8

ManualsBrandsAutodesk ManualsApplications3ds Max

501

502

503

504

505

506

507

508

509

510

Using the Modifier Stack 487

Note:

Some modifiers c an be applied only to

certain types of objects.

Modifier Sub-Object Levels

In addition to its own set of parameters, a modifier

typically has one or more sub-object levels that

you access through the

modifier stack (page

1–487)

. The most common of these are a gizmo

and a center.

Gizmo—Displaysinviewportsasawireframethat

initially surrounds the selected object. A gi zmo

acts like a mechanical apparatus that transfers its

modification to the object it’s attached to. To alter

the effect of the mo difier on the object, you can

move,scale,androtatethegizmoasyouwould

any object.

Center—The center is the mo difier’s

pivot point

(page 3–1089)

.Youcanmoveamodifier’scenter,

which alters the effect of the modifier on the object.

Parametric Deformations and Other Mo difie r

Types

One set of object-space modifiers is known as

parametric deformations

(“parametric deforms”

on the Modifiers menu).

Twist (page 1–865)

and

Bend (page 1–541)

are examples. Parametric

deformations a lter the selec tion passed to them

without explicitly depending on topology.

Many other types of modifiers, however, p erform

operations on the explicit topology of sub-object

selections. The Edit modifiers and Select modifiers

are examples. When a topology-dependent

modifier is present on the stack, you c an adversely

affect its results if you visit previous stack

operations and change the number or order of

sub-objects (such as faces or vertices) in the

selection. If you try to do this, a warning alerts

you to the situation.

You can safely edit the stack beneath the

topology-dependent modifier, as long as you do

not add or remove sub-objects from the selection

on which it operates.

Usi ng t he Modi fi er Sta ck

The modifier stack and its editing dialog are the

keys to managing all aspects of modification. You

use these tools to:

• Find a particular mo difier and adjust its

parameters.

• View and manipulate the sequence of modifiers.

• Copy, cut, and paste modifiers b etween objects,

or sets of objects.

• Deactivate the effect of a modifier in the stack,

the viewport display, or both.

• Select a modifier’s components, such as gizmo

or center.

• Delete modifiers.