Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 6-42
Going bald with the Keep Root option unselected
The Draw Path Steps value determines the accuracy with which the hair paths are displayed in the 3D view.
More steps equal greater accuracy at the expense of display speed. The Deflect Emitter option enables the
emitter mesh itself to deflect hair. This is important to have activated, because it prevents hair from just being
combed right into the head. With a Deflect Emitter value of about 0.25, the hair tends to behave in a natural
way and avoid penetrating the head. Sometimes stray hairs will penetrate the mesh and become stuck, so that
the hair will not respond properly to combing. If this happens, temporarily disable the Deflect Emitter option
and use the styling tools to fish the stray hair out of the mesh. The Children check box toggles the display of
child particles on and off. Seeing the child particles' location and behavior is helpful while styling, but because
displaying child particles can slow down the display and sometimes interfere visually with the styling work,
you will toggle this on and off a lot as you work.
There are three main selection modes in Particle mode, and you can switch from one to another by using
the three header buttons: . The selection modes within Particle mode are called Path Edit
mode, Point Select mode, and Tip Select mode. In Path Edit mode, hairs are displayed as shown in
Figure 6-43
.
You can use the tools directly on the hair paths, and they will respond as you expect. It is not possible to select
individual hairs in this mode; however, hairs that have been selected in other modes will be displayed white in
this mode. You can select all hairs by pressing the A key. The main purpose for Path Edit mode is to provide a
relatively uncluttered view of the hair. The other modes enable greater control by enabling you to select indi-
vidual hairs and portions of hairs.
