3DS Wishlist
Mixed data entry should not be limited only to creation of boxes, but
should be applied to all aspects of object creation and manipulation.
Even functions like move, rotate, mirror, etc. should allow for entry
of coordinate values so that users can maintain accuracy via the
keyboard. Especially if object snaps are not going to be feasible
<g>.
I do a lot of mechanical simulations and it sure would be helpful to
be able to locate an object's "pivot" point in the keyframer by
specifying coordinates via keyboard, instead of repeatedly "stabbing"
at the object with the mouse until the pivot point looks close
enough. The only question about this case is "where should the
origin of the object be located for reference of the coordinates
being entered?"….at its centroid, as in the "center" object pivot
command.
I can see a few problems with working from the centroid "assumption"
as a reference point. Perhaps a couple of extra "auto" positioning
methods are required such as -X, +X, -Y, +Y, -Z, +Z and combinations
of these to allow the user to choose for example the extreme -X of
the object, the extreme +Z of the object and the Mid Y (centroid Y)
of the object. Does this make sense?
Anyway, a few more ramblings from a machinist turned artist….<G>