Manual Reference Objects Spline Primitives
Basics
CINEMA 4D gives you a generous number of predefined curves. Add to this the possibility to convert vector based artwork files from other programs (see ‘Vectorizer’) and to add graphic characters (see ‘Text’) and you have a wealth of spline primitives at your fingertips. All of these spline primitives are parameterized. This means that the spline is merely the graphical representation of a mathematical formula built controlled by parameters you can edit the Attribute manager.
As a result, this mathematical formula initially has no properties to edit within the 3D viewport. It has no vertices to manipulate. To adjust the vertices with the Points tool, for example, you must first make the spline editable (Functions > Make Editable). You can, however, apply deformer objects to the spline even if the spline has not been made editable.
You may change all the preset parameters of such an object — such as height and radius — at any time. Test the object’s various parameters in the Attribute manager for a better understanding of what can be achieved. Start by changing the values one by one so that you can see what effect each parameter has. Enter large values, then try smaller ones.
When creating a new spline primitive from the Objects menu, the spline appears in the viewports and its parameters are displayed in the Attribute manager.
Some of the spline settings are present for each type of primitive. These common properties are described in this section. Properties that are specific to certain types of spline primitive are described later in this chapter, in the individual entries for the primitives.
Plane
Use this drop-down list to define in which of the three planes (XY, XZ, ZY) the spline primitive is to lie. By default the spline is always positioned so that it is visible in the current active view. This means that if the spline is created in the XZ (top) or XY (front) view, then the spline will be seen, for example, as facing towards the XY plane in the 3D viewport.
In each of the following examples the spline primitive has been created in the frontal view (XY plane).
Reverse
If this option is enabled, the order of the points is reversed.
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| On the left is a spline, on the right the same spline with a reversed point order (the second spline vertex point is marked). |
Reversing the points of the spline primitive not only has an effect after the conversion to an editable spline curve. The reversal of points also affects commands such as Arrange.
Intermediate Points, Number, Angle
These interpolation settings define exactly how finely the vertices of a spline will be positioned. The various choices are described earlier in this chapter.