Basic modeling tool questions
 

What's up Simply Maya Community,

I'm back with another total newb inquiry! After viewing Digital Tutors lessons I'm a bit perplexed by some basic techniques they neglect in the tutorials so I turn to you.

1) Is there a way to grow a face/edge loop selection one face/edge at a time? (Shift+Period or Up Arrow give larger selections and entire loops)

2) How can I select a face or surface and have another object snap to that plane no matter the angle?

3) How can I prevent marquee selection from selecting faces/edges through the entire object?

4) What is the fundamental difference between using reflection and duplicate special to mirror actions while modeling?

Thanks for all the great support!

Cheers,
Eric

1) these guys might be what you are after > and < (shift,/.)

2) parent constraint, just remember to delete it afterwards.

3) there is probably some trick, but i just select things using different views (top,side, front, persp) I never really have a problem.

4) doesn't duplicate special just duplicate something, where as the other one will transform the opposite verts and edges to the vert or edges you are controlling... i wouldn't bother with reflection.

3) Camera based selection. Tick the box in the selection tool 'Q' options.

Thank you all so much for the replies! This helped loads.