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DustinBrown
05-31-2005, 06:48 PM
I'm coming from a 3dsmax background and I'm wondering how you go about modeling things with mirrored symmetry in LW. In max all I have to do is select the half of the head (or whatever) I'm modeling and hit the symmetry tool. It then gives me the option to make the new half an instance, which is cool because any changes I make one half is automatically updated in realtime to the other half, keeping my symmetry. Or I can use the Mirror modifier which goes one step further and welds the middle for you so that you never are distracted by a crease where the two halves meet.

How can I do this in LW?

Thanks,
Dustin
Ultimatum
05-31-2005, 06:56 PM
There´s a Symmetry button next to Point and Polygon buttons.

The model must be precicely symmetrical and centered before you hit Symmetry.


- U
thx1138
05-31-2005, 06:57 PM
There's couple of ways to do this.
You can always create you object on one side only and when you're done simply mirror it with the mirror tool (shift-v). If the middle/seam points are exactly on your mirror axis, they get merged automatically, so you're not stuck with unwanted edges.
From then on you can enable Symmetry at the bottom of your screen, and everything you change is automatically changed on the other side (of the Y axis only though, but that's kinda the way you want it anyway).
I sometimes switch back and forth between Symmetry and simply doing it on one side and mirroring when I want.
DustinBrown
05-31-2005, 11:06 PM
Wow. Not trying to diss the software that's near and dear to your hear, but that's sort of a pain in the a** compared to what I'm used to in max. Oh well, it is what it is. Thanks for your help, guys. I appreciate it.

- Dustin
Skywatcher
06-01-2005, 09:22 AM
Just use Pmirror. One click and your model is symmetric.http://www.cgtalk.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
yog
06-01-2005, 10:06 AM
In some ways the symetry in LW is easier to set up than in MAX (symetry plane is never initially where I want it), but symetry in LW does have some severe limitations compared to MAX.

Whilst point/poly pushing and most bevelling works fine in LW, some of the more useful functions like cutting in edges, knifing and creating edge loops with the bandsaw tool are not supported in LW's symetry function.
Nemoid
06-01-2005, 12:19 PM
the way i go with lw simmetry for organics is to make a cube with several spans and no central line and then hit F2. it centers the object at the origin. then hit simmetry. no need of instances, and u can have the object without the line at the center wich gives u problems modelling with box modelling method. if i need it, i cut the object in the middel with bandsaw ,
the good thing is also that, since geometry is simmetrycal, Lw doesn't creates faces in the middle whem u bevel mouth or eyes. no major pain in the ass for me at all.
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