Question about Maya

I've been using Zbrush 3.1 for a while now to create my sculpties, but recently I've picked up Maya and have been trying that out for creating more complex scenes. I like a lot of the tools in Zbrush for creation, but I love how easy it is to set up multiple objects in a scene with Maya versus Zbrush.

One of my favorite tools from Zbrush is the 'Move' tool. I am wondering if Maya has a tool with a similar functionality, and if it does, where can I find this tool? I know in sculpt mode it gives Maya a very close feel to Zbrush, but I haven't been able to find a tool that works like 'Move' does in Zbrush.

I'm not a Zbrush user, so I'm not sure exactly what its Move tool actually does. If all you want to do is move objects or points around the scene, Maya's Move tool, also called the Translate tool, is right at the top of the toolbox, on the left hand side of the screen. The hotkey for is W.

I suspect that's not what you're asking, though. Can you describe what that Move tool does?

Whatever it is, there may or may not be a direct Maya equivalent. If there is, great. If not, you'll just need to adopt some new techniques to achieve your desired goal. Either way, you'll definitely be able to do whatever it is you want. The only question will be how easily.

The move tool is kind of like how it works when you grab hold of a vertice and move it around. But the move tool allows you to quickly grab spots on the object you are sculpting and shift them around freely and quickly. It's not limited to manually grabbing a single, or even multiple vertices to move it around.

Imagine using your hands on clay, and instead of using your finger to draw a line, your grabbing it between your index and thumb to stretch and pull and shift it around.

That is how the move tool works.

Check out Modify -> Transformation Tools -> Soft Modification Tool

Chances are that you'll love it to bits

Yup, softmod definitely sounds like what you're after.

This does function exactly like I want it minus one feature. Is it possible to apply a symmetry/mirror effect to it like you can with the sculpt tool?

You could try selecting using the paint selection tool (set reflection under stroke on the tool options). Once you have your desired area selected, use your soft modification tool. The only trouble with this is that movement with the softmod tool won't be symmetrical, but you could try scaling where needed.

Chosen - I'm flabbergasted. I beat you to an answer to a Maya question. You OK, man? We don't need to worry about your health, I hope?



-L