9

Optimize Modifier 749
readout gives you exact feedback on the reduction
as you ma ke each change.
Optimize simplifies a smooth model with a high number of
faces without greatly changing the model’s a pp earance.
Tip: Because Optimize makes decisions based on
angles between faces, it’s sometimes best to apply
it to selected face sub-objects rather than to an
entire object. Avoid applying Optimize to areas
where you want to preserve geometric detail.
Applying Optimize
When you first apply Optimize, you might not
seeanychangeintheviewports.AdjusttheFace
Threshold setting to obtain the best optimization.
IntheLastOptimizeStatusgroup,youcanseehow
the object or faces were optimized. Watch these
values while you adjust the Optimize p arameters,
until you have the b est p ossible result.
S ettin g Lev el of Deta il
Optimize lets you maintain two levels of
optimization detail. You might set a lower
optimization level, with fewer faces, to speed up
your viewport work, and a hig her level for final
output in the renderer. However, you can render at
either level. You can also switch to the higher level
in a viewpor t to get an idea of what the rendered
image will look like.
Procedures
To optimize manually:
1.
Set up two viewports: one wireframe, one
smooth shaded.
2. Select an object and apply the Optimize
modifier.
The Parameters rollout for this modifier
appears.
3. Turn off Manual Update and then adjust the
Face Thresh value. Observe the result in the
view por ts.
You can also choose to view the results of the
Optimize operation manually by leaving the
Manual Update check box turned on and
clickingtheUpdatebuttoneverytimeyouwish
to view a result.
4. In the Parameters rollout > Last Optimize
Status group, notice the Before/After count for
ver tices and faces.
5. In the Optimize g roup, vary parameters to
continue reducing geometry.
Comparetheresultinthetwoviewportsagainst
the B efore/After count.
To set the level of detail:
1.
In the Parameters rollout > Level of Detail
group, choose Viewpor ts L1.
2. Adjust parameters in the Optimize and
Preserve groups.
This sets the L1 level of optimization for both
the viewport and t he renderer.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for Viewports L2, adjusting
parameters for a different optimization.
To use l evel of deta il:
Switch between L1 and L2 for either Viewports
or Renderer.