3d MAX alignment........

[jedisalf]

Im just starting modelling with 3d MAX, i used to model everything in AutoCAD, but i wanna learn MAX.

I have a question about the ALIGN tool, or maybe some other tool that helps me to change the directin of an object.

I wanat to make a wall, and be able to modify it, but this wall is in a diferent angle than the default Max coordinate system, i wanna do 2 things with this wall:

1- I wanna be able to make the wall and then rotate it to the desire angle, which is the same angle or some other polygon i already have.

2- i wanna be able to then modify the new poligon.

In Autocad, it was easy, i just make the box (closed poly), and then with the command align i could select a second object to align the new one in the same direction, or i could just change my UCS to the new direction and work there.

I sthere a way to do something similar in MAX ?...i mean, change the default UCS (not its name, but...you know...) so i can work and make boxes in a different orientation?

[shytigercp]

RE

Use autogrid under helpers.

[dbuchhofer]

Workflow..
Look up Grid Helper Objects, Autogrid, and Coordinate Systems in the max helpfile.. should be a quick read, but will make your life much easier.

On the subject of grids, I bastardized one of the Blurscripts into a Grid by Name type script.. Check it out if you're inclined to have non-square arch projects.. I find it makes the workflow a lot smoother to just have named grids for various areas of a scene and be able to switch between them without having to find them. anyway. To use, Run script once, then under Customize UI, there is a new Category called 'DVBTools' in there, you can attach it to a hotkey or a toolbar button as you wish.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/buck47...rid_by_name.ms

Mabye it can help someone

Other things that help a lot in migrating from Cad/Max.. Feel free to import your elevations! line them up! group each one together. add a hotkey to turn on/off Splines (I think its 'Show Shapes') use your views, use your snaps.. look into the tools that come with Editable Poly (Divide/Connect/Inset) these things help much..

Good luck in your learning.

[dbuchhofer]

Also, as per your real question you said there.. you can use the Normal Align tool (Tools pulldown menu) to do that pretty easy..

you just drag the arrow on the face you want to align.. and then you drag the second onto the face you want to match it.. from there its easy to move/do whatever in the Local space..