Introduction to Maya - Modeling Fundamentals Vol 2
This course will look in the fundamentals of modeling in Maya with an emphasis on creating good topology. It's aimed at people that have some modeling experience in Maya but are having trouble with complex objects.
# 1 06-12-2003 , 01:41 AM
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Duplicating along a curve?

I'm trying to duplicate geometry along a curve. Is there a way this can be done where i can set how many copies i want made or the spacing and have them duplicate along the path.

# 2 06-12-2003 , 02:28 AM
cujo's Avatar
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I think this is what your looking for....

Take your geometry and attach it to your curve
(as if you were going to animate it along a motion path)
Select the geometry, Edit > duplicate > options >

*check duplicate input graph* duplicate

Then go into the graph editor and select the keys for the second object and offset them in time - The geometry should move along the path.
Repeat as necessary.
*If you need the geometry evenly spaced... just offset all the
keys the same amount*

since you dont need the animation, after your done, delete the history on everything and delete all the curves.


Theres probably a simpler way or a tool I dont know about.

But thats just one of many I'm sure.
Joe


rasterfarian
# 3 06-12-2003 , 02:33 AM
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There is the animation snapshot tool that does basically what cujo said...


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# 4 06-12-2003 , 04:44 AM
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I see where you're going with this but forgive me. I haven't used the graph editor before so i'm wondering how i should "offset the time" If you could newbify that section i'd be greatly appreciative.

# 5 06-12-2003 , 06:46 AM
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I would use/read up on the animation snapshot tool--
(as Kbbrown said)
I havent used it, but It looks a lot easier for what your doin...

As for 'offsetting the time' - You just select the curve, press w for move tool, hold down shift, and middle mouse move the keys
a few frames to the left while watching the viewport. ( so the duplicate geometry's animation starts 'N' frames before the original)

It's definitely worth learning/reading everything about the graph
editor- especially if your gonna animate.
Joe


rasterfarian
# 6 06-12-2003 , 03:46 PM
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Yup, animation snapshot is the way to go. Do a search on it in the manual...it tells you exactly what you need to do.


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