Using the Spline Width Ramp, you can create custom shapes from spline primitives by varying width values at specified points along their length. Values generated by the ramp are multipliers for the set Width attribute value. The Width Ramp is useful for creating feathers, scales, leaves, or other custom shapes from spline primitives.
To shape spline primitives using the Width Ramp
- In the XGen Editor, click the Primitives tab.
- Click inside the
Width Ramp to add new points to the ramp.
Tip: Click this icon
to open the ramp in a larger resizable window.
- Drag the point handles along the x-axis to set its position along the spline length.
R indicates the spline root and
T the tip.
You can also select a point, and then enter a value beside Selected Position.
- Drag the point handles along the y-axis to set its scale width value.
You can also select a point, and then enter a value beside Selected Value.
- To change the curve's point Interpolation method, select one from the list.
Rendering custom spline shapes
In some cases, shapes generated by the Spline Width Ramp do not render properly. For example, the rendered spline edges appear rounded instead of sharp. This is due to a default mental render setting applied at render time.
You can override the render setting do the following:
- Access the
miDefaultOptions by typing the following in the
MEL command line:
select miDefaultOptions;
The miDefaultOptions display in the Attribute Editor.
- In the Sting Options section, click Add New Item.
- Locate your new item at the end of the
Sting Options list, and then type the following:
- Name: hair caps
- Value: off
- Type: boolean
- Render your Description.