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1042 Chapter 14: Character Studio
Position panel
Contains options for positioning objects using a
reference (distribution) object. You can distribute
objects randomly over the surface of a grid or
other object, along a shape, or within the volume
of a box or a sphere. You can choose only one
option f rom the first two group boxes.
Placement Relative to Object group
On Grid/I nside S phere/Inside B ox/On Sur face/On
Shape—
Choose the appropriate item before
selecting the reference object.
• On Grid distributes the scatter objects ove r the
surface of a grid object.
• Inside Box and Inside Sphere distribute the
scatter objects within the volu me of a primitive
box or sphere object, respectively.
• On Surface distributes the scatter objects
over the surface of any renderable object. For
example, you can create a landscape object for
use as a distribution surface by apply ing a Noise
modifier to a patch g rid.
• On Shape distributes the scatter objects along a
shape object: a spline or NURBS curve. If the
shape consists of more than one curve, Sc atter
uses the lowest-numbered curve (typically the
first one added).
Offset—When using On Surface, spe cifies a
consistent distance above the surface (using
surface normals) for distribution. Available only
when On Surface is chosen.
Grid/Box/Sphere/Surface/Shape (None)—Click this
button, and then select an object in the scene to
be used as a reference object. Listed objects are
limited to the chosen category.
Note: With the Grid, Box, and Sphere choices,
you can use only a grid helper object, a primitive
sphere, or a primitive box as a reference object. A
primitive sphere or box that has been con v erted to
a editable mesh object can’t be used as a reference
object. Also, the appropriate radio button (see the
firstiteminthisgroup)mustbechosenbeforeyou
select a reference object.
Placement in Area group
Contains options for positioning scatter objects in
a radial area, without using a reference object.
In R adial Area—Distributes the scatter objects
randomly in a spherical or circular ar rangement,
using the remaining controls in this group b ox.
Cent er—Specifies the center of the distribution in
world coordinates.