3ds Max® 2012 Bible

CHAPTER 14

Using the Graphite Modeling Tools and Painting with Objects

IN THIS CHAPTER

Working with the Graphite Modeling tools

Using the Freeform tools

Selecting specific subobjects

Painting with objects

The previous chapter covered everything you need to know about modeling with polygons, but the problem with the polygon workflow is the ping-pong effect of moving back and forth between the current model and the Command Panel. Although you can float the Command Panel or even use the quad menus to access most of these commands, the Max developers have presented an entirely new workflow based on the new Ribbon interface.

The Ribbon sits conveniently above the viewports, but you can pull off and float any of the individual panels as needed. The Ribbon panels are dynamic, so only those tools that work with the current selection are presented. This places the tools you need right in front of you when you need them.

The Ribbon is populated with all the features for working with Editable Poly objects that are found in the Command Panel. It also includes a large number of brand-new tools for selecting and working with polygon objects. These tools collectively are called the Graphite Modeling tools.

The Ribbon also is home to several additional panels of tools that allow you to paint deformations into your models, make unique selections, and select and paint with objects using brushes. The best part of these new tools is that they all eliminate the ping-pong effect. Our necks thank you, ...