Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
P olygon Creation Tools
With reference images in place, it's time to start laying out the individual
polygons that will make up our edge loops. The key tool for this process is
Append Polygon . Append Polygon is a context-sensitive command that of ers
a couple of ways to add geometry to your model. For now, we'll focus on the
interactive polygon creation tool that will allow you to draw out new faces.
Append Polygon; Modify
Append Append
Polygon; P;
To get started with Append Polygon , load the i le with the reference
images of the alien creature and enter the right view.
Now engage Append Polygon by selecting Modify > Append > Polygon
or P . You'll notice the cursor has changed and, when you click, a green dot
will appear. This is an indication that we are in polygon creation mode.
Continue to click out a basic polygon shape, and as soon as three vertices
are in place, you will see a shaded region where the polygon would i ll in if
it were i nalized ( Figure 3.15a ).
Once the fourth vertex is in place, press Enter or Right Click to i nalize that
polygon.
From there you can create additional polygons by enclosing additional space
and linking vertices with the already-created polygon. It's important to select
points in a circular fashion (either clockwise or counterclockwise) to allow the
software to create the face appropriately.
After creating the i rst polygon, some modelers might elect to use something
other than Append Polygon to continue a face loop. As discussed earlier, you
can use Extrude edges, and one option is to select an edge, press Z , and then
use Tweak or the manipulator to drag out and position a subsequent faces.
The universal or multi-use manipulator is particularly good for this, as it allows
you to move and rotate as you go (Figure 3.16). The Surface tool is also a great
option that works in a similar fashion. It's more commonly associated with
retopology, so it's discussed in more detail in that section. The key is to i nd a
fast and simple workl ow that works well for you.
FIG. 3.15 Using the Append Polygon tool, you
can begin to draw out a face loop.
FIG. 3.16
Using Extrusion and the Universal Manipulator, it's easy to draw out
a face loop.
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