Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
At its core, the
Pen tool
in modo behaves much like the corresponding tools in Adobe Photoshop or Illus-
trator. Plotting points creates a polygon. Position values are specific to the current point. Points that have
already been placed can be edited either by selecting them in the viewport or by using the current point field.
The tool is capable of creating regular polygons, subdivision surface shapes, spline patches, or simple place-
ment of points and edges. For most purposes, the Polygon option will suffice (this can always be converted
to subdivision surfaces after creation). Other simple options include the ability to flip the created polygon(s)
so they face the opposite direction, to close the polygon, or to merge nearby vertices to keep a smooth sur-
face. All of these options work very similarly to the Tube tool.
This default behavior, however, does not demonstrate the real power of the Pen tool. You can use the
Make Quads option, for example, to create a strip of polygons. The first two vertices created will create one
side of a four-sided polygon, and subsequent clicks will create edges that are perpendicular to the previous
one, and this makes the foundation of a strip of polygons. This can be useful for blocking out shapes while
keeping an even division of polygonal topology.
The Wall mode offers a fantastic way to build architectural geometry very quickly. Walls can be set in-
side, outside, or on both sides of the plotted points. The Inset option rounds corners on walls based on the
distance (radius) entered. This rounding is highly useful in architectural situations. Segments will define the
subdivisions that make up the rounding. Because architectural models like this are rarely made in SubDs, it
is usually best to add ample segments to ensure a smooth appearance. You will look at this tool more when
creating architectural visualization models in the coming chapters.
Figure 2-13
shows the options for the
Pen tool.
Figure 2-13:
The Pen tool options
