8

Fixing Boolean Problems 979
Granted, this can be a long process, but it’s well
worthitifyoucansalvageamajorityofthemodel.
Remember Backup Files
By default, the 3ds Max automatic backup feature
is turned on. It is set to store three backup files that
are saved ever y five minutes. The files are stored in
the
\Program Files\Autodesk\3dsmax8\autoback
folder. Using backup files is especially good if your
file became corrupt due to a system crash or power
outage.
1. Start 3ds Max and verify that you cannot load
the scene.
2. Open Windows Explorer and browse to the
\Program Files\Autodesk\3dsmax8\autoback
folder.
3. Start by selecting autobak1.max and make a
copy of it.
4. Browse to the \Program Files\Autodesk\
3dsmax8\scenes
folder and paste the file.
If you want, you can rename it.
5. In 3ds Max, choose File > Open and try loading
thefileyoujustcopiedfromthe
\autoback
folder.
If it opens, save the scene and rebuild what you
lostinthelastfiveminutes.
You can adjust the Auto Backup settings, located
on the
File Preferences (page 3–870) tab of
the Preferences Settings dialog found on the
Customize menu.
Fix in g Bool ean Pr obl ems
Boolean operations are a powerful addition
to your modeling toolbox; however, they can
sometimes give strange or unexpected results. The
Boolean button is found on the Create panel in
the Compound Objects list; it al lows you to join,
subtract, i ntersect, and cut objects. Following is a
list of problem scenarios and steps you can follow
to fix them.
Tip: Before performing a Boolean operation, you
should save your scene or use Edit > Hold. That
way, you can quickly recover should anything not
appear as expected.
Probl ems a nd Resolut ions
Boolean Objec ts Disappear
If you mistakenly per form an Intersection Boolean
operation on two objects that look like they
intersect, but actually don’t, you can end up in a
situation w here the object completely disappears.
IntheOperandsgroup,youseebothyourobjects
listed but nothing on-screen.
1. Click the Undo button to retrac t the Op erand B
selection.
2. Right-click to exit the Bo olean operation.
3. Veri fy that the objects intersect by checking
them in two viewports, like the Top and Left.
4. Click Boolean to turn on the operation, a nd
click Pick Operand B.
5. Click the intersecting ob ject.
Creases or Ridges Show in Boolean Objects
CreasesorridgesmightbecausedbyaBoolean
operation between an object that has very few faces
and an object that has considerably more faces, for
example, when you subtract a complex freeform
object from a simple bo x.
3ds Max tessellates the surface of the box so
there are additional faces for the subtraction.
Unfortunately, the faces are usually generated as
long, slivered faces that sometimes overlap and
formcreasesorridgesintheresultingscene,when
rendered.
Before attempting the Boolean operation, try these
steps.
1. Selecttheobjectthathasthelowerfacecount.