3ds Max 2012 Bible - Kelly L. Murdock [131]
Note
All measurement values are presented in gray fields within the Parameters rollout. This gray field indicates that the value cannot be modified. •
Using the Compass helper
The Compass object identifies North, East, West, and South positions on a planar star-shaped object. You can drag the Compass object to increase its size.
Cross-Reference
The Grid helper object is discussed along with grids in Chapter 7, “Transforming Objects, Pivoting, Aligning, and Snapping.” The Compass object is mainly used in conjunction with the Sunlight System, which you can learn about in Chapter 20, “Using Lights and Basic Lighting Techniques.” •
Using the Measure utility
In the Utilities panel is another useful tool for getting the scoop on the current selected object: the Measure utility. You can open the Measure utility as a floater dialog box, shown in Figure 10.9. This dialog box displays the object's name along with its Surface Area, Volume, Center of Mass, Length (for shapes), and Dimensions. It also includes an option to lock the current selection.
FIGURE 10.9
The Measure utility dialog box displays some useful information.
Using the Level of Detail utility
As a scene is animated, some objects are close to the camera, and others are far from it. Rendering a complex object that is far from the camera doesn't make much sense. Using the Level of Detail (LOD) utility, you can have Max render a simpler version of a model when it is farther from the camera and a more complex version when it is close to the camera.
Cross-Reference
The MultiRes modifier can also create real-time level of detail updates. It is covered in Chapter 26, “Deforming Surfaces and Using the Mesh Modifiers.” •
To open the utility, click the More button in the Utility panel and select the Level of Detail utility. A single rollout is loaded into the Utility panel, as shown in Figure 10.10. To use this utility, you need to create several versions of an object and group them together. The Create New Set button lets you pick an object group from the viewports. The objects within the group are individually listed in the rollout pane.
If you select a listed object, you can specify the Threshold Units in pixels or as a percentage of the target image. For each listed item, you can specify minimum and maximum thresholds. The Image Output Size values are used to specify the size of the output image, and the different models used are based on the size of the object in the final image. The Display in Viewports check box causes the appropriate LOD model to appear in the viewport.
FIGURE 10.10
The Level of Detail utility (split into two parts) can specify how objects are viewed, based on given thresholds.
Summary
Understanding the basics of modeling helps you as you build scenes. In this chapter, you've seen several different object types that are available in Max. Many of these types have similar features such as Soft Selection. Several helper objects can assist as well. This chapter covered the following topics:
• Understanding parametric objects and the various modeling types
• Viewing normals
• Using subobjects and soft selections
• Using helper objects and utilities
In the next chapter, you learn another excellent tool for deforming mesh objects. Modifiers allow specific types of deformation to be applied to an object such as bending, twisting, or rippling a surface.
Chapter 11: Introducing Modifiers and Using the Modifier Stack
IN THIS CHAPTER
Using the Modifier Stack to manage modifiers
Learning to work with modifier gizmos
Exploring the Select modifiers
Deforming objects with the Parametric Deformer and FFD modifiers
Think for a