Hey all!
I’m not new-new to 3Ds max.  The interface I have down pretty well. I just need to know what something is called exactly.

I’m working on a tut and I’m trying to fallow exactly what the modeler is doing.  He first selects Edge, then selects an edge, then selects Ring, then inserts a loop.  Exactly how do you insert a Loop, and is there already a key-stroke for this?  If not I would like to know what its called so I can make one.
The tut is located at the link below.
http://area.autodesk.com/for...head_modeling_in_3ds_max/

I’m about half way through the video tut, and he has Custom Key-Strokes, so I have no idea how to do it.
Thanks for any help I receive!
-Rett.

Oh, not like it matters, but im running 3Ds max 9 32bit. = )

3DS Max 9 32Bit
FumeFX
Afterburn

To get that loop he uses the connect tool. Its a great tool for getting more detail into a model. As the name suggests it connects your selected edges with a new edge(s). So without using any fancy graphics i shall demonstrate using the mighty keyboard.

Say you have to two edges:  I I if you were to select these and click connect you would get I - I or if you were to use the dialouge box and changed the number of connect edges to 2 you would get I = I

If you still dont get it i’ll explain properly when i get home and can take some screen shots and stuff.

Quad Core Xeon X5355 - 8GB DDR2 - nVidia Quadro FX 4600 - 3Ds Max 2010

It’s very easy to understand if you think of it like this -

Rings of edges lie parallel to each other.
Loops of edges are all facing the same direction in a line.

When you connect loops you are following the flow of the edges that are either side so the loop when formed will be right in the middle of all those edges. This sometimes can be not what you want so you can make loops planar if required. I would look into understanding the basic modelling tools so that you don’t feel like you are learning things parrot fashion, I find that never helps alot :)

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Thanks to both! Once I get home I’ll try this out.  Those screens will probably help.  Is Conect the defult name?  I just ask so I can add it to my keystrokes.
Thanks!

3DS Max 9 32Bit
FumeFX
Afterburn

Rings and Loops like Earth Lattitude/Longitude

You need at least 2 loops or rings to connect the edges - in the “connect” option box there is also the ability to connect several times (just change the number from 1 to whatever) the length of the loop/ring as well as a cool slide feature which is great when you are putting cuts into something going off at more then a 90 degree angle

GCMax 24 October 2007 09:27 AM

It’s very easy to understand if you think of it like this -

Rings of edges lie parallel to each other.
Loops of edges are all facing the same direction in a line.

When you connect loops you are following the flow of the edges that are either side so the loop when formed will be right in the middle of all those edges. This sometimes can be not what you want so you can make loops planar if required. I would look into understanding the basic modelling tools so that you don’t feel like you are learning things parrot fashion, I find that never helps alot :)

Thats what I’ve been trying to do.  But I’ve had the program for about a year.  I’m only 15 years old, and I have no other way but tutorials and Forums to learn from.  My school has no class’s at least not in till senior year for classes even close to the level I’m at.  So, parrot fashion is all I have. lol.  jkin.  But once I do get to know the tools, i usually develop my own style, like every one else usually does.  So, I hope I’ll get into the swing of it better. 

Thanks for your reply!

3DS Max 9 32Bit
FumeFX
Afterburn