Autodesk Maya Lessons

Autodesk Maya

Introduction to 3D modeling.

Lists of toolbars

• Shelfs

• Tool Box

• Status Line

​Important Toolbars

​Basic Camera Control

• ALT + Left click

• ALT + Middle click

• ALT + Right click/Scroll wheel

​Camera control is done by utilizing the keyboard and mouse

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• ALT + Left click

  Rotates around selected objects

• ALT + Middle click

  Pans the camera positions

• ALT + Right click/Scroll wheel

  Zooms in and out

​Changing values in either will alter the shape or position of the object, depending on which tab you have open.

​Attribute Editor

​Note:

​(hightlight blue)

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​Attribute Editor

​(hightlight blue)

​Placing & Modifying Shapes/Objects

• Step 1: Locate the Shelf Menu

• Step 2: Select the Polygons Tab

• Step 3: Find the Cube Icon

• Step 4: Create a Cube

• Step 5: Modify the Cube

REMEBER - If you don't see the Polygons tab in the Shelf, you can enable it:

• Go to Display > UI Elements > Shelf to ensure the Shelf is visible.

• Right-click on the tabs in the Shelf and check Polygons to enable it.

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Edge, Vector, and Face tools

• In Autodesk Maya, Edge, Vertex, and Face selectors are essential tools used in component mode for working with the individual parts of a 3D mesh. These tools allow precise modeling, enabling you to reshape, refine, and edit geometry effectively.

What Is an Edge?

• An edge is the line segment connecting two vertices on a polygonal mesh.

• Edges define the shape and structure of your 3D model.

Using the Edge Selector:

• Activate Edge Mode:

  • Right-click on the object and select Edge from the marking menu.

  • Alternatively, press F10 to enter Edge selection mode.

• Selection:

  • Click on an edge to select it.

  • Shift+Click to add multiple edges to the selection.

• Edge Loops:

  • Double-click an edge to select an entire loop (a continuous ring of connected edges).

• Editing:

  • Move, rotate, or scale edges to modify the mesh shape.

​Edge Selector

What Is a Vertex?

• A vertex is a point in 3D space where edges meet.

• Vertices are the building blocks of a polygonal mesh.

Using the Vertex Selector:

• Activate Vertex Mode:

  • Right-click on the object and select Vertex from the marking menu.

  • Alternatively, press F9 to enter Vertex selection mode.

• Selection:

  • Click on a vertex to select it.

  • Shift+Click to select multiple vertices.

• Editing:

  • Move vertices to adjust the mesh's shape.

  • Snap vertices to align them or merge overlapping points.

​Vertex Selector

What Is a Face?

• A face is the flat surface bounded by edges in a polygonal mesh.

• Faces form the visible surface of 3D objects.

Using the Face Selector:

• Activate Face Mode:

  • Right-click on the object and select Face from the marking menu.

  • Alternatively, press F11 to enter Face selection mode.

• Selection:

  • Click on a face to select it.

  • Shift+Click to select multiple faces.

  • Drag a selection box over an area to select multiple faces.

• Editing:

  • Extrude faces to add volume to the mesh.

  • Delete unwanted faces.

Face Selector

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Edge, Vector, and Face tools

Tips for Using Edge, Vertex, and Face Selectors

1. Switch Between Modes:

   • Quickly switch between component modes using the right-click marking menu.

2. Soft Selection:

   • Enable Soft Selection to affect surrounding components for smoother edits.

     • Shortcut: Press B to toggle Soft Selection on/off.

3. Snap Tools:

   • Use snap tools (e.g., to grid, vertex, or edge) for precise alignment.

4. Symmetry:

   • Enable symmetry to ensure changes are mirrored across an axis.

Extrude/Extrusion

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Extrude/Smart Extrude

What is Extrusion?

• Extrusion is the process of extending geometry from an existing surface to create new shapes.

• It's commonly used for modeling walls, pipes, handles, or intricate designs.

• Where Can It Be Applied?

  • Faces: Extend a surface outward or inward.

  • Edges: Create strips or additional geometry.

  • Curves: Generate 3D objects like tubes or paths.

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Extruding:

• In Face Mode, click on the face(s) you want to extrude.

• Use Shift+Click to select multiple faces.

• Activate Extrude Tool:

  • Go to Edit Mesh > Extrude.

  • Alternatively, use the shortcut Ctrl+E.

• Adjust Extrusion:

  • After activating the tool, you'll see a manipulator handle.

    • Drag the blue arrow to extrude the face outward or inward.

    • Use the scale handles to adjust the size of the extrusion.

    • Rotate or reposition the extrusion if needed.

• Finalize the Shape:

  • Once satisfied, press Enter or click away to finalize the extrusion.

Extruding:

• In Face Mode, click on the face(s) you want to extrude.

• Use Shift+Click to select multiple faces.

• Activate Extrude Tool:

  • Go to Edit Mesh > Extrude.

  • Alternatively, use the shortcut Ctrl+E.

• Adjust Extrusion:

  • After activating the tool, you'll see a manipulator handle.

    • Drag the blue arrow to extrude the face outward or inward.

    • Use the scale handles to adjust the size of the extrusion.

    • Rotate or reposition the extrusion if needed.

• Finalize the Shape:

  • Once satisfied, press Enter or click away to finalize the extrusion.

Multi-Cut Tool

How to Access the Multi-Cut Tool

1. From the main menu bar:

   • Modeling Toolkit > Multi-Cut Tool.

2. From the Edit Mesh menu:

   • Go to Mesh Tools > Multi-Cut.

3. Shortcut:

   • Shift + Right-Click in the viewport and select Multi-Cut Tool from the marking menu.

Multi-Cut Tool

​How to Use the Multi-Cut Tool

1. Adding Edges

• Activate the Multi-Cut Tool.

• Click on an edge or face to place the starting point of the cut.

• Move the cursor and click again to place the endpoint, creating a new edge.

2. Snapping

• Hold Ctrl to snap the cut to edge divisions (e.g., 25%, 50%, 75%).

3. Adding Edge Loops

• Hold Shift and move the cursor over an edge to preview an edge loop.

• Click to confirm the placement of the edge loop.

4. Cutting Across Multiple Faces

• Click and drag from one side of the mesh to the other.

• This creates cuts that span across all intersecting faces.

5. Adjusting Existing Geometry

• Use the tool to refine edge flow or adjust topology by adding new cuts selectively.

Multi-Cut Tool

Shortcuts and Tips for the Multi-Cut Tool

1. Toggle Cut Modes:

   • While cutting, press Ctrl to switch to snapping mode and Shift for edge loop preview.

2. Precision Cuts:

   • Hold Shift for clean edge loops and Ctrl for snapping cuts to specific percentages.

3. Undo Cuts:

   • If a cut isn’t satisfactory, press Ctrl+Z to undo.

4. Use with Wireframe Mode:

   • Press 4 to see the wireframe clearly when making cuts.