Truespace3: Tip of the Month

Courtesy of Oleyo

Location of Object Axes

Have you ever been confused as to where the axes of an object should go? If so you are in luck because that is what I will be talking about today. The location of the axes differ depending on what the object will be used for. Here are some examples:

Non-moving objects

Most of the objects in AW should have their axes in the center of the object, and flush with the ground. If the axis is in the center it will rotate properly. This axis placement should be used for most of your objects.

Rotating objects

If an object is going to be spinning in more than one direction then the axis should be placed in the exact middle of the object, NOT flush with the ground, so that it will spin correctly. To do this, left click and hold on the axis symbol on the toolbar. The button will expand to reveal more axis buttons. One of them is labeled “move axes to center of object”. Release the button over it and your axis will automatically go the exact center of your object. Now your axis is highlighted and not your object. To go back to editing your object, click the axis button again. Here is a trick for making objects that will orbit around, like a flying car or a planet. Leave the axis in the center of the object, but before you save it in Truespace move the entire object to the side, away from the center of the scene. Move it the same distance that you want for the radius of the object’s path. When you save it and put it in AW, the axis will automatically be off center by that amount. Now put a rotate command on and watch it travel around its center.

Happy building!

-Oleyo

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