Modeling Basics Using Strata - Page 9

This section uses the native tools within Strata as an introduction to the basic concepts of building a model in 3D. While its core modeling toolset is certainly complete enough to make good models using what it calls a Bézier Surface, Strata does skip over some of the tools for making basic, low-poly models, like the ability to split polygons in a mesh and extrude polygons within a mesh. If you are interested in this style of modeling, check out Nendo. You can easily import your Nendo models into Strata.

Extrude a 2D Object Almost any 3D package can import an EPS file and extrude the shapes to give them depths, but we are going to take this opportunity to get acquainted with Strata's Bézier path creation tool.

1. First select the filled Bézier path tool from the flyout under the pen icon in the toolbar, as seen here:

2. Using the same modifiers as you would in Flash, draw a path that looks like the outline of a piece of bread. To get the point in the middle with split tangent handles, first drag the regular tangent handle to where it looks about right; then hold down ALT to split the handles. You should get something like that shown in the next image. Notice that the way you draw the final point (over the original point, to close the path) is backward from the way most 2D graphics tools work — you drag back toward the last point you drew instead of following through.

3. If you have trouble with your path, you edit it by selecting Modeling | Reshape or pressing CTRL-L. When you are done editing with the pointer tool in reshape mode (the point tool acts almost identically to a 2D subselection tool), you can exit back to object mode by selecting Modeling | End Reshape/ Edit or pressing CTRL-E.

4. Next, select the extrude tool (just below scale on the toolbar) and drag the piece of bread to your desired thickness. You can enter the depth of the extrusion directly into the object palette, as shown below. This palette also gives you a number of options for the shape of the bevel.

Lathe a 2D Object

A 3D bottle of something cold would be nice to go with our 3D bread.

1. Draw half of a profile of a bottle with the Bézier path tool, including the inner wall, as shown here:	2. Next choose the lathe tool from the toolbar. It is just above the sphere primitive tool. The lathe acts just like its real-world namesake, cutting the shape of the 2D path into an imaginary piece of 3D material spinning on the axis you choose with the lathe tool.
	Figure 20.7 Adjusting lathe parameters in the object dialog

3. Drag the lathe tool on your outline to get the lathe process started; then enter 360 degrees or 1 rotation in the object palette to get the exact rotation you want, as shown in Figure 20-7.

You should now have an old-fashioned milk bottle.

Project—Build a Spaceship - Page 8
Macromedia Flash 5 Developer's Guide
Bézier Surface - Page 10