Slide polygon components along their edges

You can use the Modeling Toolkit transform constraints to reposition a selection of components along their existing edges. This works with the Move, Rotate, and Scale tools, and are useful for rearranging or straightening edge loops and vertex flow without destroying surface integrity.

You can activate the Edge Transform Constraint when in component mode by Ctrl + Shift + dragging the Move, Rotate, or Scale Tool manipulators (or Ctrl + Shift + middle-dragging anywhere on the screen when they're active).

Alternatively, you can activate it via the Transform Constraint option in their Tool Settings.

To slide polygon components along their edges

1. Select the component(s) you want to slide on the polygon mesh.

   You can Shift-select or double-click vertices to select an entire edge loops. See Select an edge loop.

2. Double-click a transform tool in the Toolbox.
3. In the Tool Settings that appear, select Edge from the Transform Constraint drop-down menu.
   Note: You can also transform components along a polygon surface. For more information, see Move polygon components along a surface.
4. Do one of the following:
   • Use the Move tool manipulator to slide components along connected edges.
     
   • Use the Rotate tool manipulator to slide a component loop.
     
   • Use the Scale tool manipulator to slide a component loop.
     
5. In the Tool Settings or Modeling Toolkit window, select Off from the Transform Constraint drop-down menu to transform components without a constraint.
   Tip: Middle-click the transform constraint button in the Modeling toolkit to toggle the last selection.

Sliding polygon edges using the Slide Edge Tool

When working with edges specifically, you can also use the Slide Edge Tool to move them along their adjacent edges. This affords you some extra Snapping and Relative versus Absolute options.

To slide polygon edges using the Slide Edge Tool

1. Select the edges you want to slide on the polygonal mesh.

   You can Shift-select edges or double-click to select an entire edge loop (see Select an edge loop). You can also select edges using Symmetry.

2. Select Mesh Tools > Slide Edge Tool > .
3. Middle-drag to slide the selected edges.

   The vertices associated with the selected edges move along their shared perpendicular edges.

   Tip: Press the Shift key to move the edges/edge loop along each vertex normal.
   Tip: If Symmetry is currently enabled then corresponding edges across the line of symmetry will move in mirrored fashion.

Related topics

• Move polygon components along a surface
• Slide Edge Tool Options