During a lecture, we were introduced to some of the techniques to use:
- Pivot Point: The point of rotation for a 3D object. This can be used to rotate objects at specific positions (instead of the center).
- Outliner Window: The Outliner Window is a tab/window which shows all of the objects (such as primitives, cameras and lighting) in a Maya scene. This is a good way to arrange and organise objects, because you can set some objects as child objects.
- Multi-Cut: A tool used to cut up shapes, by drawing lines on faces. This is a good way to produce detailed parts of a model, for example, extruding out a zigzag shape.
- Boolean: A technique used to merge or split primitives into other primitives through overlapping. This can be found in the Mesh menu toolbar. The three different boolean types are:
- Union
- Difference
- Intersection
- Mirror: A technique used to duplicate a shape rotated in the opposing angle so they match.
- Edge Loop: A technique to insert edges across a path to add specific detail.
- Target Weld: A way to change the position of vertices on a primitive.
- Transparent-View: Also called X-Ray, this is a tool which allows you to change the opacity of a primitive. This is a good technique if you are using schematics/similar images to use as a design template.
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| The three different Boolean options: Union, Difference, Intersection (top to bottom) |
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| The Outliner Window |
