Reset XForm in modifier sets

scourgewarper

Is it possible to place a Reset Xform button on the modifier sets above the stack? I use this very frequently and can't find out how to place it there (do I need to use maxscript? Might be a good excuse to actually start learning it )

I need to use reset XForm because I mirror my models a lot and this can cause problems with flipped normals and animation later on. Is there a way to use symmetry/mirror without having to apply a reset XForm? Just can't envisage a scenario where you would actually 'want' the default problems associated with mirroring your object.

Eric Chadwick

Why not use the Symmetry modifier instead?

scourgewarper

Will I still need to reset XForm after applying it?

Mark Dygert

It doesn't flip the faces, so there is no need to reset xform. It also has a weld threshold for the center seam. It's great. If you don't want it to weld, set it to 0 and its just like using the mirror tool without the annoying side effect.

If you turn on "show end result" you can drop down in the stack to Edit Poly, edit your original side and watch the mirrored side update at the same time.

Eric Chadwick

You will probably still need to use Reset Xform, due to the quirky way Max treats its meshes.

Basically, if you ever use non-uniform scale outside of a modifier's sub-object mode, or if you ever use the Mirror tool, then you'll want to use Reset Xform. But if you never do those things then you won't have to.

scourgewarper

Hi Eric, so basically if I perform a uniform scale on an entire object or perform any type of scaling on sub-object level selections thats ok and I won't need to reset XForm?

SinisterUrge

you only need to use reset xform when new geometry is added to the model, scaling wouldn't matter

Mark Dygert

Scaling will effect the scaling transforms and its good to reset them. Basically there is a hidden list of things you've done to the object and reset xform zero's that list. Think of it like collapsing a long history stack and telling 3ds not to think of the object as a box that has been butchered by a long series of commands into something unrecognizable but as something new.

You probably haven't run into scaling issues before but they can cause all kinds of chaos, especially when working with morph targets.

Also sub object and world space rotation can upset the world space spinner, needing it to be reset. In general, its a good idea to reset xform before moving on to the next step. There is a point that applying reset xform becomes a bad idea, like after a model is skinned or if you've already made morph targets.

Eric Chadwick

scourgewarper, that's correct.

SinisterUrge, that's incorrect, adding geometry does nothing that causes a need for a reset.

Non-uniform or negative scaling at the object level (not in sub-object mode) are the tasks that cause the transform problems. The Mirror tool is basically just a negative scale.