Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
The Merge tool is important when you're creating a polygon model because it fuses
multiple vertices at the same point into one vertex on the model. Frequently, when you're
modeling a mesh, you'll need to fold over pieces and weld parts together. Doing so often
leaves you with several vertices occupying the same space. Merging them simplifies the
model and makes the mesh much nicer to work with, from rigging to rendering.
In the following simple example, you'll create two boxes that connect to each other
along a common edge and then combine and merge them into one seamless polygonal
mesh. To begin, follow these steps:
1. In a new scene, create two poly cubes, and place them apart from each other, more or
less as shown in Figure 4.35.
2. Select the bottom edge of the cube on the
right that faces the other cube, and choose
Edit Mesh
➔
Extrude. Pull the edge out a little
to create a new face, as shown in Figure 4.36.
This will be a flange connecting the two cubes.
It isn't important how far you pull the edge
out; you'll connect the two cubes by moving
the vertices manually.
Figure 4.35
Place two polygonal
cubes close to each
other.
Figure 4.36
Extrude the bottom
edge to create a
flange.
3. Select the first corner vertex on the newly extruded face, and snap it into place on the
corner vertex of the other cube, as shown in Figure 4.37. Remember, you can click
the Snap to Points icon ( ) to snap the vertex onto the cube's corner.
4. Snap the other vertex to the opposite corner, so that the cubes are connected with a
f flange along a common edge, as shown in Figure 4.38.
