Mapping a Picture Onto a Subdivision Surface

You can map a picture on a subdivision surface to add detail while modeling.

Before you begin: Create a 3D shape containing a subdivision surface.
  1. From the Shape Sculpt section of the action bar, click Creation Detail Modeling .

    You can also access this command by pressing ALT+SHIFT+A.

  2. Select the subdivision surface.
    A slider and a detail square shape appear.
  3. From the Tools Palette, click Select Image and choose a picture.

    You can also drag the picture onto the subdivision surface.

    The picture is mapped on the subdivision surface and a hybrid feature is created in the tree.

    New icons appear in the Tools Palette.

  4. Click one of the following:
    OptionDescription
    Shape Sculpt Selects the picture to be edited.
    Remove Removes the selected hybrid feature.
    Remove All Removes all hybrid features.
    Creation Detail Modeling Creates a new picture with a new position to choose.
    Select Image Selects a picture or replaces an existing one.
    Edit Picture Saves and edits the original picture. If the picture is a psd file, a png file will be generated before editing the picture.
    Update Picture Reloads the edited picture or the original picture if it has not been edited. If the picture is a psd file, a png file will be reloaded.
    Reverse U / Reverse V / Reverse Z Modifies the picture orientation.
    Edit Amplitude Modifies the amplitude value.
    Color Zero / Detail Defines either the amplitude or the detail level using the slider. By default, the icon is set to Detail. Click the icon to switch to Color Zero.
    Drawing View Turns the picture view.
    Apply (Enter) Validates the command.
    Notes:
    • Using the handles on the square shape, you can modify its amplitude and its size, move it on the surface, rotate and translate it.
    • You can restore the initial parameters by pressing Ctrl and clicking the affinity handle.
    • You can press Shift while manipulating to only move the square shape. The image is moved once you release the Shift key.
  5. Use the slider to modify the precision and quality level.


  6. Click Color Zero / Detail to switch to Color Zero and use the slider to define the grey value that corresponds to the zero level.


  7. Click Apply (Enter) .

Important:
  • A message may appear when selecting the picture to allow its compression.
  • You can create several hybrid features. If two mapping zones overlap, a message appears and the zones are displayed with different colors. Cut the subdivision surface in the middle to have two separate zones.
  • If a picture is mapped onto a closed surface, the detail may be truncated or twisted.