What's New in Modeling

Symmetry improvements

When you turn Symmetry on while components are selected, Maya automatically selects the appropriate mirrored components. There is also now a HUD element that displays the current axis of symmetry when one is active.

You can also use the new Flip command to swap the position of components across the axis of symmetry. For more information, see Symmetrize asymmetrical components.

In addition, symmetry support has been expanded to the following tools:

• Multi-Cut Tool
• Connect Tool
• Slide Edge Tool
• Insert Edge Loop Tool
• Offset Edge Loop Tool
• Vertex Normal Edit Tool
• Bridge Tool

UV Editor Improvements

A number of improvements have been made to the UV Editor Tools including:

• The UV Distortion options in the UV Editor (Image > UV Distortion > ) to show distortion errors per shell or per object. See Identify UV distortion.
• Layout UVs has been updated with a new algorithm to provide more customizable results.
• The Symmetrize UVs Tool allows you to quickly lay out UVs across a line of symmetry. See Symmetrize UVs.
  

Curve Warp Deformer

The new Curve Warp deformer, introduced in Maya 2016 Extension 2, lets you to quickly connect a mesh to a curve to drive a variety of deformation effects. It is similar to motion paths but offers greater customization with a more streamlined workflow. Now, the Curve warp deformer is optimized for faster performance. It also supports bezier curves and has a new Loop Closed Curves feature. See Curve Warp deformer.

Modify and transfer vertex orders

You can now change the order of vertices on a polygon object using the Reorder Vertices or Transfer Vertex order commands. See Modify or transfer vertex orders.

Subdivision Method preference

A new Subdivision Method option in the Polygon Preferences allows you to set the default subdivision method for new polygon objects.