When you create an object, what you are really creating is a placeholder reference in the application code. You are simply telling SiteSpinner™ that something new – an object – now exists.
An object becomes meaningful – and, in most cases, visible – only once its components are defined. At the minimum an object should always have a geometry component. It may also have a shading component, although it is not required.
Components are powerful and may appear complex, but because SiteSpinner™ automatically applies a geometry component to every object that you add, there is really no need to be confused. Indeed, you can become a crackerjack web designer using SiteSpinner™ without ever editing a component or even concerning yourself with the concept.
However you can save editing time and resources by becoming familiar with components and how they work. Objects can share components among them, saving you the trouble of defining separate components for each object and reducing the eventual file size of your published web project. This can be important in instances where there is limited space for your web site on your host’s web server.
This section discusses the two types of object components: geometry and shading.
You can clean your project of unused components at any time. For more information, see Clean Components.