9

PathDeform Modifier (World Space) 553
section, this world-space modifier works the same
as the object-space PathDeform modifier (page
1–755).
Pr ocedur es
The first two examples, below, demonstrate
the basic differences in orientation and the
relationship be tween the object and its path
when usi ng the PathDeform modifier a nd the
PathDeform (WSM) modifier.
Exa mple: To use the Pa thDeform modifier to curv e
tex t:
1.
IntheTopviewport,createacirclethat’s100
units in radius.
2. In the Front viewport, create a text shape with
six or seven letters, and a size of 25.
3. Apply an Extrude modifier to the text shape,
and set the Amount to -5.0.
4. On the Main toolbar, set the Reference
Coordinate System to Local.
Looking at the ax is tripod for the extruded text
object, you ca n s ee that its Z axis runs from
back to front relative to world space.
5. Apply a PathDeform (page 1–755) object-space
modifier to the text object. Click the Pick Path
button, and then select the circle.
A circular gizmo appears. The circle runs
through the local Z axis of the text object.
Because of its orientation, its effect is minimal,
but you can see a slig ht wedge-shaped
deformation from the top view.
6. InthePathDeformAxisgroup,choosetheY
option, and then the X option.
Thecirclegizmorotatestorunthroughthe
specified axes, deforming the text object
differentlywitheachchange.
7. Adjust the Percent spinner to view its effect, and
then set it to zero. Try the same with Stretch,
Rotation, and Twist, and t hen restore them to
their original values.
Tip: Use the Ctr l key with Twist to amplify
the effect.
8. Turn on Flip to switch the direction of the pa th,
andthenturnitoff.
9. Go to the Gizmo sub-object level, and move
the gizmo path around.
The text object is f urther deformed by its
relative position to the gizmo .
10. Selecttheoriginalcircleshape,andchangeits
radius.
The deformation of the text object alters
becauseitsgizmoisaninstanceoftheshape
object.
Example: To use the PathDeform world space
modi f i er :
This procedure continues from the previous one.
1. Selec t the text object, and then remove the Path
Deform modifier f rom the stack.
2. Apply a Path Deform (WSM) modifier.
3. Click Pick Path, and select the circle.
Thetextobjectflipsaroundandmovesin
world space. Note that its orientation and
deformation are difficult to analyze because
there’s an offset distance between t he p ath and
the object.
4. Click Move to Path.