Datasheet

54
CHAPTER 3
TUTORIAL: BUILDING A STAIRCASE
PRIM
TORTURE
WORKING
WITH
TINY
PRIMS
BUILDING
BY
THE
NUMBERS
TUTORIAL:
BUILDING A
STAIRCASE
snap one or more prims to the grid along the x- and y-axis using Tools ▶ Snap Object XY to Grid, or
by pressing Shift+X. This can be handy because it works on multiple selected prims, saving you the
trouble of having to snap each one individually to the grid.
For fi ner grid control, you can bring up the Grid Options window (Figure 3.16) by pressing the
Options button in the Edit window, going to Tools
▶ Grid Options, or pressing Ctrl+Shift+B. This
window allows you to set the grid units and the extents for the grid, and brings up a slider that lets
you set the opacity for the grid. You can also get a fi ner level of detail by changing the grid units or
enabling the Sub-Unit Snapping option. The Show Cross Sections option colors the area of the prim
where it intersects the grid, making it easier to judge perspective.
Finally, you can change the characteristics of the grid itself by using the Use Selection for Grid
option in the Tools menu or by pressing Shift+G. This feature will adjust the proportions for the grid
units based on the dimensions and rotation of the currently selected prim.
One of the biggest pains in
the virtual keister is making
stairs. The problem is that
very small errors from one
step to the next eventually
result in a sloppy overall
appearance. Therefore,
“eye-balling” stairs is not
recommended (but give
it a shot so you can see
for yourself!). Instead, you
should use the Grid Options
menu to make perfect
stairs in record time
(Figure 3.17).
1. Make the fi rst
step. Rez a box
and set its size
to X = 1.500, Y
= 0.400, and Z =
0.050. That’s a
fi ne-looking step.
2. Now bring up the Grid Options window and set Grid Units to 0.300 meters. This is a
decent distance from one step to the next.
3. Now you must make sure the fi rst step is aligned to the grid, so pull on the planar drag
handles in all directions until the prim snaps into one of the grid spots.
4. Now Shift-drag the planar drag handles upward, creating a whole new step, and then drag
the step in the Y direction.
5. Now do it again, 10 more times. Ta-da! Perfect steps.
Figure 3.17: Stairs made perfect by using grid features
042-057 Chapter 03.indd 54042-057 Chapter 03.indd 54 9/5/07 1:27:51 AM9/5/07 1:27:51 AM