Article Number: 108 | VC6 | VC5 | VC4 | VC3 | VCPS | Post Date: February 16, 2023 | Updated: February 16, 2023
How do I modify my 3D object’s geometry using vertices?
Non-primitive geometries
To modify the object’s geometry, first left-click to select the object (make sure the object isn’t frozen). Next, use the object selection type dropdown menu and select vertices. In the figure below, you can see the other options available in the object selection type dropdown menu.
Use left-click to select a single vertex or ctrl+left-click to select multiple vertices. You can also use the lasso tool to select multiple vertices. Note that you can subtract from the selection with alt+left-click. This option also works with the lasso tool. Remember, when using the lasso tool, you can continue to left-click to fine-tune your selection. Once you are satisfied with what you selected, right-click to terminate the lasso tool. Once you have vertices selected, you can move them as needed.
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To achieve a tapered effect, use Proportional Editing. To use Proportional Editing, first left-click on the icon to enable it. Next, select the vertex or vertices to be modified. When you left-click and hold to move the selected vertices, you’ll see red sphere appear. The sphere’s radius can be adjusted using your mouse’s scroll wheel, or by using the “radius” slider in the proportional editing menu. Any vertex that is directly selected will move as you move your mouse. Any other vertex that falls within the sphere, but is not directly selected, will also move, but the amount it will move diminishes depending on its distance from the directly selected vertices. Note, you can also use Proportional Editing on polygon faces.
Primitive geometries
If you created a 3D primitive shape (sphere, box, cylinder, cone, or ellipsoid from Create > Standard Primitives 3D), and you wish to modify the vertices. You will first need to go the “convert” menu under “tools”. With your primitive shape selected, left-click on “to mesh”.
Once the object is converted to a mesh, you can go to the object selection type dropdown menu and select vertices.
This technique was used to create the street lamps in the scene show below:
When manipulating vertices or faces, you may find it easier to use the translation control grips that appear when you select one of the “Restrict To” modes (see https://www.vcrashusa.com/blog/2022/10/25/four-essential-features-you-need-to-know).
Tags: Vertices, vertex, changing vertices, manipulating vertices
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