22 - Creating the Hierarchy
Finalizing the Hierarchy for Export
1. Preparing the Objects for Hierarchy Setup
- Convert All Objects to Editable Poly:
- Selected all objects (Ctrl + A), right-clicked, and converted them to Editable Poly.
- Removed unnecessary modifiers like Symmetry and Turn to Poly.
- Reset XForms to Ensure Uniform Scaling & Rotation:
- Selected all objects (Ctrl + A), navigated to the Utilities Panel, and clicked Reset XForms → Reset Selected.
- Right-clicked and converted them back to Editable Poly to finalize transformations.
- Centered Pivot Points for Individual Objects:
- Used Affect Pivot Only → Center to Object for most objects.
- Manually adjusted pivots for parts that need proper rotational alignment (e.g., choke lever, fuel valve, and other rotating components).
- Used snapping (S) to align pivots precisely to rotation axes.
2. Structuring the Hierarchy
- Combining Like Objects:
- Attached similar materials & objects (e.g., standoffs with related hardware, fuel system parts).
- Renamed all objects logically, following a consistent naming convention:
- motor_mid, motor_black, motor_dark for the engine components.
- frame, handle, standoff, bolts for structural elements.
- panel_red, panel_black, fuel_cap, etc., for identifiable parts.
- Using the Select & Link Tool to Create Parent-Child Relationships:
- Linked bolts and hardware to their respective standoffs and frame components.
- Connected fuel cap to the top panel, ensuring it moves correctly as a child.
- Attached buttons and transparent covers to their base panels for accurate positioning.
- Ensured that handles and levers had the correct hierarchy to function properly in Create.
- Grouping Related Objects Using Helper Points for Clean Organization:
- Created a Point Helper (Empty Node) named motor to group all engine-related components.
- Used the same method to organize major sections like the frame, top_panel, and exhaust.
3. Final Hierarchy Structure
- Frame (Parent)
- Wheels, standoffs, and handle components.
- Motor (Grouped Node)
- Mid, black, and dark metal components.
- Fuel system (fuel cap, valve, filter).
- Top Panel
- Includes attached fuel-related components, buttons, and transparent covers.
- Exhaust & Heat Shield
- Properly grouped for clean organization.