3ds Max 9 Bible

Patches don't have the overhead of NURBS objects and are better optimized than mesh objects. Editable Patch objects include a huge list of tools that you can use to edit and modify them. In addition to Patches, NURBS are an ideal method for modeling if you require free-flowing models. This chapter covered the following topics:

• Creating Quad and Tri Patch grids

• Discovering the features of an Editable Patch object

• Working with the Editable Patch subobjects

• Working with patch-specific modifiers such as the surface tools

• Creating CV and point curves

• Discovering how to convert primitives to NURBS objects

• Creating NURBS surfaces from curves

• Learning to edit NURBS curves and surfaces

• Using NURBS subobject tools

• Lofting surfaces from point and CV curves

• Creating NURBS surfaces by lathing and sweeping

The next chapter focuses on working with a miscellaneous group of mutant objects called compound objects. These objects are unique and used for special purposes.