Modeler

Bottom Edge MenuInfo DisplayJust above the grid display in the lower left-handcorner of Modeler is the Information Display. Mostof the time this gives you feedback on the positionof your mouse. However, depending on what youare doing, it can also display a variety of otherinformation.Below are a few examples of what might be displayedwith various tools:Chapter 2: Introduction to Modeling 57Modes: Action Center ControlThe Rotate and Stretch tools (i.e., Rotate, Size, Stretch, Twist,Taper1, Taper2, Vortex, Pole1, and Pole2) can use differentcenters. This Action Center (Located at the bottom of Modeler’sInterface) state is set on the Mode pop-up menu.Mouse (Shift F5) means to use the mouse position.Origin (Shift F6) means to use the very center of the universe:XYZ 0, 0, 0.Grid Info FieldA grid of squares — cleverly known as the grid — isvisible in any of the orthogonal views, as well asthe Perspective view. The grid serves as a visualreference when you move items around, but it willnever render in a final image. The grid lines aredarker every tenth square for visual reference. TheOrigin is located at the center of the grid.Pivot (Shift F7) uses the first active layer’s pivot point.Selection (Shift F8) uses the center of a bounding box aroundwhat is currently selected.Numeric Panel(default keyboard shortcut N)The Numeric Panel is a multi-functional non-modal window. Itscontents and abilities change depending on what tool is selected.When you create primitives, it lets you refine graphically setvalues. When you use modifying tools, it lets you change varioussettings that affect how the tool performs. The Numeric Panel islocated at the bottom of Modeler’s Interface, or by just pressingthe N key. It may be left open continuously.You can find the current size of the grid squares in theGrid Information field at the very lower-left cornerof the screen. Set the Unit System, Default Unit, andother options pertaining to the Grid in the DisplayOptions Window.Use the Actions pop-up menu to Reset the fields to theirdefault settings or to Activate the tool. (You can also press theN key to activate the tool.) Generally, activating a tool turns onits interactive handles, if any, in the viewports. This can be forprimitive shape, influence range, and so on. It will also activatethe numeric fields, if they are ghosted.NOTE: You can also reset to defaults by clickinga reset area when a tool is selected, but notactivated.