Introduction to Maya Tools
Autodesk is an industry-leading software for making complex 3D models. There are no restrictions or limitations to design anything once you master the tools of Maya. Here in this article, we will discuss the important Maya tools used to create models easily and effectively. For achieving a particular effect in modelling, Maya offers numerous ways for it. People employ different tools based on their skills and comfort once they get used to the software. As a beginner, however, there are basic tools which you need to practise before advancing further. You can create amazing 3d models with the help of just these basic tools.
Tools in Maya
Following are some top tools available in Maya to help you with your modelling needs.
1.The Transform Tool
Transform is the first thing you need to know while using Maya. For changing the transform of an item, the tools available in the toolbox are select, move, rotate, and scale. You can utilize the transform tool while you are in the modes of — move, rotate or scale. The hotkeys for them are w, e, and r respectively. You can freely move or rotate the selected objects by clicking and dragging them. If you choose a particular handle, then the action is limited to that axis alone. For accessing the above move, rotate, and scale tool options, you can double click the toolbox icons.
2. The Move Tool
The move tool is located in the toolbox. To use it, first choose an object you need to move. Upon selecting it, you will see a controller appeared with four handles. They are used to move the object along each axis and one to move along the planes. Also, the colour changes to indicate that it is active when you select a handle. By default, the colour will be yellow.
3. The Rotate Tool
The rotate tool is used to rotate objects in all the three axes. Select the rotate tool available in the toolbox and select the object you need to rotate. Now you will notice four rings colour coordinated to XYZ axes. A virtual sphere is also displayed along with the rings. You will know the selected ring by the change in colour. To perform constrained rotations, use X, Y, Z rings. In order to rotate according to the view, use the outer ring. When you start rotating the object, the application rotates it based on the object’s bounding box. If you need to rotate it in fixed increments, then you can make use of the snap option. For e.g., if you set the rotation degree to 15, then you can easily rotate the objects in order of 30, 45, 60, and 90-degree positions for better symmetry. The snapping can be only used from the manipulator’s axis handle.
4. The Scale Tool
Utilize the scale tool to alter the dimension of the items by scaling uniformly in each of the three measurements. You can likewise scale unevenly in one dimension at any given moment. Snap the scale tool symbol in the tool compartment and choose the item you need to scale. Maya shows a scale controller comprising of four handles.
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5. Insert Edge Loop Tool
The insert edge loop tool is one of the most important tools available in Maya for modelling. Using it you can create continuous subdivision (edge loop) in your mesh, thereby increasing its resolution.
6. Crease Tool
The crease tool is used to harden or smoothen the polygonal mesh by modifying it. It works by creasing the edges and vertices of a polygon mesh. However, it does not have an effect on the resolution. You can go to the option from the mesh tools. There is also an easy shortcut key for crease tool: Shift + right-click an object.
7. Sculpting Tool
As the name suggests, the sculpting tool allows you to sculpt digital surfaces in 3D similar to clay sculpting. The process is similar but just replaces the clay with the polygon. There are multiple sculpting options available from the sculpting tool options available under the mesh tools.
8. Quad Draw
Useful for creating topology meshes, users can model in a natural manner. It offers a streamlined and easy workflow. The reference surface can be retained while you get to make clean meshes manually.
9. Create Polygon
If you need to generate individual polygons, you can make use of this option called create the polygon. You can create new polygons by inserting vertexes from the scene view.
10. Soft Modification Tool
This tool lets the user push and pull geometry. The standard-setting by default has the maximum deformation amount at the centre of the push/pull. The amount decreases away from the centre. Based on your needs, you can set the level of deformation to create different types of effects. This tool can be used in polygon, NURBS, arches, particles or any items with components.
11. Show Controller Tool
This tool can be used to modify the building history of a process or the qualities attributed to an object. It is used to know about the input node of a created item. There will be multiple manipulators accessible at a time. It is an effective way to know the construction history of a particular object you need to work on.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed the useful tools available in Maya to create objects and characters with the desired features. If you are a beginner in Maya, it is recommended to use each tool one by one and know its features better. Depending on the nature of the work, the usage of tools varies. Pick the tool that is most relevant in creating the required effects and properties. You can additionally refer to online tutorials and resources if you need any further information or help with any of the Maya tools.
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