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Lesson VIII - Modifying Shapes In The 2D Shaper (Part
II)
In this lesson you will continue to learn how to modify shapes
in the 2D Shaper. We shall explore the the Segment... submenu in the Modify
menu in this lesson. First access the 2D Shaper by hitting the "F1"
key on your keyboard. Then click on the shapes function Modify. This will
bring up a list of commands and submenus. Click on the Segment... submenu.
You will see the following commands : Adjust, Linear, Curve, Break, Refine
and Delete. We shall discuss these commands in an interactive tutorial.
The Adjust Command
This basically allows you to change the form of shapes by moving
segments (lines joining two vertices) around. Notice that the other segments
connected to the chosen segment's vertices are also affected. In actual
fact, you are actually modifying the spline values of the two vertices.
To use this command, click Adjust and move your mouse cursor over to the
viewport . Then, click on a segment. The segmet will move in accordance
to your mouse movements. Move the segment to the desired location and click
again and the shape would be changed.
The Linear Command
This command makes a non-linear line linear by adjusting the arrows
at the two connected vertices so that they point to each other in a linear
fashion. Thus, you can use this command to straighten a curved line (segment).
To use the Linear command, click Linear and click on the target segment.
The segment will be automatically straightened.
The Curve Command
This command does the exact opposite of the Linear command. It equally
curves a segment by adjusting the spline values of the two end vertices
of the segment. The curve is also biased based on other connecting vertices
if there are any. To use this command, click Curve and click on the target
segment. The line will be curved automatically.
The Break Command
This command basically breaks a segment into two seperate segments
with one of each of their end vertices coinciding on one another. Do not
think that a vertex has been added to the segment or that the segment has
been split into two as the effect caused by this command seem to give this
illusion because of the overlapping vertices. If the polygon to which the
segment belongs is closed then the Break command will cause the polygon
to become open. To break a segment click the Break command. Then, click
on the target segment at the desired location. The segment will be broken
and the curvature retained.
The Refine Command
This command splits up segments into smaller segments by adding
vertices to the chosen segment. If you wish to split a segment and still
wish for it to be joined to the other half then you should use this command
instead of the Break command. As with the break command the curvature of
the segment is retained. To use the Refine command click Refine in the Segment...
submenu. Then click on the desired location on a segment. A new vertex will
be inserted along that segment where you have clicked. This in turn splits
the segment into two. You can continue refining the segment until you are
satisfied.
The Delete Command
This command does just what it's expected to - delete segments.
Deleting a segment causes it to disappear. However the vertices at the end
of the segment remains. These vertice can be reconnected to reform the segment.
3D Studio MAX
There are similar commands found in 3D Studio MAX. Therefore it is advisable
to read the content above because the commands in 3DS MAX function in the
same way. These commands are found under the Modify tab when you select
a vertex or select and object then click "Sub-Object" and select
"Segment".
This concludes the second part of the lessons related to the Modify menu which discussed the Segment... submenu. We will explore another submenu in the next lesson.
Back to Learning 3D Studio menu.
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