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Create spline curve from curve?

AnotherUserNameAnotherUserName Posts: 2,726
in Hexagon Discussion

Hi all,

If I take a curve from a sphere, is there any way that I can convert it into a spline curve so that I can have the dynamic controls?

Thanks

Comments

  • MorkonanMorkonan Posts: 215
    edited June 2016

    Not directly, no.

     

    However, it can be done in another way.

    1) First, copy/paste the line you have selected as its own object.

    2) Then, create a spline curve with the same number of points as the line you want to duplicate. (An approximation is OK. Use the Insert Points tool or the Subdivide Line tool.) Use the Spacebar to constrain your line to one axis, so that the spline curve is straight.

    3) Move the lines so that they're roughly around the same position on at least one axis. This will be the axis that best represents the curve you want to copy.

    4) Next, select the Spline Curve you created, which is, at this point, just a straight line with controls. (Make sure you have the Object select enabled, not a face/vertice/edge enabled.)

    5) Select the "Bend" tool (Under Utilities menu) while you have the new Spline Curve (line) selected. (Again - Make SURE you have "Object Select" instead of having Face/Edge/Point selection enabled, else it can't bend the entire object! It's surprising how easy it is to forget this for "tools." :) ) Then, being sure that the camera angle is along the axis that you want to bend your new splined curve, select the original curve.

    6) Your splined curve should attempt to bend along that axis in order to assume the shape of the copy/pasted curve. In Hexagon, when using the Bend tool in this fasion, without using a control cage and, instead, using a "control object", like you original line, the tool will only act along one axis and that is the axis that is relative to the axis that the camera is facing the object on. Once you've clicked on the control object/line, then click on the Validate button. Why? Because, Hex loves the darn Validate button. If it's not to your likeing, just CTRL-Z or Undo it and try again. (This is the most stable way to use the Bend tool.)

    7) If your original line has more than one deviation along an axis, for instance one that rotates towards the x+, then the z+, then the x- or something like that, you can have some success by Bending in the above manner, once for each axis.

    Note: This "should" work. If you have issues, make sure that you're "clicking" on the control object (your original line) along the axis that you want to deform your new splined curve. Complex curves, however, can be tricky. This method can work with just about any complex object that is using a simple "line" or any sort of spined curve. However, attempting to use a complex "control" object that you're trying to get another object to "bend" to will simply give Hexagon a fit... It will only, ever, work across ONE axis. That is why it only works with lines or curves as control objects. You can bend ANY complex object this way, from simple tubes to full clothing outfits for figures. Your results will vary, however.

    PS - The "Bend" Control Cage does not like complex objects. So, I use this control curve method frequently. This method will work, but you may need to fiddle around with it to get used to it. Once you do, you'll be a regular "Bender!" ;) )

    Post edited by Morkonan on
  • AnotherUserNameAnotherUserName Posts: 2,726
    Morkonan said:

    Not directly, no.

     

    However, it can be done in another way.

    1) First, copy/paste the line you have selected as its own object.

    2) Then, create a spline curve with the same number of points as the line you want to duplicate. (An approximation is OK. Use the Insert Points tool or the Subdivide Line tool.) Use the Spacebar to constrain your line to one axis, so that the spline curve is straight.

    3) Move the lines so that they're roughly around the same position on at least one axis. This will be the axis that best represents the curve you want to copy.

    4) Next, select the Spline Curve you created, which is, at this point, just a straight line with controls. (Make sure you have the Object select enabled, not a face/vertice/edge enabled.)

    5) Select the "Bend" tool (Under Utilities menu) while you have the new Spline Curve (line) selected. (Again - Make SURE you have "Object Select" instead of having Face/Edge/Point selection enabled, else it can't bend the entire object! It's surprising how easy it is to forget this for "tools." :) ) Then, being sure that the camera angle is along the axis that you want to bend your new splined curve, select the original curve.

    6) Your splined curve should attempt to bend along that axis in order to assume the shape of the copy/pasted curve. In Hexagon, when using the Bend tool in this fasion, without using a control cage and, instead, using a "control object", like you original line, the tool will only act along one axis and that is the axis that is relative to the axis that the camera is facing the object on. Once you've clicked on the control object/line, then click on the Validate button. Why? Because, Hex loves the darn Validate button. If it's not to your likeing, just CTRL-Z or Undo it and try again. (This is the most stable way to use the Bend tool.)

    7) If your original line has more than one deviation along an axis, for instance one that rotates towards the x+, then the z+, then the x- or something like that, you can have some success by Bending in the above manner, once for each axis.

    Note: This "should" work. If you have issues, make sure that you're "clicking" on the control object (your original line) along the axis that you want to deform your new splined curve. Complex curves, however, can be tricky. This method can work with just about any complex object that is using a simple "line" or any sort of spined curve. However, attempting to use a complex "control" object that you're trying to get another object to "bend" to will simply give Hexagon a fit... It will only, ever, work across ONE axis. That is why it only works with lines or curves as control objects. You can bend ANY complex object this way, from simple tubes to full clothing outfits for figures. Your results will vary, however.

    PS - The "Bend" Control Cage does not like complex objects. So, I use this control curve method frequently. This method will work, but you may need to fiddle around with it to get used to it. Once you do, you'll be a regular "Bender!" ;) )

    Thanks for the reply Morkonan. I had given up on this. Ill definetely try this out.

  • MorkonanMorkonan Posts: 215
    AnotherUserName said:

    Thanks for the reply Morkonan. I had given up on this. Ill definetely try this out.

     

    Basically, for a simpler explanation of the procedure, look in the manual for the directions on how to use the Bend tool. I don't know if the vid illustrations are even available any more since DAZ changed their site around. Anyway, Bend the spline curve that you created to the shape of the edge that you extracted from the object. Job done. Just remember that the Bend tool works on the axis relative to the camera and you should be able to get a decent duplicate of it, as long as you have close to the same number of control points on the curve to be bent as there are on the extracted curve.

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