[Designbytes]

works here….

1. create rectangular, square or whatever sweep spline
2. create the square profile spline
3. create the sweep nurb object
4. drop #1 into the sweep nurb
5. drop #2 into the sweep nurb

if the resulting sweep nurb appears “flat” try adjusting the orientation of the profile nurb — XY, YZ, or XZ

[Designbytes]

-create two spline primitives – “diamonds”
-select both
-make editable
-issue the “connect” command

should create a third spline that is made up of the two “diamonds”

[Designbytes]

…back to your “top of roots” problem….early morning learning going on here, so mileage may vary:

** select top of root object as required (poly mode);
** pick function–> split (this duplicates and separates the selected group into a new object);
** position the top-root object a close to where you want it in relation to the enamel object;
** select enamel object and newly created top-root object and pick function–>connect (this creates duplicated, but connected object)
** join the mesh of the two objects using create poly or bridge tool

presto! …I think 😉

[Designbytes]

for #2: the object you are using needs to be “editable” – ie. not a primitive, etc but polygon object; then you need to be in “polygon” tool mode (as opposed to points, edge tools) and select the polygons you want to subdivide. they will turn color when selected; then find “subdivide” under the function menu

for #1: not sure if the “tooth” is two separate objects or one; I suspect maybe one and that the roots and top are the same object; if so, get in polygon tool mode again and select the root area; then find “set selection” under the selection menu; this will save that selection set under the object and that “set” can be activated at anytime for use in texturing, further modeling, etc

recommendation: can the manual for now – and refer back to it as you learn more; check out tutorials here and particularly http://www.c4dcafe.com and other forums; they are invaluable in getting a handle on C4D and to “think” C4D

[Designbytes]

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

[Designbytes]

…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!

[Designbytes]

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

[Designbytes]

…under prefs:

– make sure “use hi-res coordinates” is off
– make sure “graphic tablet” is on

you may not be able to save changes under demo verison

[Designbytes]

rendered scene on Mac to full screen editor window – v8.2, v9.1 and demo v9.52

all were the same times

[Designbytes]

…putting a display tag on an object gives you some of that functionality — not perfect, but a little quicker.