What are Polygons, Vertex, Edge, Border, and Elements in 3ds Max?

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Before you start modeling a complex 3D object, such as a car, it is important to master the basic principles of polygonal modeling. You should also familiarize yourself with the purpose and functionality of the tools used. Knowledge of these aspects will help you create a high-quality and detailed model, which is a key step in the 3D design process. Understanding the basics of polygonal modeling will allow you to effectively control the shape and structure of a vehicle, which will significantly impact the final result.

A polygon is a geometric shape formed by a set of points in space connected by edges. A polygon can have a varying number of sides and angles, which determines its type and properties. Polygons play an important role in mathematics and geometry, as they form the basis for exploring more complex shapes and forms. Each polygon can be convex or concave and can also be classified by the number of its sides—from triangles to polygons with a large number of faces. Understanding the properties of polygons has wide applications in architecture, design, and computer graphics.

Polygonal modeling is one of the main methods of 3D modeling, which allows you to create objects of varying complexity. This process involves connecting polygons to form groups and give models the desired shape and detail. Polygonal modeling is widely used in the gaming industry, animation, and architectural visualization, as it provides a high degree of control over the geometry and texturing of objects. This method is suitable for creating both simple and complex models, making it a versatile tool for 3D designers and artists.

Let's create a box primitive and convert it to Editable Poly. In this example, we'll take a closer look at what a polygon is and what elements it consists of. In this lesson, you'll also learn how to correctly create a primitive. A polygon is a fundamental element of 3D modeling, representing a flat surface bounded by several vertices and edges. Understanding the structure of a polygon and its components will help you better navigate the process of modeling and optimizing 3D objects.

To convert an object to editable polygons, right-click in the active viewport. In the context menu that appears, select "Convert To" and then "Convert to Editable Poly". This process allows you to edit the object's geometry in more detail and flexibility using polygon editing tools.

You have created a box primitive and converted it to editable poly. Now let's look at the substructures that make up an Editable Poly. This object type includes a variety of elements, such as vertices, edges, and polygons, that allow you to make changes to the model's geometry. Understanding these components is key to effectively editing and optimizing your 3D object.

To go to the sub-object level in Editable Poly, click the arrow on the command bar in the Modify tab. In this section, we will take a closer look at various aspects of working with sub-objects.

To work with this level of sub-objects, you must press the 1 key on the keyboard. A vertex is a one-dimensional object that can be thought of as a point in space. When two vertices are connected, an edge is formed, which is the basis for constructing more complex geometric shapes.

To work with this sub-object level, press 2 on your keyboard. An edge is a two-dimensional object defined by two vertices and visually represented as a line. When three or more edges are connected, they form a polygon. Polygons are fundamental elements in geometry and are used in various fields such as architecture, graphic design, and computer animation.

To start working with this sub-object level, press the 3 key on keyboard.

In its current form, our object doesn't allow you to select a border. A border implies the end of a specific element, but our object has a closed structure. This makes it impossible to clearly define its boundaries, as they cannot be defined within a closed space.

Go to the subobject and select any visible polygon. Delete it by pressing the Del key on your keyboard. The edges of the deleted polygon will become the border that will be used in the future.

Polygon is activated by pressing the 4 key on the keyboard. It is a geometric figure consisting of three or more edges.

The element is activated by pressing the 5 key on the keyboard. This sub-object is necessary for complete selection of the entire object. Using this element simplifies the process of editing and managing content, allowing users to work with material quickly and efficiently.

The Selection rollout displays icons of all Editable Poly sub-objects. Selecting one of the sub-objects activates the corresponding icon, and clicking on any of the icons selects the associated sub-object in the list. This functionality makes it easier to work with models, allowing you to quickly switch between different elements and simplifying the editing process. Using the Selection scroll allows you to effectively manage complex models and optimizes the workflow in 3D editors.

When creating a polygonal mesh Working with sub-objects is an important step in creating a 3D object. To perform various operations on these sub-objects, you need to use the basic tools located in the Modify tab of the command bar, which is located below the Editable Poly object window. Mastering these tools properly will allow you to effectively edit and customize polygonal models, which is a key aspect in 3D modeling.