9

Fixing Boolean Problems 885
6.
After e verything is merged, save the scene and
rebuild the object that was corrupt.
Granted, this can be a long process, but it’s well
worth it if you can salvage most of your previous
work.
Remember Backup Files
By default, the 3ds Max automatic backup (page
3–820) featureisactive,andwritesabackupfile
every five minutes while you’re editing the scene
for a total of three files. The files are stored in the
\autoback folder.Bydefault,thisfolderisstoredin
\My Documents\3dsmax\.Usingbackupfilesis
especiallyhelpfulifyourfilebecamecorruptdue
to a system crash or power outage.
1. Start 3ds Max and verify that you cannot load
the scene.
2. Open Windows Explorer and browse to the
\autoback folder .
3. Start by highlighting AutoBackup01.max and
then copy the file (Edit > Copy or
Ctrl+C ).
4. Browse to the \scenes folder, found in \My
Documents\3dsmax\ or in the program install
folder, and paste the file.
If you want, you can rename it.
5. In 3ds Max, choose File > Open and try loading
thefileyoujustcopiedfromthe\autoback
folder .
If it opens, save the scene and rebuild what you
lostinthelastfiveminutes.
If you’d like to adjust the Auto Backup settings,
you ’ll find them on the Files panel (page 3–819)
of the Preference Settings dialog, available via the
Preferences command on the Customize menu.
Fix in g B ool ean Pr oblems
Boolean operations are a powerful addition
to your modeling toolbox; however , they can
sometimes give strange or unexpected results. The
BooleanbuttonisfoundontheCreatepanelin
the Compound Objects list; it allows you to join,
subtract,intersect,andcutobjects.Followingisa
list of problem scenar ios and s teps you can follow
to fix them.
Tip: The ProBoolean compound object (page 1–378)
represents a significant improvement over the
legacy Bo olean compound object in a number of
ways. In most cases, it’s hig hly recommended that
you use ProBoolean rather than Boolean.
Tip: Before performing a Boolean operation, you
should save your scene or use Edit > Hold. That
way, you can quickly recover should anything not
appear as expected.
Probl ems a nd R esoluti ons
Boolean Objec ts Disappear
If you mistakenly perform an Intersection B o olean
operation on two objects that look like they
intersect, but actua lly don’t, you can end up in a
situation where the object completely disappears.
IntheOperandsgroup,youseebothyourobjects
listed but nothing on-screen.
1. Click the Undo button to retract the Operand B
selection.
2. Right-click to exit the Boolean operation.
3. Verify that the objects intersect by checking
them in two viewports, like the Top and Left.
4. Click B oolean to tu rn on the operation, a nd
click Pick Operand B.
5. Click the intersecting object.
Creases or Ridges Show in Boolean Objects
CreasesorridgesmightbecausedbyaBoolean
operation between an object that has very few faces
and an object that has considerably more faces, for
example, when you subtract a complex freeform
object from a simple box.