max user -> few questions about XSI

[EdHarriss]

1. Yes, there are multiple ways. Raycast selection and Paint selection. Try these selection modes out. They are under Select>Tools.

2. To see spotlight cones, select the light and press the B key or choose View>Cones.

3. The manipulators in XSI are different from the ones in Max/Maya. Select and object and press the B key. The "bounding box" manipulator will appear. Click on the sides to move it, edges to roatate it and the corners to scale it. Combine this with the shift and ctrl keys to change the way the manipulators work.

In addition to these "box manipulators" the next version of XSI (3.5) will include manipulators like in Max/Maya. This version is due out very soon. So if you don't like the current "box manipulators", you won't have long to wait.

[cgbinho]

thanks a lot EdHarris!!!

[visualboo]

3. i wish i could have the transform,rot,scale gizmo to be clickeable, like in max or maya...... i'm asking too much here isn't??wel.. is that possible? via script or something that exists?
I had the same feeling coming from max. But after a while you get used to it and it really is a fast way to work. You'll get used to it I promise.

Just remember:
xyz = lmb mmb rmb
or
RGB = lmb mmb rmb

Just a couple ways to associate them ;)

[cgbinho]

yeah, I still take like 2 seconds before clicking anything lol

but my mouse is kinda bizarre because i have 2 scroll wheels and the middle button is on the side...

BTW visualboo, i use a lot one script from the "visualboogrovingscrpits" that you made... that "usuals"!! :D

[JDex]

I reccomend getting a second mouse if you're going to use XSI... the scroll wheel just gets in the way. I switch between my MS Intellimouse Optical USB (that I use for everything) and my good old Memorex Standard 3-button PS2 mouse (XSI only). The Memorex Mouse was $4.99 with a $4.99 rebate... cost me tax, stamp, envelope and patience. Took about a week to get used to it...

Welcome to the world of SI|XSI

[vmpre]

Originally posted by cgbinho
1. there's any "backface ignore" function like in max, to avoid clicking edges, vertexes, polys, from the back of the model while modelling??

XSI 3.0.1

File>User Preferences>Interaction: Raycast Select Include Backfacing Polygons

There is another setting in there too if you are using rectangle selections.

This, I think, should help your problem.

Vmpre

[cgbinho]

JDex:
i'll have to look around my "old pc parts box" to find an 3 button mouse...

vmpre:
i like the way raycasting selections works... i bet it saves 3 times the life of a mouse :D

:lightbulb and i got another question...
there's any way of cutting edges with the " \ " and rotate the view without having to select the tool again? something that detects the user using the cut tool, and then when you rotate the view, he gets back to cut tool... i think i read one debat over this question here on cgtalk a while ago...

BTW that RCTOOLS is a hell of a good script for max users using XSI :D

[Per-Anders]

how can i change the zoom/dolly functionality to not be constant, but be related to the motion of the mouse? (ideally i'd like to set up behaviour like maya's for viewport navigation.... is that possible?)

[vmpre]

Originally posted by cgbinho
there's any way of cutting edges with the " \ " and rotate the view without having to select the tool again? something that detects the user using the cut tool, and then when you rotate the view, he gets back to cut tool... i think i read one debat over this question here on cgtalk a while ago...

Sticky Keys is what you might be looking for.

Tap the \ key to turn on that tool. Then Hold down the S key to navigate your view. When you let up on the S key, XSI will revert back to the previous tool. In your case that would be the \ key.

The sticky key workflow is on for every tool including transform tools.

how can i change the zoom/dolly functionality to not be constant, but be related to the motion of the mouse? (ideally i'd like to set up behaviour like maya's for viewport navigation.... is that possible?)

Use the S key in all viewports instead of the Z key. So you drag you mouse and you control the amount of Dolly/Zoom. Also in the Transform Menu>Tool Options>Camera Tab: Use Alternate Mouse Mapping. Checking this option will make the S key work just like the Maya 4.5 ALT navigation tool.

HTH
Vmpre

[cgbinho]

vmpre: thanks again!! that's what i was looking for :)

i'm thinking about another one.. like this sticky key, but a function to repeat the last command you used.. like extrude with a given value, and then shortcut and repeat the extrude again..

i looked in the help file but found nothing about it :hmm:

[Per-Anders]

thanks vmpre :) now i just need to spend a lot of time getting to know the modelling tools in here.

[vmpre]

Originally posted by cgbinho
vmpre: thanks again!! that's what i was looking for :)

i'm thinking about another one.. like this sticky key, but a function to repeat the last command you used.. like extrude with a given value, and then shortcut and repeat the extrude again..

i looked in the help file but found nothing about it :hmm:

Unfortunately in 3.0 there is not a repeat last command function. You can invoke the same tool by using the script listener at the bottom left of the interface. But it is not as good.

The bright side is v3.5 (which is out in June) will have a repeat last command option and for the MAX and MAYA users, XSI will now have manipulators similiar to those packages for transforms. But I have to tell you. I have gotten so use to it in XSI that when I use MAX it feels a little clunky.

mdme_sadie and cgbinho, you are both welcome.

Enjoy, its a lot of fun!

Vmpre

[wmendez]

Originally posted by visualboo
I had the same feeling coming from max. But after a while you get used to it and it really is a fast way to work. You'll get used to it I promise.

Just remember:
xyz = lmb mmb rmb
or
RGB = lmb mmb rmb

Just a couple ways to associate them ;)

As Ed Mentioned 3.5 now has this feature built in. I don't see my self going back to using SRT the old way anymore.

[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.