Linking 2 small objects

I was trying to build a fireplace and had some trouble with the flames

I couldnt join two flames (link them) because when they were together and I hit the ctrl button, a large circle appears and doesnt allow me to click on the other flame so as to choose it before I link it to the first flame. UI hope you understand what I mean...


so, how do you join two small objects?

try using shift instead of ctrl.

Just to expand a little on Larrie's correct answer, the reason "a large circle" appears when you press ctrl is because, when you have an editable object selected, ctrl is the shortcut for rotation. That "large circle" is the rotational manipulator tool. Take a look at the editor window. Notice it's got "Ctrl)" printed right next to the word "Rotate", to indicate the shortcut. Notice also that when you press ctrl, the radio button for Rotate turns on. While holding ctrl, click on one of the ring-shaped handles, drag it around, and you'll see your selected object rotates to follow.

Likewise, if you hold shift at the same time as ctrl, you'll activate the scalar manipulator tool (SL calls this "Stretch". You'll see block-shaped handles appear around the object. Grab one, move it, and you'll see the object changes size to follow.

You'll find that using these shortcuts while building is orders of magnitude faster than stopping to click the radio buttons every time you want to change manipulation modes.

Ok I am familiar in building with what happens when you hit different buttons


ctrl - rotation, and selection while choosing another object to link to it

shift - to copy an existing copyable object and move it so as to make another identical object in a different position


ctrl and shift at same time - to resize or stretch an object







However that does not answer my question....how do you link two small objects?

Large or small, the procedure is the same. Select both objects (using shift instead of ctrl will prevent the manipulator from getting in the way), and then press ctrl-L (or click Tools -> Link). The last prim selected before linking will become the parent prim, and all the others will be its children.

OK Ill try using shift when I build something tonight, thnx for the info all who offerred some!

Absolutely, I found those ages ago, and haven't selected stretch or rotate or position (which is automatically selected on edit), since then.


http://www.secondscripter.com

I love this thread I had seen a script to link objects but couldn't figure it out.. The selecting works perfectly! Lol.

Thanks!!

Yes worked good for me too!

Shift instead of ctrl! What'll they think of next?

When there are a lot of small objects close together just selecting the one I want can be a pain for me. I wish there was a way to "tab" through all objects. I've lost a couple objects in the past that I'm pretty sure are lost in space or buried underground.

Small objects can be a pain, but that's why your camera has a zoom control. Remove camera contraints and then zoom in as close as you need to, to make the objects look big enough to grab easily. BTW, I find that it's a lot easier to work with tiny things if I create them on a "workbench" prim that has a blank texture and a contrasting color. I've lost too many things in the grass.