9

Creating an Object 157
longer need access to its creation parameters. For
example, you can convert any standard primitive
to an editable mesh (page 1–996) , editable poly
(page 1–1022), editable patch (page 1–968),or
NURBS (page 1–1091) object, and you can convert
a spline shape to an editable mesh, editable spline
(page 1–289),orNURBSobject.Theeasiestway
to collapse an object is to select it, right-click it,
and choose a "Convert to" option from the quad
menu > Transform quadrant. This lets you use
explicit editing methods with the object, such as
transforming vertices. You can also use the Modify
panel to collapse a primitive.
Ma pping Coordi nates
MostGeometryobjectshaveanoptionfor
generat ing mapping coordinates. Objects need
these mapping coordinates if you plan to apply
a mapped material to them. Mapped materials
include a wide range of rendered effects, from
2D bitmaps to reflections and refractions. See
Mapping Coordinates (page 2–1405) and Using
Maps to Enhance a Material (page 2–1403).If
mapping coordinates have already been applied to
an object, the check box for this feature is turned
on.
Cr e at in g a n O b je ct
With s ome vari ations, the steps shown in the
following images apply to creating any type of
object on the Create panel. For specific examples,
see the Procedures sec tion in any object’s topic.
1. Radius defined
2. H eight defined
3. Sides increased
4. Height Segments increased
To choose an obj ect categor y:
1.
Click the Create tab to view the Create
panel.
2. Click one of the buttons at the top of the Create
panel. For example, G eometry.
3. Choose the subcategory Standard Primitives
from the list.
A number of buttons appear on the Object
Type rollout.