Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Associative arrays, which I discuss in Chapter 18, work in 3D as well as 2D.
AutoCAD has long had a 3DARRAY command; it's still there, and is similar to the
old style ARRAY command (refer to Chapter 10 for that one) in that it doesn't cre-
ate an associative array object. For information on creating rectangular, polar, and
path array objects, refer to the online help.
Editing solids
3D solids can be edited in a variety of different ways that other objects can't be. You can
use grip-editing to change the shape of 3D solids, or Boolean operations on a 3D solid to
create complex models. You can fillet and chamfer the edges of a 3D solid using the
FILLETEDGE and CHAMFEREDGE commands.
Using grips to edit solids
Grip-editing is one of the most direct ways to modify an object. To edit a 3D solid by us-
ing grips, select the 3D solid when no command is running, and then select the grip you
want to use to edit the solid. Pay close attention to the grip you select; some grips give
you control over changing the overall size of a solid; others might change only part of a
solid, such as the face or top radius of a cone. Figure 22-13 shows a pyramid with its top
radius (I'll bet you didn't know that pyramids had radiuses!) being edited with grips.
