Adding a Deformation Mesh

When you add a Deform Mesh node, the deformation mesh appears over the 3D model or surface. You can view the source mesh, the destination mesh, or both to assist you as you deform the object. You can also turn both meshes off to view only the deformed object.

The deformation mesh consists of cells and lattices. You can divide the mesh into 1-100 lattices and each lattice can be divided by 1-3 cells. Increase the number of cells and lattices to deform specific areas of the object.

To add a deformation mesh:

In the schematic, select the axis for the image, 3D model, or 3D text.
Do one of the following:
- Drag the Deform Mesh node from the node bar and place it in the schematic.
- Drag the Deform Mesh node from the node bar and place it where you want it in Result view.
- Double-click the Deform Mesh node in the node bar. You do not need to be in Schematic view to add a node in this manner.
The deformation mesh is added to the selected object.

Image courtesy of Quietman

If you do not see the deformation mesh, follow the next steps.
Double-click the Deform Mesh node in the schematic.
The Deform Mesh menu appears.
In the Deform Mesh menu, enable the Show Destination button to view the deformation mesh in the image window.

Deform Mesh Menu Settings

X Cells field: Defines the number of cells along the X axis. Editable.

Y Cells field: Defines the number of cells along the Y axis. Editable.

Z Cells field: Defines the number of cells along the Z axis. Editable.

X Lattices field: Defines the number of lattices along the X axis. Editable.

Y Lattices field: Defines the number of lattices along the Y axis. Editable.

Z Lattices field: Defines the number of lattices along the Z axis. Editable.

Position/Current mode box: Select to modify the Position or Current axis controls.

X Position field: Positions the selected points along the X axis.

Y Position field: Positions the se1lected points along the Y axis.

Z Position field: Positions the selected points along the Z axis.

X Current field: Positions the selected vertex along the X axis.

Y Current field: Positions the selected vertex along the Y axis.

Z Current field: Positions the selected vertex along the Z axis.

X Rotation field: Rotates the selected points along the X axis.

Y Rotation field: Rotates the selected points along the Y axis.

Z Rotation field: Rotates the selected points along the Z axis.

X Scale field: Scales the selected points along the X axis.

Y Scale field: Scales the selected points along the Y axis.

Z Scale field: Scales the selected points along the Z axis.

Proportional Scale button: Enable to scale the points proportionally.

Centre Reference button: Enable to create a centre reference axis for selected points.

Magnet button: Enable to transform a range of deform mesh surface points.

Magnet Transformation box: Select a transformation type to use when Magnet is enabled.

Magnet Curve Editor: Defines the weighted polarity from the centre to the edge of the magnet.

Magnet Curve Home button: Resets the position of the magnet curve after panning.
Magnet Curve Undo button: Undoes a change to the Magnet Curve Editor.
Magnet Curve Reset button: Resets the Magnet Curve Editor.

Motion Blur button: Enable to use a motion blur effect for the selected deformation (can only be used if the global Motion Blur is enabled in the Action Setup menu).

Outside button: Enable to apply the deformation outside of the mesh. Disable to constrain the deformation within the mesh.

Show Source button: Enable to view the original mesh.

Show Destination button: Enable to view the destination mesh.

Reset Shape button: Resets the shape of the deformation mesh.

Reset Points button: Resets selected points on the deformation mesh.