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bezier tool?
Arghghgh! And this is a EASY 3D program to grasp? I’m trying to learn this progam, but am becoming increasingly frustrated with all the hoops that I have to jump through just to complete a simple task.
I’ll start with the basic bezier. I can create a bezier path (using the Bezier Sline Tool), but I can’t edit it. I use the Live Selection Tool, but it doesn’t allow me to move anything (it just flashes a circle whenever I click, but nothing moves). I also selected the Point tool first (as the 9.1 Handbook says to), then the Live Selection Tool… but still nothing moves. If I’m having an impossible time with this SIMPLE task, I can just imagine how many problems that I’m going to run into each step of the way.
I WISH that every bezier draw tool worked exactly like Photoshops (are you listening Illustrator?) There’s only ONE tool you need to create straight lines, curves, converting lines, breaking lines… It’s SO easy. Every other program is so cumbersome (and I really don’t know why).
Also, I’ve imported an Illustrator path and it comes into Cinema 4D as a path (so far so good)…. Now HOW do I fill it (so that I can extrude it)….
Frustrated,
kurt murphy
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6 Replies
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Yes, I found (and find) some of the work flow in C4D a bit to get used to, especially if you come in entrenched with habits from other software – particularly 2D software. I curse a lot, but then walk away and come back! 😉
The beziers curves is a case in point. I have been using Illustrator since 1987 and could uses its bezier tools without even thinking about it….C4D’s still has me pulling my hair out, but I am getting used to it. I do anything complex in AI and import in C4D and make only tweaks there. It saves my sanity.
use the live select tool (arrow) to pick out points. use the “move” tool (keyboard E) to move the point(s) selected or to move the handle(s). hitting the space bar moves from tool-to-tool, so it easy to switch between select and move tools. with “shift” key down and using “move” tool, you can adjust one side of the bezier handle.
also, at least in 9.5.2, if you have axis and axis bands on, you don’t have to switch to the “move” tool once the point(s) is selected….you can just move the axis or axis bands to move the point.
once you have created a spline path, you usually extrude/sweep/lathe it to create a shape…..
hope this helps
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…I should also add that there are numerous & alternative ways to do things in C4D and I am sure more experienced folks here will point those out. I am still learning!
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> It does… thank you (it’s nice to know I’m not alone).
kurt
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You don’t actually have to use the select tool; you can pick points with the move tool by clicking on them, or select multiple points by shift-clicking on them. Or, you switch to “Tweak” mode (Tools>Tweak Mode), which autoselects whatever is under the cursor.
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wow…and now that Adam T has turned on that “light bulb” and improved my productivity by at least 50% – thanks! and “duh!” to me – I also discovered that all the tools – move, scale, rotate – can “select” dots, polys or edges without resorting to the select tool. I may never use it again!
don’t know in what parallel universe I’ve been living, but again, c4d makes me feel “dumb as dirt” and the forums save the day 😉
thanks
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Glad I could help. 🙂 Just be aware that there are a few gotchas with tweak mode. The main one is that the knife tool doesn’t work when tweak is active.
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