3ds Max 2012 Bible - Kelly L. Murdock [130]
Using Modeling Helpers
In the Create panel (and the Create menu) is a category of miscellaneous objects called helpers (the icon looks like a tape measure). These objects are useful in positioning objects and measuring dimensions. The buttons in the Helper category include Dummy, Container, Crowd, Delegate, ExposeTM, Grid, Point, Tape, Protractor, and Compass.
Cross-Reference
The Container helper is covered in Chapter 9, “Grouping, Linking, and Parenting Objects.” Crowd and Delegate helpers are discussed in Chapter 39, “Animating Characters with CAT,” and the Expose Transform helper object is covered in Chapter 35, “Using Animation Layers, Modifiers and Complex Controllers.” •
Using Dummy and Point objects
The Dummy object is a useful object for controlling complex object hierarchies. A Dummy object appears in the viewports as a simple cube with a pivot point at its center, but the object will not be rendered and has no parameters. It is used only as an object about which to transform objects. For example, you could create a Dummy object that the camera could follow through an animation sequence. Dummy objects are used in many examples throughout the remainder of the book.
The Point object is very similar to the Dummy object in that it also is not rendered and has minimal parameters. A Point object defines a point in space and is identified as an X, an Axis Tripod, or a simple Box. The Center Marker option places an X at the center of the Point object (so X really does mark the spot). The Axis Tripod option displays the X-, Y-, and Z-axes, the Cross option extends the length of the marker along each axis, and the Box option displays the Point object as a Box. The Size value determines how big the Point object is.
Tip
The Size parameter actually makes Point helpers preferable over Dummy helpers because you can parametrically change their size. •
The Constant Screen Size option keeps the size of the Point object constant, regardless of how much you zoom in or out of the scene. The Draw on Top option draws the Point object above all other scene objects, making it easy to locate. The main purpose for the Point object is to mark positions within the scene.
Caution
Point objects are difficult to see and easy to lose. If you use a point object, be sure to name it so you can find it easily in the Select from Scene dialog box. •
Measuring coordinate distances
The Helpers category also includes several handy utilities for measuring dimensions and directions. These are the Tape, Protractor, and Compass objects. The units are all based on the current selected system units.
Using the Measure Distance tool
In the Tools menu is a command to Measure Distance. This tool is easy to use. Just select it and click at the starting point and again at the ending point; the distance between the two clicks is shown in the Status Bar at the bottom of the interface. Measure Distance also reports the Delta values in the X, Y, and Z directions. You can use this tool with the Snap feature enabled for accurate measurements.
Using the Tape helper
You use the Tape object to measure distances. To use it, simply drag the distance that you would like to measure and view the resulting dimension in the Parameters rollout. You can also set the length of the Tape object using the Specify Length option. You can move and reposition the end points of the Tape object with the Select and Move button, but the Rotate and Scale buttons have no effect.
Using the Protractor helper
The Protractor object works in a manner similar to the Tape object, but it measures the angle between two objects. To use the Protractor object, click in a viewport to position the Protractor object. (The Protractor object looks like two pyramids aligned point to point