When you start CityEngine for the first time, a CityEngine default workspace is created for you automatically in your home directory. The workspace is basically a folder in your file system where all your projects are stored. This allows you to use resources such as 3D models or rule files across multiple projects.
- You can create as many workspaces as you like, but you can open only one workspace at a time.
- Each newly created workspace has a copy of ESRI.lib. It contains assets such as vegetation, street furniture, or building rules that you can use in your projects.
- You have access to the current workspace and its projects through the Navigator.
- It is recommended that you add and delete assets and import and export projects in your workspace using the Navigator. Additionally, you can update assets with other tools.
- If a file added with the file system doesn't show up in the Navigator, you can refresh the workspace manually by pressing F5 or by clicking File > Refresh Workspace.
- Some users work with one workspace only; others have separate workspaces for each of their clients. It is recommended that you keep projects in the same workspace in case you plan to share assets between them.
Tip:
To learn how to manage projects in CityEngine, see Tutorial 1: Essential skills .
Switch to an existing workspace
To switch to an existing workspace, do the following:
- Click File > Switch Workspace.
- If the workspace is not listed, go to Other and browse to the workspace in your file system.
Note:
Switching to another workspace automatically restarts CityEngine.
Create a workspace
To create a workspace, do the following:
- Click File > Switch Workspace > Other in the main menu.
- Set the path and the folder name for the workspace.
Under Copy Settings, you can select the following settings:
- Workspace Layout—Inherit opened views, their sizes, and selected perspectives from the current workspace.
- Working Sets—Inherit user-defined working sets from the current workspace.
Specify workspace on command line at startup
The -data argument can be added on the command line to specify the startup workspace directory for CityEngine. Its value can point to a new or existing workspace. Here is an example, assuming CityEngine.exe is on the PATH:
CityEngine -data C:\Users\MyUser\AppData\Local\Temp\MyCeWorkspace
This creates a new MyCeWorkspace directory in the Temp directory. The new workspace is automatically populated with the ESRI.lib project. Set the CITYENGINE_LIB_MINIMAL environment variable to 1 to reduce the disk space consumed by ESRI.lib.