Make sure that immediate mode is off. Otherwise, there will be no modeling relation and the original low-resolution object will not control the high-resolution one.
You can create subdivision surfaces by generating a new object or by applying a geometry approximation property.
You can also duplicate based on geometry approximation and subdivide selected polygons locally. For a discussion about the differences between these methods see Methods for Subdividing Surfaces.
Generating a New Subdivision Surface Object
This method creates a new polygonal mesh object by subdividing and averaging the selected one.
|
Make sure that immediate mode is off. Otherwise, there will be no modeling relation and the original low-resolution object will not control the high-resolution one. |
To generate a subdivision surface object
1. Select a polygon mesh object.
2. Choose Create > Poly. Mesh > Subdivision from the Model toolbar. A new object is created and the Mesh Subdivide With Center property editor opens.
3. Set the options as desired:
- Subdivision Level is described in Subdivision Levels.
- Subdivision Rule is described in Subdivision Rules.
Transferring Attributes
Use the buttons under Transfer Attributes in the Mesh Subdivide With Center property editor to transfer clusters and cluster properties — such as materials, texture UVs, vertex colors, weight maps, and shape sources (cluster keys) — from the input object to the subdivided object. For more information, see Attribute Transfer [Modeling and Deformation Basics].
Managing Input Objects
Whenever you generate a new object from other input objects, you can manage the inputs, for example, hide or delete them. See Managing Generator Inputs [Modeling and Deformation Basics].
Applying Geometry Approximation
This method does not create a new object; instead, it creates an alternative subdivision geometry that is used for rendering.
To apply subdivisions using geometry approximation
1. Select a polygon mesh object.
2. Do one of the following:
- If the object has no local geometry approximation property, apply one by choosing Get > Property > Geometry Approximation from any toolbar.
A default property is applied to the object—this removes any previously applied property or breaks the link to an inherited property.
or
- If the object already has a local geometry approximation property, display its property page by choosing Edit > Properties > Viewing Properties or Rendering Properties, then clicking on the Geometry Approximation tab.
If you are not certain whether an object has a local property, expand its node in an explorer (make sure that Properties is active on the Filters menu). Inherited properties are displayed in italic typeface and local properties are displayed in Roman typeface.
3. On the Polygon Mesh page, set the subdivision levels to 1 or more. A value of 0 corresponds to no subdivisions. The subdivision level is described in more detail in Subdivision Levels.
4. The subdivision rule is set in the Polygon Mesh property page. See Subdivision Rules.
|
You can also select a polygon mesh (or any of its components) and press the + and – keys on the numeric keypad to increase or decrease the subdivisions. This affects both the OGL Level and the Render Level. These keys automatically apply a local geometry approximation property on the object if none exists yet. |
Duplicating Using Geometry Approximation
You can duplicate a polygon mesh based on its geometry approximation property. This creates a new high-resolution object that preserves the materials, textures, and vertex colors of the original. Like other forms of duplication, there is no modeling relation between the original and the copy. This works only with Catmull-Clark subdivision.
To duplicate using geometry approximation
1. Select a polygon mesh that has been subdivided using the geometry approximation method.
2. Choose Edit > Duplicate/Instantiate > Duplicate Using Geometry Approx. A new polygon mesh is created based on the geometry approximation settings of the original.
This method adds an operator to the stack of a polygon mesh object and modifies its topology.
|
Texture UVs and properties are subdivided linearly with no smoothing. |
To subdivide polygons locally
1. Select some polygons on a polygon mesh object.
2. Choose Modify > Poly. Mesh > Local Subdivision from the Model toolbar.
3. Set the options as desired.
- Level is described in Subdivision Levels.
- Rule is described in Subdivision Rules.
Autodesk Softimage v.7.5