The installation of the CityEngine is straight forward and easily: just run the downloaded setup file and follow the instructions of the installation wizard. The installation process is described in more detail here.

In case of installation problems, please contact us.

After successful installation you can build a 'default city' with the City Wizard. This gives a very quick introduction to the CityEngine modeling workflow. In case you have not executed the City Wizard at the first start, it is described here how the City Wizard can be used.

HINT: The default 3D navigation works as in Autodesk^® Maya^®: press Alt together with left/middle/right mouse button for tumble/pan/dolly and the f-shortkey for framing selected objects.

We now strongly recommend to read the quickstart guide in the help documention which can be invoked by pressing the F1 shortkey (or online). There the modeling principles of the CityEngine are explained and an overview of the unique framework is given.

As a next step browse the Essential Skills Videos. These very short learning videos explain the most important CityEngine actions live. These videos can be started in the CityEngine by clicking on Watch Learning Videos... in the Help menu. As an alternative these videos can also be watched online.

Now download the tutorial and example projects by selecting the corresponding entry in the Help menu. After successful download you can explore them. Therefore open the corresponding CityEngine scenes via double-click in the file navigator window.

HINT: It is not recommended to preview multi-billion-polygon models directly in the CityEngine 3D viewport. Just select an appropriate number of initial shapes to generate (depends on what resolutions the assigned rules create). In case you want a multi-billion-polygon model, then use the CityEngine Batch Export (where no limitations in size are set).

Now after you have an idea of what the CityEngine is about and how it works, it is time to have look at the tutorials. The different tutorials cover all parts of the CityEngine workflow and each one is accompanied with a step-by-step guide in the CityEngine help as well as a tutorial learning video.

Now you can start creating your own cities. Of course everything starts with the idea e.g. some drafts how the urban layout could be designed and foto references how you want the buildings to look like. Then you have to clarify for what application the generated model will be used i.e. basically you have to decide what your polygon budget is. Afterwards you can start layouting your city and creating the corresporing assets and rules. Have fun!