MAYA question on using curve tool to create subdivisions on mesh

Interested in integrating your 3D work with the real world? This might help

# 1 06-10-2013 , 02:03 AM

Registered User
Join Date: May 2009

Posts: 7

MAYA question on using curve tool to create subdivisions on mesh

I learned this technique way back like 2-3 years ago. But due to national service,i've little room to practise and the technique was forgotten altogether.I only roughly remember the process.

You use the curve tool(ep i think under dynamics dropbox) to create your desired pattern(let's say a strand of hair).
You create a plane(can't remember whether it was a surface or polygon) and snap the edge? to the tip of the curve.
You then add subdivisions by increasing the number of subdivisions under the properties bar.The mesh would then follow the curve.The more subdivisions there are,the more it would become congruent with the curve.

Quote

# 2 06-10-2013 , 02:10 AM

Bored but busy
Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: Cleveland

Posts: 76

Wow, just wow.

Quote

# 3 06-10-2013 , 10:02 AM

Registered User
Join Date: May 2009

Posts: 7

Any idea anyone?

Quote

# 4 06-10-2013 , 12:41 PM

Super Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2006

Location: South FL

Posts: 3,522

You're thinking of a poly extrude. Select a face/edge and a curve, Edit Mesh>extrude and use the history of the extrude operation to control the number of divisions.

- Genny
__________________
::|| My CG Blog ||::
::|| My Maya FAQ ||::

Quote

# 5 07-10-2013 , 01:20 AM

Registered User
Join Date: May 2009

Posts: 7

THANK YOU!

I've been searching for an answer for days....

Last edited by ctfan; 07-10-2013 at 01:31 AM.

Quote

# 6 07-10-2013 , 01:51 AM

Registered User
Join Date: May 2009

Posts: 7

sorry final questions...

1.The maximum divisions i could add was 25. Is there a way for me to increase it to say 100?

2. How do i separate the curve from the mesh once done(as in deleting)...
I went to my outliner and tried to MMB the thing away but it kept becoming a sub category of wherever i was dropping it near.

Thanks again,
CT

Quote

# 7 07-10-2013 , 02:01 AM

Bored but busy
Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: Cleveland

Posts: 76

Delete history on new object. Save the curve on a layer for future use if needed

Quote

# 8 07-10-2013 , 04:33 AM

Super Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2006

Location: South FL

Posts: 3,522

1. Yes, just type in 100, the MMB drag maximum is soft capped.

- Genny
__________________
::|| My CG Blog ||::
::|| My Maya FAQ ||::

Quote

# 9 08-10-2013 , 12:34 AM

Registered User
Join Date: May 2009

Posts: 7

thanks alot guys=)

also regarding saving curve for future use:i understand that the mesh is co-joined with the curve as that be how it is formed. so i can't totally separate it from the mesh as in to delete it off and can only hide it?

Last edited by ctfan; 08-10-2013 at 12:43 AM.

Quote