Absolute Scaling Command

#1

I have a head mesh set up for SSS skin tests in 401. The tests are going well and I assumed I had scaled the model to real-world size (roughly 300mm long for an average human head) I say assumed because the SSS settings are working out nicely for the scene. The thing is when I had originally scaled the head upon import I just used the grid as a guide with each grid unit at 50mm. I’ve only just realised that the rather handy ‘Absolute scaling’ command exists. However, when I ran the model through it, the resulting dimension was 10.7 metres.

Does anyone know what’s going on? With the model at 10.7m this seems perfect in relation to the size of the default camera, and certainly is in keeping with the SSS measurements. Scaling the model to 300mm obviously won’t do as it’s way too small.
Surely the lighting(area lights) and SSS settings shouldn’t function correctly if the scene scale is wrong. But strangely this isn’t the case…

Any advice? Cheers.

P.S: This is only my second day using Modo as 3D max + MR/Vray is my app of choice. I have to say Modo’s renderer is an absolute dream to work with in terms of setting up Skin shader renders. The learning curve and instant real-time feedback is simply incredible.

#2

As you mentionned, 10.7m is way too big for your human head. Dont base your scale on the size of the camera ( you can change it in it’s Display tab ).

The Scale absolute is better used when you need to snap the scaling according to a reference in your scene. To do what you want, I would just use the normal scale ( r key ) combined with the Dimention Tool ( view menu ). Make sure you set your units as you want in the system/preference/accuracy and units.

Hope this helps,

Welcome to Modo!

P.S: I am doing the opposite: Modo is my greatest love, but I am learning 3dsMax.

#3

Cheers, I just found the real-time dimension tool last night. :slight_smile: I learned the hard way that scaling Items/elements and then expecting the pivot centre to be where you think it should be as a long term Max-centric user can be a little confusing!!

Best of luck with Max. It’s pretty clunky these days and you’re really going to miss that preview renderer. :slight_smile:

#4

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