3ds Max® 2010 Bible

Chapter 13. Modeling with Polygons and Using the Graphite Modeling Tools

IN THIS CHAPTER

Creating Editable Poly objects

Working with the poly subobject modes

Editing poly geometry

Changing surface properties like NURMS

Using the Freeform tools

Selecting specific subobjects

Meshes (or, more specifically, polygon meshes) are perhaps the most popular and the default model type for most 3D programs. You create them by placing polygonal faces next to one another so the edges are joined. The polygons can then be smoothed from face to face during the rendering process. Using meshes, you can create almost any 3D object, including simple primitives such as a cube or a realistic dinosaur.

Meshes have lots of advantages. They are common, intuitive to work with, and supported by a large number of 3D software packages. In this chapter, you learn how to create and edit mesh and poly objects.

Max includes a set of modeling tools for working with Editable Poly objects. These tools collectively are called the Graphite Modeling tools, and they are all accessed using the Ribbon interface located under the main toolbar.

Understanding Poly Objects

Before continuing, you need to understand exactly what a Poly object is, how it differs from a regular mesh object, and why it is the featured modeling type in Max. To understand these issues, you'll need a quick history lesson. Initially, Max supported only mesh objects, and all mesh objects had to be broken down into triangular faces. Subdividing the mesh into triangular ...