Background Image problems

[erilaz]

The lowres problem should be a quick fix. Just go to your viewport properties and change the image resolution to a higher value (Under Customize/Preferences/Viewports/Configure Driver).

I've never liked using the background image tool in max. Too many issues with getting it to work right. Generally I find it easier to set up your reference images mapped to planes.

[dew_back]

Hi!

From what I can figure out, the first thing you should do is make sure the two pictures are to the same scale AND SMAE RELATIVE POSITION (ie. nose, eyes, mouth are at the same horizontal postion in the bitmap) in PS, PSP, etc. Then, as soon as you start MAX, set your background with "Match Bitmap" and "Lock Pan Zoom." Be sure to do this BEFORE panning/zooming/rotating/etc. Sometimes, however, the program does go wonko and places the bitmap in odd locations, with odd cropping. Sorry, can't help you there.

As far as resolution, follow what erilaz said and you should have no problems. I'm very happy now with MAX's viewport background resolution over previous versions.

erilaz: I've been hearing a lot of people suggesting that setup lately (the boxes), and sometimes I like it, however, most of the time I like to work with a wireframe while using the ref picture. I know there's a "Shade Selected" option for wireframe viewports, but do you or anyone know of an object specific shading aoption such as "Always Shaded" or some script or any other solution to this?

[dew_back]

Doh! Just figured it out!

I haven't used MAX's layer before, had no real reason to. But...

If you set your reference boxes (with your maps applied) in their own layer, go into the layer properties dialog, hit "Details>>" and select "Shaded" from the dropdown, hit "OK." Next on the layers tab, press the button, "Set Properties ByLayer." Now, no matter what mode your viewport is in, your reference objects are SHADED!

Just for those who don't know, like me:cool:

I didn't know if this really was common knowledge, especially for those who haven't worked with the layers.

[simonalex]

Thanks guys :)

Yeah, I can't figure it out (d_b: the image I was lining up was the same for both viewports). I think I'll just stick to planes in the viewports.

Thanks again. :)

Edit (it's early *yawn*): That's pretty nifty info about the layers, dew_back. I've never played with them much myself, maybe I was too quick passing them off.

[Mahlon]

Yeah, I haven't played with the new layers either, but this will give me a reason too. I've been using planes with uvw maps and a semi-transparent material on my model when I want to see through the model and have a wireframe.

Actually, the semi-transparent thing works great becauase it gives a nice muted effect while your modeling...i.e. you feel like your still working on a solid object whilst you can see through it to the background image. Make sense? Plus planes make everything so neat and tidy...and 3 dimentional.

But I'll have to try playing with layers a bit.

Thanks,
Mahlon Bouldin

[dew_back]

Oops...I meant Planes...yeah.:blush:

Y'all know what I meant.:D

[CGTalk Moderation]

This thread has been automatically closed as it remained inactive for 12 months. If you wish to continue the discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum.