Modeling subdivision objects

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The Edit Subdivision tool is in the 3D Modeling tool set.

The tool’s modes allow you to combine many different operations to sculpt a selected subdivision object into almost any shape imaginable. When the Transform or Bridge mode is selected, additional modes are available for manipulating the object.

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Double-click the subdivision object with the Selection tool to select the object and automatically activate the Edit Subdivision tool.

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Mode

Description

Transform

Uses a 3D dragger to transform cage mesh faces, edges, and vertices in a variety of ways depending on the additional modes selected

Crease

Edits the sharpness of the cage mesh’s face, edge, or vertex to produce a smooth or sharp object

Extrude

Depending on the cage mesh entity selected, extrudes a cage mesh face, similar to the Push/Pull tool, or extends an open edge of the subdivision object

Split

Depending on the cage mesh entity selected, splits a cage mesh face into five faces to create new cage mesh entities to edit, or splits a cage mesh along an edge to create new cage mesh entities to edit

Face Hole

Creates a hole in a subdivision object’s face

Bridge

Bridges two open edges of a subdivision object by either connecting or joining the open edges, depending on the additional mode selected

Close

Constructs a new cage mesh face to fill a hole surrounded by open edges

Add Edge

Adds an edge to split an existing cage mesh face

Remove Edge

Removes a cage mesh edge and merges the adjacent faces into one

Mirror Modeling

Mirrors a subdivision model across a plane

Translate and Rotate

(Transform mode only)

Uses the Translate and Rotate 3D dragger to manipulate cage mesh faces, edges, and vertices to reshape and rotate the selected object

Scale

(Transform mode only)

Uses the Scale 3D dragger to change the scale of the selected object or a designated part of the selected object

Re-position

(Transform mode only)

Repositions the 3D dragger without affecting the selected object

Align to Cage

(Transform mode only)

Keeps the 3D dragger aligned to the selected cage mesh entity

Align to Working Plane

(Transform mode only)

Keeps the 3D dragger aligned to the working plane (see Concept: Understanding the working plane)

Connect

(Bridge mode only)

Adds a new cage mesh face to connect two open edges

Join

(Bridge mode only)

Extends an existing cage mesh face to join two open edges

After the operation is complete, the Edit Subdivision tool and selected cage mesh entity remain active, to facilitate another operation. Click another mode, cage mesh entity, or 3D dragger control to begin another edit.

After editing, the subdivision object can be converted to a generic solid or NURBS object; see Converting to generic solids and Converting to NURBS.

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Subdivision modeling

Transforming a subdivision model

Smoothing or sharpening a subdivision model

Extruding faces and open edges of a subdivision model

Splitting a subdivision model

Making a hole in a subdivision model

Bridging open edges of a subdivision model

Closing a hole in a subdivision model

Adding an edge to a subdivision model

Removing an edge from a subdivision model

Mirror modeling a subdivision object

 

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