Performing a Symmetry

You can perform a symmetry on one or more subdivision surfaces.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin: Create a 3D shape containing a subdivision surface.
See Also
About Performing a Symmetry

Create a Symmetrical Subdivision Surface

You can create a symmetrical subdivision surface with or without intersection.

There are two types of symmetry:

  • No intersection between the subdivision surface and the symmetry plane.
  • Intersection between the subdivision surface and the symmetry plane.

  1. From the Shape Sculpt section of the action bar, click Symmetry .

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

  2. From the Tools Palette, click one of the following:
    OptionDescription
    Define Robot Plane Defines a plane using the subdivision mesh.
    Reset Robot Resets the plane.
    Surface Selection Selects a surface.
    Plane Selection Selects a plane.
    Side Selection Inverts the side of the symmetry.
    Note: You can also click the arrow in the work area.
    No Faces Generates a better result when the symmetry plane cuts the faces diagonally. A slider lets you manage the weight of the edges located on the symmetry plane.
    Sharp to Smooth Adds weight to the intersection of symmetry.

    See Add Weight.

    Plane Translation Translates the plane.
    Plane Rotation Rotates the plane.
    Edition Defines the position, angles, dimensions, and weight related to the selected elements.
    Attenuation Defines the attenuation for the displacement of the handle.
    Subdivision Feature Defines the result as a subdivision feature.
    Symmetry Feature Defines the result as a symmetry feature.
  3. Select a surface and select the plane.

    You can also select the plane first then the surface. In this case, Surface Selection becomes active.

    Without intersection: the result is the mathematical symmetry by a plane.

    With an intersection: the surface is made of two parts separated by the plane. A side of the surface is automatically chosen, corresponding to the bigger side.

Selecting n number of subdivision surfaces will create n number of subdivision symmetries.

Add Weight

You can add weight to the intersection of the symmetry

  1. Click Sharp to Smooth .

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

    The icon has two states:
    • Sharp Attraction : Gives a sharp edge.

    • Smooth Attraction : Gives a smooth edge.

    A slider lets you define the value of the weight, comprised between 0 and 100.

  2. Click and drag to reach the desired weight value.
    Important:
    • To create a sharp edge at the symmetry plane, the subdivision surface must intersect the plane and a sharp edge must already exist.





    • Click Multi-Selection and then press Ctrl to select the second surface.

Convert a Symmetry into a Subdivision Surface

You can convert a subdivision symmetry into a subdivision surface.

Right-click the symmetry in the tree or in the 3D area and select IMA-Convert Into Subdivision.
A new subdivision surface is created.
Tips:
  • You can also access this command by pressing ALT+SHIFT+C.
  • All the graphic properties and the material of the symmetry are kept for the new subdivision surface.
  • Multiple selection is not allowed.

Copy and Paste a Symmetry

You can copy and paste a subdivision surface that is a symmetry.

Copy and paste the subdivision symmetry.

Do one of the following:

  • Click Yes to create a subdivision surface.
  • Click No to create a standard copy of the symmetry.