Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
You use the Add Divisions tool to create regions of detail on a poly surface. This is a
broader approach than using the Poke Face
tool, which adds detail for more pinpoint areas.
The Split Polygon Tool
Another way to create detail is to use the Split Polygon tool, which does exactly what its
name suggests. As you've seen, when you choose Edit Mesh
➔
Split Polygon Tool, your
cursor changes to a triangle. Use this cursor to select two
points along two edges of a face. Doing so creates a straight line
from the first to the second point, which serves as a new edge to
divide the face into two halves, as shown in Figure 4.32. Notice
at lower left in the Help line that a percentage readout gives you
the relative position of the tool along the current edge. You can
use this readout to help position the new split.
Press Enter to create the new edge and faces, or right-click to
continue selecting new points for more edges to split the poly-
gon face. When you're adding multiple new edges, right-clicking makes for a much faster
workflow. Simply pick the first two points, and then right-click. The tool remains active
for the next split.
Using the Split Polygon tool is a flexible, accurate, and fast way to create surface subdi-
visions for your model.
Figure 4.32
Splitting a Polygon
allows you to draw
the new edge(s) to
split the face.
The Insert Edge Loop Tool
This handy tool adds edges to a poly selection, much like the Split Polygon tool, but it
does so more quickly by working along the entire poly surface, along common vertices.
The Insert Edge Loop tool automatically runs a new
edge along the poly surface perpendicular to the sub-
division line you click, without requiring you to click
multiple times as with the Split Polygon tool. You'll use
this tool in the locomotive exercise shortly. You'll find it
indispensable in creating polygonal models because it
creates subdivisions quickly.
For instance, subdividing a polygonal cube is quicker
than using the Split Polygon tool. With a poly cube
selected, choose Edit Mesh
➔
Insert Edge Loop Tool.
Click an edge, and the tool places an edge running
perpendicular from that point to the next edge across
the surface and across to the next edge, as shown in
Figure 4.33. If you click and drag along an edge, you can
interactively position the new split edges.
Figure 4.33
Using the Insert
Edge Loop tool
