3DS Max edge loop system

jmchristopher

I have searched but can't seem to find anything useful. I want to know if there is a way to add edge loops in max with a bias to the outer edge of a polygon rather than the center. For example, say you have an edge ring that varies in width. You can use the dialog to add two holding edges, but since it bases the location of these new edge loops on the center of the selected edge ring, you get an uneven spacing of these new edges. To fix this, I turn on "constrain to edge", drag the recently made holding edge to the closest edge loop and then drag it back from the edge so it ends up being a uniform distance from the edge rather than an even distance from the center to the edge. Is there a setting in Max or a plugin that can change this?

It is a small thing, but it could be one or two steps to add holding edges rather than five or six steps. I just want something faster.

I hope this explanation makes sense. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

ghaztehschmexeh

I do exactly what you do. It would be nice if there was something like swift loop but spaced evenly from the edges. I personally am not aware of a tool like that though.

monster

In a few cases you can use Inset on faces instead of connect on edges.

miauu

This problem was behind the idea of my Inset Pro script. Watch those videos to see how it works in different cases.

video1

video2

WarrenM

When using SwiftLoop, one thing you can do is insert the loop and then ALT+DRAG the loop afterwards. Depending on which side you drag towards, the loop edges will align to the edges on that side of the loop.

Err, that sound confusing but it's super intuitive when you get used to it. Give it a shot...

inwar

monster wrote: »

In a few cases you can use Inset on faces instead of connect on edges.

you can also set edge constraint on and push the connected edges to the outer edge then push back in and they will be the same distance from the outer edge all the way along. tho this may not work in some scenarios and the inset would work better.

using extrude on the edge may work for you as well

edit: and i just saw that the edge constraint method was what you were doing originally :poly142:

jmchristopher

Thanks guys. Inset sometimes works, but for very simple shapes. miauu, I will check out those videos.

I doubt any one form autodesk will see this, but In my attempts to find a better solution, I am also trying to point out how terrible this system is. It is useful for adding edges to modify the shape of an object, but why isn't there a tool for specifically adding holding edges without having to resort to performing several operations? Sorry for the rant, but how many iterations of this program have come out at this point?

sinistergfx

Try beveling edges with 0 height to add support loops on either side.

jmchristopher

I found a solution. You can select the edge you want to add holding edges to and extrude it with 0 height. Use the width to adjust the offset. Bam, done. No messing with the add edges tool!

ghaztehschmexeh

Oh wow that's awesome

Neox

Or you could use luxinias edge straighten script