8

Precision and Drawing Aids
3dsMaxprovidestoolsthatgiveyoucontrolover
the positioning and alignment of objects in 3D
space. With these tools, you can do t he following:
• Choose display units from the most common
real-world measuring systems or define your
own.
• Usethehomegridasaconstructionplane,
or use grid objects to position custom
construction planes.
• Select different options to align objects with
grids, points, and normals.
• Use 3D object snaps on a modeless dialog as
you build and move geometry in your scene.
Grid points and lines are among the many snap
options.
• Use "helper objects" in your work. Grid objects
are in this category, along with objects used for
positioning and measurement.
This sec tion presents these brief topics designed to
help you quickly start lear n ing how to use the to ols
that ma ke precision possible:
Tools for Precision (page 2–1)
Using Units (page 2–3)
Using Grids (page 2–4)
Using the Home Grid (page 2–4)
Using Grid Objects (page 2–5)
Aligning Objects (page 2–8)
Aligning Normals (p age 2–10)
Setting Standard Snaps (page 2– 10)
Setting Snap Options (page 2–12)
Measure Distance Tool (page 2–15)
Tools f or Pr ecision
A set of interrelated tools in the program gives
you precise cont rol of the scale, placement,
and m ovement of objects in your scene. These
are especially important tools for those who
build precise models in real-world units of
measurement.
Basic Tools
Thetoolsforprecisionaregroupedasfollows:
Units—Define different measurement systems.
Besides the generic unit, you have your choice of
feet and inches in both decimals and fractions.
Metric units range from millimeters to kilometers.
You can also define other units.
Precision and Drawing Aids