stay. Turn the switches back and you see them again. So you can draw your track plan in 2D and add the landscape in 3D later.

The switches are saved with your layout. When you open it again later, it is the way you left it.