Changing the Dimensions of Objects

Purpose

Changes the size of objects by scaling non-proportionally in one or more dimensions.

This tool is similar to the Xform > Scale tool, but in addition lets you use the keyboard to type in different scale factors for each scale dimension.

For information on scale pivot points, see Setting Pivots on page 313.

The effect of a Nonp scale operation is based on the current location of the object's scale pivot point at the time the function is invoked.

By default, all geometry is assigned an initial scale factor of 1 in all three dimensions.

See Using Absolute and Relative Addressing Modes on page 12 for information on addressing modes.

By selecting from either absolute or relative addressing modes, an object can be non-proportionally scaled to an absolute size in any dimension or scaled relative to its current size (scale factor) in any dimension.

How to Use

1

Select the geometry that you want to scale. All active geometry will be affected when you invoke the Nonp scale tool.

2

Select Xform > Nonp scale from the Tool Palette, or click its icon. The system prompts:

Enter SCALES(x,y,z) (ABS):

See Introduction to the Alias Interface on page 5 for information about using the mouse and the keyboard.

You can scale objects interactively using the mouse, or type values from the keyboard.

• When scaling interactively with the mouse, the scale dimension depends on thecurrently active window and the mouse button you are using.

• When using the keyboard, you can type the scale factor you want for each of the three axes.

Important Note

If the object being transformed has construction history, the construction history cannot be maintained. A confirmation box is displayed asking if you want to proceed with the operation, thereby deleting the construction history.If you select YES, the construction history is deleted and you can proceed with the operation. If you select NO, the operation is cancelled.

For more information on construction history, see the NURBS Modeling book.