#3DS Help
19 messages in this thread
I'm trying to put a chamfered edge on some text and I am getting some
really bizarre results. I'm trying to do this with the bevel command but
I'm obviously missing something, and I can't seem to find a "like" example
in the books. Has anyone tried this, or is it possible? All I really want
is an edge effect so my 3D text stands out more. I thought a chamfered edge
would do the trick. Any suggestions? Dwayne Hofstetter 76557,1000
Dwayne, it's vital that you read the "Important" note on page 6-67 of the
docs for tips on using the tape measure when beveling. Beveling can be
very tricky when using text with extreme spline values at the control
points… that's why linear text is so much easier to bevel. However, with
a bit of practice and vertex editing, you'll pick it up. Someone here on
the forum (I think it was Martin Foster) recently uploaded a beveling
technique that worked quite well to the forum, here. I forget when it was,
but that may jog someone's memory (and you might be able to search for it
in an old message that might be lingering here in the message base).
– G
Thanks, I'll keep my eyes open. Dwayne
I didn't upload the beveling technique, I'm afraid, though I've often
described how to avoid the dreaded error messages. I favour the
create/outline_then_lofting_multiple_shapes_on_a_path technique or the
brute force
loft_with_several_path-steps_then_edit_vertices_in_the_3d-editor techique.
The important thing with bevelling is to make sure your beveling value is
MUCH smaller than the object to bevel. For example, if the object is a box
100 units by 100 units you will want the bevel value to be no more than 10
or so.
You can measure an object in units with the tape measure.
MB
Thank you very much Michele. I'll try that.
One more thing:
It might be worth pointing out that in general, if you make a shape on the
default Shaper screen, it is much too small to be bevelled correctly with
the default Bevel settings.
I find it is much easier to just make the shape bigger in the shaper (like
about 10 times bigger) than to change the bevel settings.
MB
Thank you again Michele. I plan on trying all suggestions today. I'll post
when I'm successful!
Dwane:
Sometimes the best way to bevel text is not to use the bevel command! Just
create the text in the 2D Shaper, use the create/offset command to build the
two shapes and then just bring them in to different levels in the lofter.
Just remember to check to make sure the beginning vertex is in the same
place on both shapes – use display/first/choose after display/first to get
it right.
Giving credit where credit is due – this is a technique perfected by Alan
Iglesias, who has been known to frequent this board (and our 3DS User's
Group) on occasion!
Greg Pyros
Thank you, and hello Greg! I tried using the bevel command but I kept
getting an error (I think it says invalid shape). Anyway, I was looking all
over for an offset command of some type. Geez, is this software fun or
what? Dwayne
How about create/outline. Don't forget to display/first so that you can see
the first vertex of each shape (as a black vertex) and that they match.
Thank you Martin. I'll be trying this today (Wednesday 1/20) and I'll post
when I get it to work.
Dwayne: or do you prefer dwayne? <g>
Hi there! I figured it was you! Are you going to make it out to Southern
California this winter? Just wait until after the current monsoon season!!
Greg Pyros
I'd love to make it to California, but ol' Seymour wants to sell a Cray 3
before we start travelling a lot. I have made some good progress with 3DS,
I even have some simple animations. When I'm done with our annual report
(which is why we bought 3DS) I plan on doing some trick images and .flc's
and posting them for all to see. I figure I'll get some really good
feedback if I show them off. Thanks again for your help, I plan on trying
the suggestions I received from Compuserve (I got 6 replies in 2 days!!!)
today. Dwayne (actually I prefer dWaYnE, or some derivative 🙂 ).
Gosh, Greg. Thanks for the credit! Had fun at your meeting and look forward
to coming back some time soon. Maybe next time the 405 will look more like
a freeway and less like a canal!<G>
-Alan
Alan:
You're welcome! And remember, Martin offered to paddle you up to our
meeting next month if it's still raining!!! <g>
We'll do almost anything to get someone to give a presentation!!!
Greg
That's right! And those cheap, inflatable dingy's are jolly hard work to
paddle up-river (the I-5) and I can never get them to go in a straight line
for very long. <g>
Martin & Greg,
Sounds good to me! We could always use Martin's jumping harness to lash a
herd of wild post-pants ferrets to the vehicle and make them swim/pull us
up the freeway! <g>
(it must be late…)
-Alan
I'd like to see THAT animated…
Greg