8

610 Chapter 8: Modifiers
By default, gizmos are centered on the object.
However, you can transform any of these shapes
and use it directly as a tool to deform the geometr y
of an object.
Modeling Options
Displace is a versatile mo difier with many possible
applications. Here are some options:
• Produce interior modeling effects by sca ling
down the gizmo and moving it inside the
object. The outward force shapes the geometry
from within.
• Animate the modeling process. One result is
a roving, magnetic-like field that pushes and
pulls on a surface.
• Add additional Displace modifiers to an object,
using each one to create a different modeling
effect.
• Collapse a finished model into a plain mesh.
This reduces the object’s complexity and
removes all modifiers, but keeps the mo deled
surface intact.
Pr ocedur es
To displace an object:
1.
Select an object and apply the Displace
modifier.
2. In the Parameters rollout > Map group, select
one of the four gizmo types.
3. In the Displacement group, set values for
Strength and Decay. Vary these settings to see
the effect of the displacement on the object.
Depending on the object and the complexity of
the bitmap, you might need to use dense geometr y
to see the effect clearly. Try a test run and, if
necessary, add tessellation in the areas of greatest
detail.
To apply a bitmap as a displacement map:
1.
In the Parameters rollout > Image group, click
the Bitmap button (wh ich is labeled "None"
until a map has been chosen). Use the file
dialog to choose a bitmap.
2. Adjust the Strength value. Vary the strength
ofthefieldtoseetheeffectofthebitmap
displacing the object’s geometr y.
After you get the image you want from bitmapped
displacement, you can apply an
Optimize modifier
(page 1–741)
to reduce the complexity of the
geometry while retaining the detail.
To model with t he displace modifier:
1.
Apply Displace to the object you want to model.
Choose a gizmo from the Map group.
2. Increase the Strength sett ing until you begin to
seeachangeintheobject.
3. Scale, rotate, and move the gizmo to concentrate
the effect. As you do this, adjust the Strength
and Decay settings to fine-tune the effect.
Interf ace
Displacement group
Strength—When set to 0.0, Displace has no effect.
Values greater than 0.0 displace object geometry
or particles away from the position of the gizmo.
Values less than 0.0 displace geometry toward the
gizmo. Default=0.0.
Decay—Varies the displacement strength with
distance.