Modeler

62Create TabLightWave 10 - ModelerNumeric PanelsThe tools on the Create Tab allow you to make geometry. A widerange of tools is provided, including pre-made basic shapesknown as primitives, drawing tools to create lines, curves andpolygons, text, metaballs, and point creation tools that let youmake points one at a time where you want them, or in groups ata time.PrimitivesTools and the Mouse ButtonsFor most tools there is also a Numeric panel available, whichprovides for precision when you need it, and which many find aquick and convenient way to control the various characteristics ofthe object they are creating. The contents of the numeric dialogwill change as you select different tools. You may find it handy tojust leave the numeric dialog open.For example with the Box tool, the numeric panel offers twodifferent ways to adjust the shape of your box, the Size andRange modes. Other options allow you to round off the edges ofthe box (Radius and Axis) or to make the edges sharp or smooththem (Sharp Edge).As will be shown in the examples for the primitive tools below, theLMB allows you to activate a tool by clicking on it, interactivelyadjust the geometry, and finally make the geometry by clickingagain on the tool to drop it and complete the operation. Most(interactive) tools that create geometry (Box, Ball, Capsule, etc.)use the RMB to complete one operation with the tool — makingnew geometry, if applicable — and then begin a new operationwith it, essentially dropping the tool and then reactivating it in asingle step.Creating in PerspectiveYou can create primitives in a perspective viewport in a similarway to how you would do it in a 2D viewport. You will seehighlighted control points at the corners, sides, and center. Youwill also notice that you can see (fainter) hidden sides and controlpoints. You can also drag any of the control points. Dragginga side control point will move the corresponding side along itsperpendicular axis.Using the cursor KeysThe cursor keys let you quickly adjust settings for most primitives.For the Box tool, for example, they work as follows:Right/Left cursorIncr./decr. Horizontal Segments*Up/Down cursorIncr./decr. Vertical Segments**based on viewport beneath mouse pointerNOTE: Remember, you can rotate your view byholding the Alt key as you drag.Make UVs OptionThe Make UVs option at the bottom of the various primitiveNumeric Panels assigns some default UVs based on thegeometry of the object. Note that a UV Texture Map must becurrently selected or this option will be ghosted.