Managing Subdivision Instances

You can now create instances from a pattern created in Generative Shape Design, whose parent is a subdivision surface. This command is available with the following features: subdivision surface, instance surface, net, and symmetry.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin: Create a 3D shape containing two subdivision surfaces.

See Also
About the Slider
Accessing Transformation Commands

Create a Subdivision Instance

You can create a subdivision instance from a subdivision surface.

  1. From the Shape Sculpt section of the action bar, click Instance Creation .
  2. Click the first subdivision surface.

    You can also right-click the first subdivision surface and select IMA - Instantiate.

    An instance of the subdivision surface is created at the same place as the original feature and is added in the tree as Subdivision Instance.1.
    Important:
    • You can create as many instances as required by repeating the process.
    • You can move the individual instances using the main Robot.
  3. Repeat step 1 and create two other instances of first chair type.
    There are now three instances of the first subdivision surface.

  4. Right-click the first subdivision surface and select Replace....
  5. In the Replace dialog box, select the second subdivision surface. All the instances are replaced with the selected new parent element.
    In this case, all three instances of first chair type are replaced by second chair type.

    Important:
    • When selecting the instance for modification, you are automatically directed to the parent element.
    • Any modification done to the parent element is automatically propagated to all the instances of that subdivision surface.

  6. Right-click the third subdivision surface object and select IMA - Convert Into Subdivision.
    The link between the parent and the instance is broken.
    Tip: You can also access this command by pressing ALT+SHIFT+C.

    A subdivision surface is created from the third subdivision surface. The modifications done to the parent subdivision surface are propagated only to its instances and the converted subdivision surface is not modified.

    Important:
    • The new subdivision surface is created identically to the instance and on the same place as the instance.
    • You can move the subdivision surface using the main Robot or the Shape Sculpt command.

Modify a Subdivision Instance

You can modify the created instances using the transformation tools.

  1. Double-click the Subdisivion Instance.x in the tree.
  2. From the Tools Palette, select one of the following commands: .
    OptionDescription
    Translation Translates along planes or axes. See Translating a Curve.
    Rotation Rotates around one of the three axes of the handle. See Rotating a Curve.
    Affinity Scales along one or more axes. See Scaling a Curve.
    Normal Translates vertices along their normal. See Moving Along Normals.
    Edition Defines numerical values using a grid. See Using the Edition Panel.
  3. Manipulate the Robot to modify the instance.