Parametric Objects

1. Creating Primatives

Primatives are created using the menu.

Click on Box and then click and drag in the perspective window to get the base of the box. Click a second time and drag to get the height of the box. All the primitives work in a similar way. Don't worry about the colour of the object for now.

Try constructing several of the standard primitives at this time. They can be deleted by selecting them with the tool and then hitting the delete key.

Notice that the dimensions of the box can be changed by using the parameters menu

2. Moving Objects

This must be selected.

Notice the x,y,and z axis. This can be clicked on and dragged to move the object in that dimension.

Even the corner can be clicked on to move the object in two dimensions at once

Using the top,left and front views to move your object can also be very useful

Practice: Create 4 spheres and pile them up as shown

and and

3. Rotating Objects

Delete the 4 spheres and draw a cone

Select this button

Now place the mouse over the x,y or z line, hold the mouse button down and then push up. That’s right up.

You should be able to get something like this

to happen.

4. Colouring Objects

Its simple. Click on the object and then click on

Clicking on the coloured square will allow you to change the colour.

5. Zooming the View

Check out that mouse wheel

6. Panning the View

Hold the Alt Key down, Hold the Mouse wheel down and now move the mouse to pan around the objects. Very useful for seeing the object from all angles

and now panning around

it is also possible to move the view over.

This time only hold the mouse wheel down as you move the mouse

see everything moved to the left J

7. Naming the Objects

Its is very useful to rename objects with a descriptive name. Especially when you get lots of objects on the screen

8. Drilling holes in Objects. (Boolean)

Delete everything and place a box as shown

Now create a cylinder and rotate it as shown

Notice that the cylinder goes all the way through the box

Select the box and then choose Compound Objects-Boolean

Choose

and then click on the cylinder and voila

Well I think we are ready for our first assignment. Building a Snow fort.