Is it possible to load a graphic image onto the model box sides in the spline modeler? I'm looking to load a guide in one of the isotropic views and then move spline points to match the image. Carrara 5 Pro Thanks.

No, I don't think you can do that. I think you can only place images in the vertex modeler. Here's a possible alternative. You'll need Illustrator or something else that can save a vector EPS file.

Open the image you were planning on placing into Carrara in Illustrator instead. Trace it there. Save it as an EPS and import that into the spline modeler. In the end you get the same results as you would have if you were moving spline points to match the image in Carrara.

Thanks JayPeG, but I'm trying to get around another limitation. I am using AI splines (like I did in RayDream from nearly day one) but Carrara does not allow you to import different splines as for the envelope or path. What I've done is import a spline as an envelope. Carrara automatically defaults to symetrical. I then change the envelope to free and go to the projection where I want a different envelope. I can't import there, because it wipes out the earlier one, so I individually adjust the spine points to match the line I would have imported. It almost works, except that the envelope doesn't actually match the shape of the spline object. I need to readjust the points for that. It would be oh-so-much easier if I could trace the points visually. Actually it would be even better if I could import separate splines. Thanks anyway.

"What I've done is import a spline as an envelope. Carrara automatically defaults to symetrical."

That doesn't happen when I do it.

"I then change the envelope to free and go to the projection where I want a different envelope. I can't import there, because it wipes out the earlier one"

It won't wipe it out if you create a new cross section before importing the second envelope.

"Carrara does not allow you to import different splines as for the envelope or path."

Sure it does.

"Actually it would be even better if I could import separate splines."

You can do that.

If possible post a screen shot of what you are trying to do so we can have a look and maybe provide further direction.

Message edited on: 12/29/2005 09:05

Sounds interesting. I'll play with this a bit and see if I can document my experience or get it to work. I definitely have not created a new cross section so that may be the problem. I'll be very happy if this works.

I just hope I'm understaning you correctly but yeah, it should work. Do it like this...

• Import your first EPS. This shape (shape 1) will be extruded along the entire lengh your sweep path.

If you want this shape to be replaced by a different shape somewhere further down on your sweep path while having the original shape remain where it is do this...

• Add a new point on your sweep path where you want the change to take place.

• With only that newly created point selected go to the "section" menu and choose "create". This will make a new cross section that is exaclty the same as the first one.

• With this new cross section selected import your next EPS file. This will be shape 2.

• You will now have two shapes on that cross section. Just delete the first one. (you could actually delete it before you import shape 2. it'll work either way).

I hope this is what you were looking for. If so, once you master this you'll be able to make many cool objects in the spline modeler.

Message edited on: 12/29/2005 14:36

Again, I'm not 100% that were are talking about the same thing but in case we are, here is a visual representation of what I described (using very basic shapes) that may help to make it clear.

Oh I see. Yes we have a misunderstanding. I'm not trying to import multiple cross-sections. That is an option for what I want to do, in fact I did try it on this model. The problem with that approach is I need to reposition the cross-sections vertically and then smooth all the lines. The image shows one of the shapes I'm trying to make. In this case the top-view envelope is symetrical in plane; the side-view one is free, since the top and bottom splines are different. I made this object as stated earlier. I loaded the cross-section, and then loaded the envelope. After changing it to free, I edited the point y-values in the two side-view envelope lines.

Hmmm... still seems like it would be accomplished easier (and with more control) with multiple cross sections. Also may be easier in ther vertex modeler or with Hexagon. Good Luck. If you get it right, post it.

Message edited on: 12/29/2005 15:21