GMAX: Line Tutorial

A_1P_GMAX_Line-Tutorial_v2.pdf

Summary

1.       Select a simple line-spline

2.       Set mesh settings

3.      Create the line

4.       Adjust your line

1.   Select the line object under create > shapes > splines (red hints)
   

2. Adjust relevant settings for your line (this step can be done before and for some settings also after your line is created; yellow hints)

   a.       Thickness defines the diameter with which the line is extruded

   b.       Sides defines how “round” your extrusion is going to be

   c.       Generate Mapping Coords. + Display Mesh have to be ticked

   d.       Steps defines how smooth the corners along the extrusion are
   going to be
    

3.  Now draw your line as you please

   a.       In order to create a smooth line klick and hold the klick for a moment, while moving in a direction (if Drag Type Bezier is selected) when stopping to hold you will see the line now bends depending on where you move your mouse

   b.       Now create as many bends as you wish, again holding your klick for a moment before letting go; doing a single klick will create a sharp turn in your line (don’t worry if it looks a little weird)
   

    

4. Next we are going to alter the line to fit what we would like

   a.       Select the line you just drew and klick Vertex under Selection

   b.       Then select one of the vertices. You will now see the coordinate axes to select and move and a yellow line with two green squares on the end that shows the orientation and the extent of the bend
   

                       c.       Move, rotate and uniform scale on the vertex to adjust your line as pleased; of course you can move a vertex in all 3 dimensions
                               to create the shape you wish
   
   

   Once your line is shaped as you please, convert it into an editable poly by right clicking on it (not doing this causes my lines not be rendered, if anyone knows a hidden setting I missed please let me know)
   Be mindful about this step, once converted into a poly the alteration settings are following the properties of a poly and you have a different set of tools to work on your object.

   

   With this knowledge you should be able to create nice lines, pipes, hoses very quickly and simply.

   Here is an example of of a bow spring line you can create this way: