Autodesk 12812-051462-9011 User Guide - Page 1771

modeling: you have a mental image of what you want, then you create and edit the spline network until you are satisfied. NOTE 3ds Max offers a simplified workflow for this modeling technique, using Edit/Editable Spline and the Edit Patch modifier. For details, see To create a patch object using the Cross Section and Spline Surface tools: on page 1361. Surface Modifier Basics 1 Create a spline object. 2 Make sure that the Spline vertices form valid three-sided or four-sided, closed regions. Vertices on splines that cross one another should be coincident. To make spline vertices coincident, drag vertices over each other with 3D Snap turned on. 3D Snap must have the Vertex or End Point option turned on. With 3D Snap turned on, you can snap to vertices on existing splines as you create new splines. You can also select vertices and use the Fuse option in an Editable Spline to make vertices co-incident. 3 Use the CrossSection modifier to connect spline cross-sections, unless you plan on manually creating the splines that connect the model's cross-sections. 4 Apply the Surface modifier, then adjust the weld threshold to generate a patch object. Ideally all spline vertices that will form a patch surface are coincident; the Threshold parameter allows patch creation even if vertices are not quite coincident. 5 Optionally, add an Edit Patch modifier to edit the patch surface. TIP Make a reference copy of the spline object, then add the Surface modifier to the copy and edit the original. As you edit the original spline object, patches appear on the reference copy as splines form three-or four-sided shapes. This allows you to view a shaded surface as you model. You can take this a step further and add a Mirror modifier to the reference copy. As you create splines for one side of a head or body, the reference copy displays an entire model. 1768 | Chapter 11 Modifiers