Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 12.35
Figure 12.36
Tab to edit mode and see that the original vertices of the plane object remain on the mid-
plane of the scene (Figure 12.35). Tab back to object mode and change the 3D window to
user perspective view. In the “Object Modifiers” panel untick “Fill Rim”—instead of a single
thick plane, there are now two thin planes (Figure 12.36). Tick “Fill Rim” again in the modi-
fier tab and then add a subdivision surface modifier below the solidify modifier; the thick
plane will look like a flattened octagonal shape. This shape can be modified by changing the
“Inner,” “Outer,” and “Rim Crease” values in the solidify modifier panel. Changing all three
values to 1.000 produces the thick plane object.
With the inner, outer, and rim crease values set back to 0.000, note the value “View: 1”
under “Subdivisions” in the subdivision surface modifier panel. If you change this to “View: 0”
you have the thick plane again. Changing the view value from 0 to 1, then to 2, then to 3, and
then to 4 changes the thick plane progressively into a smooth flat disc.
For a practical demonstration of the solidify modifier, create a new scene with a cylinder
object instead of the default cube. Delete the upper end cap of the cylinder by deleting the
single vertex in the center of the cap while in edit mode. You now have a thin-walled con-
tainer. Add a solidify modifier and increase the thickness value to produce a thicker wall.
Play with the offset value to change the size. Add a subdivision surface modifier and alter
the view value to modify the shape. With the subdivision surface modifier added you can
use the inner, outer, and rim crease values to control the shape.
12.3.13 Subdivision Surface Modifiers
The subdivision surface modifier is used when the “Smooth” button in the shading section
of the tools shelf does not quite do the job, and you don't want to subdivide your mesh by
adding more vertices. The following example shows a useful method.
Start with the default cube and switch to front view (number pad 1) and tab to edit
mode. Extrude one face of the cube and tab back to object mode in user perspective view
(Figure 12.37). Add a subdivision surface modifier using the default settings (Figure 12.38).
Under “Subdivisions,” change the “View” value to 4. Tab to edit mode and see that the original
number of vertices has changed (Figure 12.39).
