🔍 Editable Poly in 3DS Max – Deep Dive 🎨

The Edit Poly modifier is one of the most powerful tools in 3DS Max for modeling. It allows direct manipulation of objects by working with their individual components. Let’s break it down!

 

 Adding an Edit Poly Modifier

1️⃣ Select your object.
2️⃣ Open the Modify Panel.
3️⃣ Click Modifier List → Add Edit Poly.
4️⃣ Now, your object is editable at the sub-object component level!

 

🔹 Sub-Objects in Edit Poly

These are the five component types that make up any 3D object:

1️⃣ Vertices (Points) 🔵

• Definition: The small blue dots where edges meet.
• Actions:
  ✅ Move (W key)
  ❌ Cannot rotate or scale
• Use Cases: Precise adjustments for modeling.

2️⃣ Edges 🔺

• Definition: The white lines connecting two vertices.
• Actions:
  ✅ Move, Scale, and Rotate
  ✅ Hold Ctrl to select multiple edges
• Use Cases:
  • Chamfering for rounded edges.

3️⃣ Borders (Open Edges) 🌐

• Definition: Only appears when a face is missing, highlighting open surfaces in a model.
• Use Cases:
  • Detecting holes in geometry.
  • Useful for capping missing faces.

4️⃣ Polygons (Faces) 🔳

• Definition: The solid surfaces of the object.
• Actions:
  ✅ Move, Rotate, Scale
  ✅ Extrude / Inset for modeling
• Use Cases:
  • Creating depth with extrusions.
  • Applying smoothing groups for shading.

5️⃣ Elements (Entire Connected Object) 🔷

• Definition: Selects the whole connected mesh.
• Actions: Move, Rotate, Scale the entire piece.
• Use Cases:
  • Working with separate parts of a model.

⚡ Quick Tips

✅ Use shortcuts:

• 1 → Vertex
• 2 → Edge
• 3 → Border
• 4 → Polygon
• 5 → Element

✅ Marquee Select for multiple elements.
✅ Check for missing faces using Border Selection.
✅ Combine with Modifiers like Shell & Chamfer.