New Subdiv Modeling Tools and Improvements (2024.1)
We've added several new subdivision modeling tools and made improvements to the existing tool set. For example, you can now create revolved and swept subdivision geometry with new Subdiv Revolve and Subdiv Sweep tools, as well as quickly improve the CV distribution of subdivision surfaces using a standalone Subdiv Smooth tool.
Subdiv Revolve tool
We've added a Revolve tool to the subdivision modeling tool set. Like the Revolve tool for NURBS surfaces, this new tool generates revolved subdivision surfaces by sweeping profile curves around an axis. Use the tool to quickly create cylindrical and rotational shapes, such as rims and tires.
Start your revolved subdivision model from a profile curve or a set of connected curves. Use the tool settings to adjust the axis of the rotation line that the shape revolves around.
For more information, see Subdiv Revolve.
Subdiv Sweep tool
A new Subdiv Sweep tool lets you quickly generate complex shapes by sweeping a profile along a path. Select a profile curve to define the flow and shape of the subdivision geometry, and one or two rail curves to sweep the profile across. Input curves can be any type, including degree-1 curves or a chain of subdivision edges.
This tool also includes the Curvature Bias feature from the Subdiv Extrude, which lets you distribute more CVs to regions with higher curvature, making for overall smoother topology.
For more information, see Subdiv Sweep.
Subdiv Smooth tool
A new Subdiv Smooth tool lets you refine and optimize the shape of your subdiv model by redistributing CVs and removing zigzag patterns along adjoining edges. The tool works the same as the Relax feature in the Subdiv Retopo tool.
The tool has two modes: Smooth and Relax. In Smooth Mode, the tool moves edges using a smooth approximation curve. This removes zigzagging patterns in chains of edges without changing their length. Use the tool in Relax Mode to even out the spacing between vertices on your subdivision models, making the overall CV distribution more uniform.
Apply the effect to subdivision models using a painting motion with the LMB. The tool's focus is on the face directly below the cursor position.
For more information, see Subdiv Smooth.
Subdiv Controls Visibility tools
You can now hide selected control cage elements using new Subdiv Controls Visible, Subdiv Controls Invisible, and Subdiv Controls Toggle Visibility tools. These new tools work the same way as the Display > Visible, Display > Invisible, and Display > Toggle Visibility do for objects. Use the new Subdiv Controls Toggle Visibility option to make invisible control cage elements visible and the visible elements invisible.
For more information, see Subdiv Control Cage Visibility .
Other subdivision modeling improvements
Guide curve added to the Subdiv Bridge tool
You can now use a guide curve to specify a path when building geometry with the Bridge tool. After selecting the subdivision edges you want to build from, select a curve to define a path. The new subdiv geometry then follows the shape and direction of the curve. A new Rotation setting lets you rotate the curve around the axis of the bridge geometry when necessary.
For more information, see Bridge.
Change geometric normal orientation
Set Geometric Surface Orientation and Unify Surface Orientation now get applied to the subdivision surfaces at the object level. In previous versions of Alias, these options got applied to the underlying limit surfaces that make up subdivision objects.