The KLayout 2.5D View is an advanced visualization feature that extrudes 2D layout polygons into a pseudo-3D space. Introduced in version 0.28, it allows designers to inspect vertical relationships in a process stack, such as via alignments and metal layer overlaps, without the complexity of a full 3D CAD environment. Core Concept: Why "2.5D"?
You’ll never look at a flat GDS the same way again. klayout 25d view
Inside the 3D View pane, look for the camera icon or the dropdown menu. Ensure the view is set to "Perspective" (not Orthographic). Perspective gives you the "vanishing point" effect, making the depth look realistic. The KLayout 2
Just a reminder that Klayout has a built-in 2.5D view (View → 2.5D View). You’ll never look at a flat GDS the same way again
zz([options]) block : Groups multiple z statements to create complex 3D material geometries.
KLayout provides a simple lighting model: ambient, diffuse, and specular. Under View Settings > 2.5D, you can adjust light direction, intensity, and shadow softness. For debugging, disable shadows for performance.