Rhino 5 Users Guide

Rhinoceros 5
For Windows
User's Guide
RobertMcNeel&Associates,11/30/2016.
Table of Contents
SectionI:Workingin3-D 1
Introduction 3
TheRhinointerface 3
Rhinocommands 4
Startfromthemenu 4
Startfromatoolbaricon 6
Startfromthecommandline 10
Undoamistake 13
Thecommandwindow 14
Commandoptions 14
Repeatthelastcommand 14
Gethelpanytime 15
RhinoObjects 17
WhyNURBSmodeling 17
Points 17
Curves 18
Surfaces 18
Closedandopensurfaces 19
Trimmedanduntrimmedsurfaces 19
Surfaceisoparametricandedgecurves 21
Polysurfaces 22
Solids 22
Light-weightextrusionobjects 23
Polygonmeshobjects 23
SelectingObjects 25
Selectobjectswithwindows 26
Otherwaysofselecting 27
Sub-objectselection 29
NavigatingViewports 31
Viewportprojection 31
Viewportnavigation 31
Mousenavigation 32
Viewportdisplaymodes 32
Wireframe 33
Shaded 33
Othershadedmodes 34
Viewporttitle 35
Toactivatetheviewporttitlemenu 35
AccurateModeling 37
TheRhinocursor 37
Snaptotheconstructionplanegrid 37
Constraintheangleofmovement 37
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Table of contents
Snaptoexistingobjects 38
Persistentobjectsnaps 38
Specialcaseobjectsnaps 39
Cursorconstraints 39
Distanceconstraint 39
Angleconstraint 39
Distanceandangletogether 40
Elevatormode 40
SmartTrack 40
Coordinatesystems 41
Cartesiancoordinates 41
Right-handrule 41
Worldcoordinates 41
Constructionplanecoordinates 41
Relativecoordinates 42
CreateSurfacesfromCurves 45
Edgecurves 45
Extrudecurves 46
Loftcurves 48
Revolvecurves 49
Revolvecurveswitharail 52
Sweepalongonerailcurve 56
Sweepalongtworailcurves 58
EditCurvesandSurfaces 61
Join 61
Explode 61
TrimandSplit 61
Control-pointediting 61
Controlpointvisibility 61
Changecontrolpointlocations 62
Add,delete,orredistributecontrolpoints 62
Curveandsurfacedegree 62
Transforms-Move,Copy,Rotate,Scale 65
Move 65
Moveobjectsusingdistancevalues 65
Moveobjectsbydragging 66
Elevatormode 67
Copy 69
Rotate 73
Scale 77
Mirror 80
Array 83
Orient 83
CurveandSurfaceAnalysis 85
Measuredistance,angle,andradius 85
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Table of contents
Curveandsurfacedirection 85
Curvature 86
Visualsurfaceanalysis 86
Environmentmap 86
Curvatureanalysis 87
Draftangleanalysis 87
Edgeevaluation 88
Diagnostics 88
OrganizationandAnnotation 89
Layers 89
Groups 90
Blocks 90
Worksessions 90
Dimensions 90
Text 91
Leaders 91
Dots 92
Hiddenlineremoval 92
Notes 92
Render 93
Lights 93
Materials 94
Environment 95
GroundPlane 95
Render 96
SectionII:Tutorials 97
PullToy-SolidsandTransforms 99
Entercoordinates 99
Drawthepulltoybody 99
Drawtheaxlesandwheelhubs 102
Drawthelugnuts 104
Arraythelugnuts 105
Drawthetires 106
Mirrorthewheels 107
Drawtheeyes 109
Makethepullcord 114
Flashlight-RevolveCurves 125
Setupthemodel 125
Drawacenterline 127
Drawthebodyprofilecurve 128
Drawthelensprofilecurve 129
Buildtheflashlightbody 130
Createthelens 133
Headphone-Sweep,Loft,andExtrude 135
Createthespeakershell 136
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Table of contents
Createthepaddingandcover 140
Createthemountingbracket 142
Createtheheadband 146
Roundtheheadbandends 151
Createthespeakerwire 157
Mirrortheheadphoneparts 161
Learnmore 163
Penguin-PointEditingandBlending 165
Thebody 165
Theeyes 173
Thebeak 179
Thefeet 186
Thetail 196
Thewings 199
Finishingtouches 204
Render 206
BoatHull-LoftandSweep 207
Layoutthehullcurves 208
Checkthecurvesforfairness 209
Fixthecurvature 209
Createthe3-Dcurves 210
Revisethecurves 212
Loftthehullsurfaces 215
Trimthebowandbottom 217
Buildthetransom 219
Addthedeck 226
Dragonfly-TraceImages 233
Drawthebody 233
Drawthehead 239
Blendtheheadandbody 247
Drawtheeyes 249
Shapethetail 250
Tracethewings 251
Drawthelegs 253
Finishingtouches 254
WrapText-Flowalongsurface 255
Makeasurface 255
Createtheobjectstowrap 256
Controltheobjectplacement 256
MechanicalPart-Blocks 261
Createsolidshapes 261
Drilltheholes 265
Copytheholes 267
Makea2-Ddrawing 270
Dimensionthe2-Ddrawing 270
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Table of contents
MechanicalPart-Layouts 273
Layoutviewports 274
Insertatitleblock 275
vii
Rhinoceros 5 User's Guide
Section I: Working in 3-D
Introduction
Modelingin3-Distheprocessofcreatingamathematicalrepresentationofanobject'ssurfaces.Theresulting
modelisdisplayedonyourscreenasatwo-dimensionalimage.Rhinoprovidestoolsforcreating,displaying,
andmanipulatingthesesurfaces.
The Rhino interface

TheimagebelowillustratessomeofthemajorfeaturesoftheRhinowindow.
Menu (1)
ThemenusgroupRhinocommandsbyfunction.
History window (2)
Thecommandhistorywindowdisplaysthepreviouscommandsandprompts.
Command prompt (3)
Thecommandpromptdisplayspromptsforthecurrentcommandactions,optionsforthecommandthat
youcanclick,andallowstypingcommandnamesandoptions.
Toolbars (4)
Toolbarscontaingraphicaliconsforinitiatingcommands.Manytoolbariconshaveasecondcommandthat
youcanaccessbyright-clickingtheicon.Thetooltipthatappearswhenyouhoverovertheicontellsyou
whattheleftandrightmousebuttondo.
To access the command on the first line

4 Clicktheiconwiththeleft mouse button.
To access the command on the second line

4 Clickthebuttonwiththeright mouse button.
3
Introduction
Viewports (5)
ViewportsdisplaytheRhinoworkingenvironment.
Panels (6)
Tabbedpanelscontainslayers,properties,andothersettings.
Rhino commands
Rhinoisacommand drivenprogram.Inotherwords,allactionsareactivatedbynamedcommandssuchas
Line,Box,orCurvatureAnalysis.
Tip:Toreadmoreaboutacommand,clickthered,underlinedcommandnamelink.
Commandsareaccessedthroughthemenus,orthetoolbars,orbytypingthecommandname.Inthenext
sections,youwillexploreusingthesemethods.Youmayfindonemethodeasierthananother.Thechoiceis
yours,andthereisnopreferenceforonemethodoveranother.
Intheexercises,youwilluseRhinoscommands,navigationtools,shadedmodes,render,andusesomebasic
objectmanipulation.
Tip:Tocancelacommandanytime,presstheEsckey.
In this session you will

4 Startacommandbychoosingfromthemenu.
4 Startacommandbychoosingfromatoolbaricon.
4 Startacommandbytyping.
To start your first Rhino model

1. StartRhino.
2. OntheFilemenu,clickNew.
3. IntheOpen Template Filedialogbox,selectSmallObjects - centimeters.3dmandclickOpen.
Start from the menu

MostRhinocommandsarearrangedinthemenus.
Start the Cone command

4 OntheSolidmenu,clickCone.
4
Introduction
Draw the cone

1. AttheBase of coneprompt,intheTopviewport,clickwiththemousetopickthecenterpointfor
thebaseofthecone.
2. AttheRadiusprompt,intheTopviewport,dragthemouseandclicktodrawtheconesbase.
5
Introduction
3. AttheEnd of coneprompt,intheFrontviewport,dragthemouseandclicktodrawthecones
point.
4. WatchwhathappensinthePerspectiveviewport.
Start from a toolbar icon

Toolbarsprovideagraphicalinterfacetothecommands.
To display a button tooltip, hover your mouse over the icon

4 Thecommandnamesthatareactivatedwiththeleftandrightmouseclicksdisplay.
6
Introduction
Start the Curve command

4 OnthetoolbardockedontheleftsideoftheRhinowindow,clicktheiconforControl point curve.
7
Introduction
Draw the curve
8
Introduction
1. AttheStart of curveprompt,intheTopviewport,clickthemousetostartthecurve.
2. AttheNext point...prompts,clickafewmorepointsintheTopviewport.
3. AttheNext point...prompts,movethemouseintotheFrontviewportandclickafewmorepoints.
4. AttheNext point...prompts,movethemouseintotheRightviewportandclickafewmorepoints.
5. Right-click,pressEnterorpressthespacebartocompletethecurve.
9
Introduction
6. CheckoutthePerspectiveviewport.
Admire your work

4 DragwiththerightmousebuttontorotatethePerspectiveview.
Start from the command line

Youcanstartacommandbytypingthecommandname.
Start the Sphere command by typing

4 Clickatthecommandprompt,andtypeSphere.
10
Introduction
Draw the sphere
11
Introduction
1. AttheCenter of sphereprompt,inthePerspectiveviewport,clickthemousetopickthecenter
pointforthesphere.
2. AttheRadiusprompt,inthePerspectiveviewport,movethemouseawayfromthecenterpoint,
andclickthemousetodrawthesphereandclick.
3. InthePerspectiveviewport,clickthedown-arrowontheviewport title,andonthemenu,click
Shaded.
12
Introduction
Undo a mistake
Ifyoudidsomethingyoudidnotwanttodo,youcanundoyouractions.
Undo a command
4 OntheEditmenu,clickUndo,orpresstheCtrlandZkeys.
Redo commands
4 OntheEditmenu,clickRedo,orpresstheCtrl and Ykeys.
13
Introduction
The command window

Thecommandwindowcontainsthecommandhistoryandthecommandprompt.
ThewindowisnormallydockedatthetopoftheRhinowindow,butyoucandockitatthebottomofthescreen
orfloatitjustlikeanytoolbar.Itisagoodideatodragthewindowsoitdisplaysatleastthreelinesoftext.
Thecommand promptiswhereyoucantypecommandnames,setoptions,enterdistancesandanglesfor
drawing,andreadthepromptsforthecommands.
Thecommandpromptdisplaysoptionsforthecommandinparentheses.Toactivateanoption,clicktheoption
withthemouseortypetheoptionnameortheunderlinedletterintheoption.
Optionsgiveyoualternatemethodsforusingthecommand.Promptsaremessagestoyoutoselectobjectsto
acton,toenterinformation,ortoenterapointonthescreen.Asyoustarttobuildobjects,promptsbecome
increasinglyimportant,sincetheytellyouwhattodonext.
Command options
Commandoptionschangehowacommandacts.Forexample,whenyoudrawacircle,thecircleisnormally
drawnontheactiveconstructionplane.TheCirclecommandhasseveraloptionsincludingVerticaland
AroundCurve.Commandoptionsappearinparenthesesattheprompt.
Touseacommandoption,clicktheoptionname,ortypetheunderlinedletteroftheoptionorthewholeoption
name.
Choose a command option

1. Atthecommandprompt,typeCircle.
2. TheoptionsfortheCirclecommandappear:
Center of circle(DeformableVertical2Point3PointTangentAroundCurveFitPoints)
3. Todrawacircleverticaltotheactiveconstructionplane,usetheVerticaloption.
ClickVertical,ortypeV.
Repeat the last command

ManytasksinRhinoarerepetitive.Youmightwanttomoveorcopyseveralobjects,forexample.Methodsfor
repeatingcommandsareprovided.
To repeat the last command

4 PresstheEnterkeywhennocommandisactive.
4 InadditiontopressingtheEnterkeyonyourkeyboard,youcanpresstheSpacebarorclickthe
right mouse buttoninaviewport.Theseallperformthesamefunction.
Note:
Somecommands,suchasUndoandDeletedonotrepeat.Instead,thecommand
priortothesecommandsisrepeated.Thispreventsyoufromaccidentallyundoing
toomanycommandsordeletingobjectsaccidentally.
Inaddition,youoftenwanttorepeatthecommandyouwereusingbeforeundoing
amistake.Youcandefinethelistofcommandsthatdonotrepeattosuityourown
wayofworking.
14
Introduction
Get help any time

TheRhino Helpfileisthemajorresourcefordetailedinformationonspecificcommands.
To get help on a specific command

4 TogetHelpforacommand,pressF1whilethecommandisrunning.
4 OntheHelpmenu,clickCommand Help.
TheRhinoHelpwilldisplayinadockablewindow.
ClickAuto-UpdatetodisplaytheHelptopicforthecurrentcommand.
TheHelpwindowappearswiththespecificcommandtopicvisible.
4 GotoRhino Helpforthemostup-to-dateHelpinformation.
4 Findtheanswerstofrequentlyaskedquestionsat:Rhino Support.
Tip:Formoreinformationaboutthemathematicalprinciplesinvolvedin3-Dmodeling,
see:www.mathopenref.com.
15
Rhino Objects
ThefundamentalgeometricobjectsinRhinoarepoints,curves,surfaces,polysurfaces,extrusionobjects,and
polygonmeshobjects.
Why NURBS modeling

NURBS(non-uniformrationalB-splines)aremathematicalrepresentationsthatcanaccuratelymodelany
shapefromasimple2-Dline,circle,arc,orboxtothemostcomplex3-Dfree-formorganicsurfaceorsolid.
Becauseoftheirflexibilityandaccuracy,NURBSmodelscanbeusedinanyprocessfromillustrationand
animationtomanufacturing.
NURBSgeometryisanindustrystandardfordesignerswhoworkin3-Dwhereformsarefreeandflowing;
wherebothformandfunctionisimportant.Rhinoisusedinmarine,aerospace,andautomobileinteriorand
exteriordesign.Makersofhouseholdandofficeappliances,furniture,medicalandsportsequipment,footwear,
andjewelryuseRhinotocreatefree-formshapes.
NURBSmodelingisalsowidelyusedbyprofessionalanimatorsandgraphicartists.Theadvantageoverusing
polygonmodelersisthattherearenofacets.Themodelscanberenderedatanyresolution.Ameshcanbe
createdfromthemodelatanyresolution.FormoreinformationaboutthemathematicsofNURBS,seeWhat
are NURBS?.
Points
Pointobjectsmarkasinglepointin3-Dspace.TheyarethesimplestobjectsinRhino.Pointscanbeplaced
anywhereinspace.Pointsaremostoftenusedasplaceholders.
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Rhino Objects
Curves
ARhinocurveissimilartoapieceofwire.Itcanbestraightorwiggled,andcanbeopenorclosed.
Apolycurveisseveralcurvesegmentsjoinedtogetherendtoend.
Rhinoprovidesmanytoolsfordrawingcurves.Youcandrawstraightlines,polylinesthatconsistofconnected
linesegments,arcs,circles,polygons,ellipses,helices,andspirals.
Youcanalsodrawcurvesusingcurvecontrol pointsanddrawcurvesthatpassthroughselectedpoints.
CurvesinRhinoincludelines,arcs,circles,free-formcurves,andcombinationsofthese.Curvescanbeopenor
closed,planarornon-planar.
Surfaces
Asurfaceislikearectangularstretchyrubbersheet.TheNURBSformcanrepresentsimpleshapes,suchas
planesandcylinders,aswellasfree-form,sculpturedsurfaces.
AllsurfacecreationcommandsinRhinoresultinthesameobject:aNURBSsurface.Rhinohasmanytoolsfor
constructingsurfacesdirectlyorfromexistingcurves.
AllNURBSsurfaceshaveaninherentlyrectangularorganization.
18
Rhino Objects
Evenaclosedsurfacesuchasacylinderislikearectangularpieceofpaperthathasbeenrolledupsotwo
oppositeedgesaretouching.Theplacewheretheedgescometogetheriscalledtheseam.Ifasurfacedoesnot
havearectangularshape,eitherithasbeentrimmedorthecontrolpointsontheedgeshavebeenmoved.
Closed and open surfaces

Asurfacecanbeopenorclosed.Anopencylinderisclosedinonedirection.
Atorus(donutshape)isclosedintwodirections.
Trimmed and untrimmed surfaces

Surfacescanbetrimmedoruntrimmed.Atrimmedsurfacehastwoparts:asurfacethatunderlieseverything
anddefinesthegeometricshape,andtrimmingcurvesthatmarksectionsoftheunderlyingsurfacethatare
trimmedaway.
Trimmedsurfacesarecreatedwithcommandsthattrimorsplitsurfaceswithcurvesandothersurfaces.Some
commandscreatetrimmedsurfacesdirectly.
19
Rhino Objects
Theshapeofasurfaceisstilldefinedbyasetofcontrolpointsarrangedinarectangularpattern.
Sinceitcanbeimportantforyoutoknowifasurfaceistrimmed,thePropertiescommandliststhetrimmed
oruntrimmedstateofthesurface.SomeRhinocommandsworkonlywithuntrimmedsurfacesandsome
softwaredoesnotimporttrimmedNURBSsurfaces.
Trimmingcurveslieontheunderlyingsurface.Thissurfacemaybelargerthanthetrimcurves,butyouwill
notseetheunderlyingsurfacebecauseRhinodoesnotdrawthepartofthesurfacethatisoutsidethetrim
curves.Everytrimmedsurfaceretainsinformationaboutitsunderlyingsurfacegeometry.Youcanremovethe
trimmingcurveboundariestomakethesurfaceuntrimmedwiththeUntrimcommand.
Ifyouhaveatrimcurvethatrunsacrossasurface,thetrimcurveitselfdoesnothaveanyrealrelationshipto
thecontrolpointstructureofthesurface.Youcanseethisifyouselectsuchatrimmedsurfaceandturnits
controlpointson.Youwillseethecontrolpointsforthewholeunderlyingsurface.
20
Rhino Objects
Ifyoucreateasurfacefromaplanarcurve,itcanbeatrimmedsurface.Theillustratedsurfacewascreated
fromacircle.Thecontrolpointsdisplayshowstherectangularstructureofthesurface.
TheUntrimcommandremovesthetrimmingcurvefromthesurfacetogetbacktotheunderlyinguntrimmed
rectangularsurface.
Surface isoparametric and edge curves

Inwireframeview,surfaceslooklikeasetofcrossingcurves.Thesecurvesarecalledisoparametric curvesor
isocurve.Thesecurveshelpyouvisualizetheshapeofthesurface.Isoparametriccurvesdonotdefinethe
surfacethewaythepolygonsdoinapolygonmesh.Theyaremerelyavisualaidthatallowsyoutoseethe
surfaceonthescreen.Whenasurfaceisselected,allofitsisoparametriccurveshighlight.
Edgecurvesboundthesurface.Surfaceedgecurvescanbeusedasinputtoothercommands.
Isocurves (1), Edge curves (2).
21
Rhino Objects
Polysurfaces
Apolysurfaceconsistsoftwoormoresurfacesthatarejoinedtogether.Apolysurfacethatenclosesavolumeof
spacedefinesasolid.
Solids
Asolidisasurfaceorpolysurfacethatenclosesavolume.Solidsarecreatedanytimeasurfaceorpolysurfaceis
completelyclosed.Rhinocreatessingle-surfacesolids,polysurfacesolids,andextrusionsolids.
Asinglesurfacecanwraparoundandjoinitself.ExamplecommandsincludeSphere,Torus,andEllipsoid.
Controlpointscanbedisplayedonsingle-surfacesolidsandmovedtochangethesurface.
SomeRhinocommandscreatepolysurfacesolids.Pyramid,Cone,andTConeareexamplesofcommands
thatcreatepolysurfacesolids.
TheSolidPtOncommandturnsongrippointsforpolysurfaces,whichactlikecontrolpoints.
22
Rhino Objects
Light-weight extrusion objects

Light-weightextrusionobjectsuseonlyaprofilecurveandalengthasinputinsteadofthenetworkof
isocurvesnormallyneededforNURBSobjects.TheBox,Cylinder,Tube,andExtrudeCrvcommandscreate
extrusionobjects.Extrusionobjectscanbeclosedwithaplanarcaporopen.Theseobjectswillbeconvertedto
polysurfacesbysomecommandsifnecessarytoaddadditionalinformationforediting.
Polygon mesh objects

Becausetherearemanymodelersthatusepolygonmeshestorepresentgeometryforrendering,animation,
stereolithography,visualization,andfiniteelementanalysis,theMeshcommandtranslatesNURBSgeometry
intopolygonalmeshesforexport.Inaddition,theMeshcreationcommandsMeshSphere,MeshBox,
MeshCylinder,etc.,drawmeshobjects.
Note:
ThereisnoeasywaytoconvertameshmodelintoaNURBSmodel.Theinformation
thatdefinestheobjectsiscompletelydifferent.
However,Rhinohasafewcommandsfordrawingcurvesonmeshesandextracting
vertexpointsandotherinformationfrommeshobjectstoassistinusingmesh
informationtocreateNURBSmodels.
23
Selecting Objects
MostoperationsyouwilldoinRhinorequireyoutoselectoneormoreobjects.Objectscanbeselectedby
clickinganywhereontheobject.Clickawayfromtheobjecttodeselectit.Thismethodletsyouselectone
objectatatime.
To select additional objects

4 HoldtheShiftkeywhileclickingtheobjects.
To remove objects from the selection

4 HoldtheCtrlkeyandclicktheobjectsagain.
To cancel the selection

4 ClickawayfromtheobjectsorpresstheEsckey.
Practice selecting objects

1. OpenthetutorialmodelSelect Objects.3dm.
Downloadthetutorialmodels.
2. InthePerspectiveviewport,clicktoselectthesphere.
25
Selecting Objects
3. HoldtheShiftkeyandselectthecylinder.
Thecylinderisaddedtotheselection.
4. HoldtheCtrlkeyandclickthesphereagain.
5. Clickawayfromtheobjects,orpresstheEsckey.
Theselectioniscanceled.
Select objects with windows

Anothermethodistomakeawindowselectionoracrossingselectiontoselectmultipleobjectsinone
operation.
Youcanclickinanopenareaofthescreenanddragtocreateaselectionwindow.Tomakeawindowselection
clickinanopenareaofthescreenanddragtotheright.Tomakeacrossingselectionclickinanopenareaof
thescreenanddragtotheleft.
Awindowselection,selectsallobjectscompletelyenclosedbythewindow.Acrossingselection,selectsall
objectsthatareenclosedbythewindoworanyobjectthewindowcrosses.
Toaddobjects,holdtheShiftkeywhilemakingawindoworcrossingselection.
Toremoveobjects,holdtheCtrlkeywhilemakingawindoworcrossingselection.
26
Selecting Objects
Practice window and crossing select

1. InthePerspectiveviewport,clickanddragawindowaroundthesphere.
2. InthePerspectiveviewport,holdtheShiftkeythenclickanddragawindowaroundtheboxand
thecylinder.
Thecylinderandboxareaddedtotheselection.
3. InthePerspectiveviewport,holdtheCtrlkeythenclickanddragacrossingovertheboxand
cylinder.
Other ways of selecting

Rhinohasmanycommandsandmethodsforselectingobjects.Youcanselectobjectbyname,layer,color,
type;bycapturingwithboundariesorcrossingfences;byvolumeshapes,bygroupnameandmanyothers.
ReviewthehelptopicSelection commands.
27
Selecting Objects
Practice selection by object type

1. Atthecommandprompt,typeSelAll.
2. TypeSelNone.
Thisclearstheobjectsfromtheselection.
28
Selecting Objects
3. TypeSelSrf.
Thisselectsallsurfaces.Inthiscase,onlythesphereisasurface.
4. TypeSelPolysurface.
Thisaddsallpolysurfacestotheselection.Inthiscase,thecylinderandboxarepolysurfaces.
5. PresstheEsckey.
Thisalsoclearstheselection.
Sub-object selection
Youcanselectsub-partsofobjectsforuseincommands,forexample,selectasurfaceedgetouseasinputfora
LoftorExtrudeCrvoperation.Theavailablepartsincludepolysurfacefaces;surfaceandpolysurfaceedge
curves;controlpoints;meshvertices,faces,boundaries,andedges;andobjectswithinagroup.Reviewthe
helptopicforSub-object selection.
To select parts of objects for use with other commands

4 PressandholdboththeCtrlandShiftkeysatthesametimeandclickanobjectpart.
29
Selecting Objects
Practice sub-object selection

1. InthePerspectiveviewport,presstheCtrlandShiftkeysandclickafaceofthebox.
2. PresstheDeletekey.
Thefaceoftheboxisseparatedfromtheboxsolidanddeleted.
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Navigating Viewports
Theviewporttitlehassomespecialfunctionsformanipulatingtheviewport.
4 Clickthetitletomaketheviewportactivewithoutdisturbingtheview.
4 Dragtheviewporttitletomovetheviewport.
4 Double-clicktheviewporttitletomaximizetheviewport.Double-clickagaintorestorethesizetonormal.
Viewport projection
Viewportscanhaveoneofthreeprojections:parallel,perspectiveortwo-pointperspective.
Rightmousenavigationworksdifferentlyinthetwoviewportstyles.Inparallelviews,rightmousedragging
panstheview.Inperspectiveviews,right-mousedraggingrotatestheview.Intheusualfour-viewportlayout,
therearethreeparallelviewportsandoneperspectiveviewport.
Parallel
Parallelviewsarealsocalledorthogonalviewsinsomesystems.Inaparallelview,allthegridlinesare
paralleltoeachother,andidenticalobjectslookthesamesize,regardlessofwheretheyareinspace.
Perspective
Inaperspectiveview,gridlinesconvergetoavanishingpoint.Thisprovidestheillusionofdepthinthe
viewport.Perspectiveprojectionmakesobjectsfartherawaylooksmaller.
Viewport navigation
Rhinoseasynavigationhelpsyoutovisualizeyourmodel.
Thesimplestwaytochangetheviewistodragthemousewithrightbuttonhelddown.Thispanstheviewin
parallelviewsandrotatestheviewinperspectiveviews.
Youcanchangeyourviewinthemiddleofacommandtoseepreciselywhereyouwanttoselectanobjector
chooseapoint.
To zoom in and out

4 HolddowntheCtrlkeyanddragupanddownwiththerightmousebuttonhelddown.
Tip:Ifyouhaveamousewithawheel,usethewheeltozoominandout.
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Command Key and mouse combinations

Inparallelviewports(forexample:Top,Front,andRight),dragwiththerightmousebutton.
Pan Inperspectiveviewports,holdtheShift key,and dragwiththerightmousebutton.

Inparallelviewports(forexample:Top,Front,andRight),holdtheCtrlandShiftkeys,and
dragwiththerightmousebutton.
RotateView Inperspectiveviewports,dragwiththerightmousebutton.
HoldtheCtrlkey,anddragupanddownwiththerightmousebutton,orrotatethemouse
wheel.
Zoom
Mouse navigation
Workingin3-Donacomputerrequiresvisualizingthree-dimensionalobjectsdrawnonatwo-dimensional
mediumthecomputerscreen.Rhinoprovidestoolstohelpdothis.
Dragwiththerightmousebuttontoeasilymanipulatetheviewstolookmodelfromvariousangles.Usethe
rightmousebuttonviewmanipulationsinbothwireframeandshadedviews.
To pan in a viewport
4 IntheTopviewport,dragthemousewiththerightmousebuttonhelddowntopantheview.
Restore a view
Ifyougetlost,thereareseveralwaystogetyourselfreoriented:
4 PresstheHomekeytostepbackthroughyourviewchanges.
4 PresstheEndkeytostepforwardthroughyourviewchanges.
4 Tosetyourviewsoyouarelookingstraightdownontheconstructionplane,usethePlancommand.
4 Tobringallyourobjectsintoview,usetheZoomcommandExtentsoption.
Practice rotating the view

1. ClicktheleftmousebuttoninthePerspectiveviewporttomakeitactive.
Anactiveviewportistheviewportwhereallyourcommandsandactionstakeplace.Theactive
viewportstitlehighlightssoyoucaneasilyseewhichviewportisactive.
2. InthePerspectiveviewport,dragthemousewiththerightmousebuttonhelddowntorotatethe
viewandseetheobjectsfromadifferentangle.
Viewport display modes

Youcanviewyourmodelinavarietyofwaysthatdependonyourownneeds.Wireframemodeusuallyoffers
thefastestdisplayspeed,shadedmodesoffertheabilitytoviewsurfacesandsolidswithshadingtohelpyou
visualizetheshapes.
Standardandcustomizedshadedmodesalloweasiervisualizationofsurfacesandsolids.
32
Wireframe
InWireframemode,surfaceslooklikeasetofcrossingcurves.Thesecurvesarecalledisoparametric curves
orisocurves.
Isocurvesdonotdefinethesurfacethewaythepolygonsdoinapolygonmesh.Theyaremerelyavisualaid.
To set wireframe mode

1. ClickamousebuttoninthePerspectiveviewporttomakeitactive.
Anactiveviewportistheviewportwhereallyourcommandsandactionstakeplace.
2. Ontheviewporttitlemenu,clickWireframe.
Shaded
TheShadedmodes,(forexample,Shaded,Rendered,Artistic,andPen)displaysurfacesandsolidswiththe
surfacesshadedusingtheirlayer,object,orcustomcolor.Youcanworkinanyoftheshadedmodes.The
surfacesareopaqueortransparent.
33
To set shaded mode

1. Ontheviewporttitlemenu,clickShaded.
Rotateyourviewbyholdingdowntherightmousebuttonanddraggingfromthebottomoftheview
towardthetop.
Youarenowundertheobjectslookingup.
Theconstructionplanegridhelpsyoustayoriented.Iftheobjectsarebehindthegrid,youarelooking
atthebottomoftheconstructionplane.
2. PresstheHomekeytoundoyourviewchanges.
Rendered
Renderedmodeshowstheobjectswithlightingandrendermaterialsapplied.
Other shaded modes

OtherdisplaymodesandcustomsettingsaredescribedintheRhinoHelp.
Artistic (left) and Pen (right) display modes.
34
Viewport title
Theviewporttitlehassomespecialfunctionsforviewportcontrol.
4 Clickthetitletomaketheviewportactivewithoutdisturbingtheview.
4 Dragtheviewporttitletomovetheviewport.
4 Double-clicktheviewporttitletomaximizetheviewport.
Double-clickagaintorestorethesizetonormal.
To activate the viewport title menu

4 Right-clicktheviewporttitleorclickthedown-arrowonthemenutodisplaytheviewporttitlemenu.
Fromtheviewporttitlemenuyoucanmaximizetheviewport,pan,rotate,zoom,setoneofthe
standardviews,setaconstructionplane,setthecameraandtargetlocations,chooseashading
option,setthegrid,andopentheViewport Propertiesdialogbox.
35
Accurate Modeling
Thecursorcanalwaysmovefreelyinspace,butchancesare,youwillwanttorelateyourmodelingelementsto
theconstructionplanegrid,existingobjects,orcoordinatesinspace.Youcanrestrictthecursorsmovementto
thegrid,enterspecificdistancesandanglesfromapoint,snaptospecificlocationsonexistingobjects,and
enterCartesiancoordinatestolocatepointsin2-Dor3-Dspace.
The Rhino cursor

Therearetwopartsofthecursor:thecursor (1)andthemarker (2).Thecursoralwaysfollowthemouse
movement.
Themarkersometimesleavesthecenterofthecursorbecauseofsomeconstraintonitsuchasgridsnapor
ortho.Themarkerisadynamicpreviewofthepointthatwillbepickedwhentheleftmousebuttonisclicked.
Whenthemarkerisconstrained,inelevatormode,forexample,atracking line (3)alsodisplays.
Constraintsmoveyourmarkertoaspecificpointinspaceormakeitsmovementtrackaccordingtothe
constraintsoyoucanmodelaccurately.
Snap to the construction plane grid

Gridsnapconstrainsthemarkertoanimaginarygridthatextendsinfinitely.Youcansetthesnapspacingto
anyvalue.
ClicktheGrid Snappaneonthestatusbartoturngridsnaponandoff.
Tip:Toreadmoreaboutacommand,clickthered,underlinedcommandnamelink.
Constrain the angle of movement

Orthomodeconstrainsthemarkermovementorobjectdraggingtoaspecificsetofangles.Bydefault,thisis
paralleltothegridlines,butyoucanchangethis.Orthoissimilartotheaxislockfunctionfoundindrawingor
animationprograms.
ClicktheOrthopaneonthestatusbartoturnorthoonandoff.PressandholdtheShiftkeytotemporarily
toggletheorthomode.
Anothercommonusefororthoistoconstrainobjectdraggingtoaspecificaxis.
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Accurate Modeling
Orthoisactiveafterthefirstpointforacommand.Forexample,afterpickingthefirstpointforaline,the
secondpointisconstrainedtotheorthoangle.
Ortho off (left); Ortho on (right).

Ifyouonlyneedadifferentangleforasingleoperation,angleconstraintisfastertouse.Enteraspecificangle
foroneoperationinsteadofchangingtheorthoangleandthenchangingitback.
Snap to existing objects

Object snapsconstrainthemarkertospecificpointsonanobject.WhenRhinoasksyoutospecifyapoint,
youcanconstrainthemarkertospecificpartsofexistinggeometry.Whenanobjectsnapisactive,movingthe
cursornearaspecifiedpointonanobjectcausesthemarkertojumptothatpoint.
Objectsnapscanpersistfrompicktopick,orcanbeactivatedforonepickonly.Multiplepersistentobjectsnaps
canbesetfromthestatusbar.Allobjectsnapsbehavesimilarly,butsnaptodifferentpartsofexisting
geometry.Inaddition,therearespecialobjectsnapsthatworkforonepickonly.
Persistent object snaps

Usepersistentobjectssnapstomaintainanobjectsnapthroughchoosingseveralpoints.Sincepersistent
objectsnapsareeasytoturnonandoff,youcansetthemandleavethemonuntiltheygetinyourway.You
canthensetadifferentoneorjustdisablethem.
Sometimesobjectsnapsinterferewitheachotherandwithgridsnaporortho.Objectsnapsnormallytake
precedenceovergridsnaporotherconstraints.
Thereareothersituationswhereobjectsnapsworkinconjunctionwithotherconstraints.Youwillsee
examplesofthisinthischapter.Formoreinformationincludingvideodemonstrations,seetheRhinohelptopic
Object snaps.
The Osnap control

TheOsnapcontrolisusuallydockedatthebottomofthescreen.
4 IftheOsnapcontrolisnotopen,clicktheOsnappaneinthestatusbar.
4 Clickacheckboxtoturnonanobjectsnap.
4 Rightclickacheckboxtoturnanobjectsnaponandturnoffallotherobjectsnaps.
4 Whenanobjectsnapisactive,movingthecursornearaneligiblepointonanobjectcausesthe
markertojumptothatpointandatooltiptoappear.
ThecheckboxesintheOsnapcontrolallowsingle-useoverridesforthepersistentobjectsnaps.
To suspend all persistent object snaps

4 IntheOsnapcontrol,clicktheDisablebutton.
To clear all persistent object snaps

4 IntheOsnapcontrol,clickDisablewiththerightmousebutton.
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Accurate Modeling
To turn on one object snap and turn all others off with one click
4 IntheOsnapcontrol,right-clicktheobjectsnapyouwanttoturnon.
Special case object snaps

Complexobjectsnapsthatallowselectingmultiplereferencepointsoraddotheradvancedcontrols.Seethe
RhinohelptopicObject snapsformoreinformation.
ThesearealsoavailablefromtheOsnapcontrol.
To turn on complex object snaps

4 HoldtheCtrlkeyandhoverovertheOsnapcontrol.
Analternatesetofcontrolsappears.
Cursor constraints
Whenenteringpoints,youcanconstrainthemarkertoadistanceoranglefromthepreviouspoint.Onceyou
havesetthedistance,dragthelinearoundtoanyangle.Youcanalsousefurthersnapstopointthelineina
specificdirection.
Distance constraint
Duringanycommandthatrequirestwopoints,suchastheLinecommand,placethefirstpoint.Thenatthe
nextprompt,typeadistanceandpressEnter.
Themarkerwillbeconstrainedtothespecifieddistancefromthepreviouspoint.Dragthecursoraroundthe
firstpointandthenpickapoint.
Angle constraint
Angleconstraintissimilartoortho,butyoucansetanyangleanditisaone-timesetting.
The<symbolisusedbecauseitissimilartothesymbolusedingeometrytoindicateanangle.
Themarkerwillbeconstrainedtolinesradiatingfromthepreviouspointseparatedbythespecifiedangle,
wherethefirstlineisthespecifiednumberofdegreescounterclockwisefromthex-axis.Ifyouenteranegative
number,theanglewillbeclockwisefromthex-axis.
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Accurate Modeling
Distance and angle together

Distanceandangleconstraintscanbeusedatthesametime.
1. Atthecommandprompt,typethedistance,andpressEnter.
2. Atthenextcommandprompt,typethe<characterandtheanglevalue,andpressEnter.
Elevator mode
Pickasecondpointtospecifythez-coordinateofthedesiredpoint.Itiseasiesttoseethisinadifferent
viewportorusethePerspectiveviewport.Dragthemousecursoraroundtoseethemarkermovevertically
fromthebasepointalongthetrackingline.
Pickthepointwiththemouseortypetheheightabovetheconstructionplane.Positivenumbersareabovethe
constructionplane;negativenumbersarebelowit.Youcanusefurtherconstraintslikecoordinates,object
snapsorgridsnapforthefirstpoint,andyoucanuseobjectsnapsfortheheight.
Tomovethemarkerintheconstructionplanez-direction,holdtheCtrlkeyandclickapointonthe
constructionplane,andthendragverticallyfromtheconstructionplaneandclicktopickapoint.
Thisconstraintiscalledelevatormode.Usingelevatormodetomoveyourpickpointverticallyfromthe
constructionplaneletsyouworkmoreinthePerspectiveviewport.
SmartTrack
SmartTrackisasystemoftemporaryreferencelinesandpointsthatisdrawnintheRhinoviewportusing
implicitrelationshipsamongvarious3-Dpoints,othergeometryinspace,andthecoordinateaxesdirections.
Temporaryinfinitelines(trackinglines)andpoints(smartpoints)areavailabletoobjectsnapsverymuchlike
reallinesandpoints.
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Accurate Modeling
Youcansnaptointersectionsofthetrackinglines,perpendiculars,anddirectlytosmartpointsaswellas
intersectionsoftrackinglinesandrealcurves.Thetrackinglinesandsmartpointsaredisplayedforthe
durationofacommand.
Coordinate systems
Rhinousestwocoordinatesystems:constructionplanecoordinatesandworldcoordinates.Worldcoordinates
arefixedinspace.Constructionplanecoordinatesaredefinedforeachviewport.
Cartesian coordinates
WhenRhinopromptsyouforapoint,ifyoutypexandyCartesiancoordinates,thepointwilllieonthe
constructionplaneofthecurrentviewport.Formoreinformationaboutcoordinatesystemsandnumeric
constraints,seewww.mathopenref.com/coordinates.
Right-hand rule
Rhinofollowswhatiscalledtheright-hand rule.Theright-handrulecanhelpyoudeterminethedirectionof
thez-axis.Formarightanglewiththethumbandforefingerofyourrighthand.Whenyourthumbpointsin
thepositivex-direction,yourforefingerpointsinthepositivey-direction,andthepalmofyourhandfacesin
thepositivez-direction.
World coordinates
Rhinocontainsoneworldcoordinatesystem.Theworldcoordinatesystemcannotbechanged.WhenRhino
promptsyouforapoint,youcantypecoordinatesintheworldcoordinatesystem.
Thearrowiconinthelowerleftcornerofeachviewportdisplaysthedirectionoftheworldx-,y-,andz-axes.
Thearrowsmovetoshowtheorientationoftheworldaxeswhenyourotateaview.
Construction plane coordinates

Eachviewporthasaconstruction plane.Aconstructionplaneislikeatabletopthatthecursormovesonunless
youusecoordinateinput,elevatormode,orobjectsnapsorafewotherinstanceswhereinputisconstrained.
Theconstructionplanehasanorigin,x-andy-axes,andagrid.Theconstructionplanecanbesettoany
orientation.Bydefault,eachviewportsconstructionplaneisindependentofthoseinotherviewports.
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Accurate Modeling
Theconstructionplanerepresentsthelocalcoordinatesystemfortheviewportandcanbedifferentfromthe
worldcoordinatesystem.
Rhinosstandardviewportscomewithconstructionplanesthatcorrespondtotheviewport.Thedefault
Perspectiveviewport,however,usestheworldTopconstructionplane,whichisthesameconstructionplane
thatisusedintheTopviewport.
Thegridliesontheconstructionplane.Thedarkredlinerepresentstheconstructionplanex-axis.Thedark
greenlinerepresentstheconstructionplaney-axis.Theredandgreenlinesmeetattheconstructionplane
origin.
Tochangethedirectionandoriginofaconstructionplane,usetheCPlanecommand.Presetconstruction
planes(WorldTop,Right,andFront)giveyouquickaccesstocommonconstructionplanes.Inaddition,you
cansaveandrestorenamedconstructionplanesandimportnamedconstructionplanesfromanotherRhino
file.
2-D construction plane coordinates

4 Atacommandprompt,typethecoordinatesintheformatx,ywherexisthex-coordinateandyis
they-coordinateofthepoint.
3-D construction plane coordinates

4 Atacommandprompt,typethecoordinatesintheformatx,y,zwherexisthex-coordinate,yisthe
y-coordinate,andzisthez-coordinateofthepoint.
4 Toplaceapoint3unitsinthex-direction,4unitsinthey-direction,and10unitsinthez-direction
fromtheconstructionplaneorigin,type3,4,10attheprompt.
Tip:Ifyouenteronlyx-andy-coordinates,thepointwilllieontheconstruction
plane.
Relative coordinates
Rhinoremembersthelastpointused,soyoucanenterthenextpointrelativetoit.Relativecoordinatesare
usefulforenteringalistofpointswheretherelativelocationsinsteadofabsolutelocationsofthepointsare
known.Userelativecoordinatestolocatepointsaccordingtotheirrelationshiptothepreviousactivepoint.
To use relative coordinates

4 Atacommandprompt,typethecoordinatesintheformatrx,ywherersignifiesthatthecoordinate
isrelativetothepreviouspoint.
For example
1. StarttheLinecommand.
2. AttheStart of lineprompt,clicktoplacethefirstendoftheline.
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Accurate Modeling
3. AttheEnd of lineprompt,typer2,3,andpressEnter.
Thelineisdrawntoapoint2unitsinthex-directionand3unitsinthey-directionfromthelastpoint.
43
Create Surfaces from Curves
Acommonwayofworkingin3-Distodrawcurvesthatrepresentedges,profiles,cross-sections,orother
surfacefeaturesandthentousesurfacingcommandstocreatesurfacesfromthosecurves.
Edge curves
Youcancreateasurfacefromthreeorfourcurvesthatformthesidesofthesurface.
Create a surface from edge curves

1. OpenthetutorialmodelEdgeSrf.3dm.
2. OntheSurfacemenu,clickEdge Curves.
Tip:OpentheHelppaneltoreviewthehelptopicfortheEdgeSrfcommand.
3. Selectthefourcurves.
Objectschangetoyellowwhenyouselectthem.
Asurfaceiscreatedfromthecurvesthatformitsedges.
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Extrude curves
Extrudingcreatessurfacesbytracingthepathofacurveinastraightline.
Create an extruded surface

1. OpenthetutorialmodelExtrude.3dm.
2. OntheSurfacemenu,clickExtrude Curve,andthenclickStraight.
Tip:OpentheHelppaneltoreviewthehelptopicfortheExtrudeCrvcommand.
46
3. Selectthecurve(1).
4. AttheExtrusion distanceprompt,dragadistancewithyourmouseandclick.
47
Loft curves
Loftingcreatesasmoothsurfacethatblendsbetweenselectedshapecurves.Thissurfacelookssimilartothe
Sweepacurvewithtworailsexample,butiscreatedwithoutrailcurves.Instead,theedgesofthesurfaceare
createdbyfittingsmoothcurvesthroughtheshapecurves.
Create a lofted surface

1. OpenthetutorialmodelLoft.3dm.
2. OntheSurfacemenu,clickLoft.
Tip:OpentheHelppaneltoreviewthehelptopicfortheLoftcommand.
3. Selectthethreecurves(1),(2),and(3),andpressEnter.
4. IntheLoft Optionsdialogbox,clickOK.
5. TrysomeoftheStyleoptionsandthenclickPreviewtoseethevariousloftstyles.
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Revolve curves
Revolvingacurvecreatesasurfacebyrevolvingaprofilecurveaboutanaxis.Thisissometimescalledlathing.
Create a revolved surface

1. OpenthetutorialmodelRevolve.3dm.
2. Inthestatus bar,clickOsnap.
3. IntheOsnapcontrol,clickEnd.
4. OntheSurfacemenu,clickRevolve.
Tip:OpentheHelppaneltoreviewthehelptopicfortheRevolvecommand.
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5. Selecttheprofile curve(1)andpressEnter.
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6. AttheStart of revolve axisprompt,snaptooneendoftheaxisline(2).
7. AttheEnd of revolve axisprompt,snaptotheotherendoftheaxisline(3).
8. AttheStart angle...prompt,selecttheFullCircleoption.
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Revolve curves with a rail

Railrevolvecreatesasurfacebyrevolvingaprofilecurvearoundanaxiswhileatthesametimefollowingarail
curve.ThisisbasicallythesameasSweep Along 2 Rails,exceptoneoftherailsisacentralpoint.
Create a revolved surface with a rail curve

1. OpenthetutorialmodelRailRev.3dm.
2. OntheSurfacemenu,clickRail Revolve.
Tip:OpentheHelppaneltoreviewthehelptopicfortheRailRevolvecommand.
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3. Selecttheprofilecurve(1).
53
4. AttheSelect rail curve...prompt,selecttherailcurvetherevolvewillfollow(2).
54
5. AttheStart of RailRevolve axisprompt,snaptoanendpointoftheaxisline(3).
6. AttheEnd of RailRevolve axisprompt,snaptotheotherendoftheaxisline(4).
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Sweep along one rail curve

Sweepingcreatesasurfacewithcrosssectionsthatmaintaintheinitialorientationoftheshapecurve(s)tothe
pathcurve.
Create a sweep surface

1. OpenthetutorialmodelSweep1.3dm.
2. OntheSurfacemenu,clickSweep 1 Rail.
Tip:OpentheHelppaneltoreviewthehelptopicfortheSweep1command.
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3. Selecttherailcurve(1).
4. AttheSelect cross section curves ...prompt,selectthecross-sectioncurve(2),andpressEnter.
5. IntheSweep 1 Rail Optionsdialogbox,clickOK.
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Sweep along two rail curves

Usingtworailsforasweepcreatesasmoothsurfacethroughtwoormoreshapecurvesthatfollowtwocurve
rails.Therailsalsoaffecttheoverallshapeofthesurface.Usethiscommandwhenyouwanttocontrolthe
locationoftheedgesofthesurface.
Create a sweep surface with two rail curves

1. OpenthetutorialmodelSweep2.3dm.
Tip:OpentheHelppaneltoreviewthehelptopicfortheSweep2command.
3. Selectthefirstrailcurve(1).
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4. AttheSelect second rail...prompt,selectthesecondrailcurve(2).
5. AttheSelect cross section curvesprompt,selectthetwocross-sectioncurves(3)and(4),and

pressEnter.
6. IntheSweep 2 Rails Optionsdialogbox,clickOK.
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Edit Curves and Surfaces
Theeditingoperationsinthissectionbreakobjectsapart,cutholesinthem,andputthembacktogether.
Someofthesecommandsconnectcurvestocurvesorsurfacestosurfacesorpolysurfacesandbreaka
compositecurveorpolysurfaceintoitscomponents.
Thecommands:Join,Explode,Trim,andSplitapplytocurves,surfaces,andpolysurfaces.
TheRebuild,ChangeDegree,andSmoothcommandsaltertheshapeofacurveorsurfacebychangingits
underlyingcontrolpointstructure.
Inaddition,objectshavepropertiesthatareassignedtothemsuchascolor,layer,renderingmaterial,and
otherattributesdependingontheobject.ThePropertiescommandmanagestheseproperties.
Join
TheJoincommandconnectscurvesorsurfacestogetherintooneobject.Forexample,apolycurvecanconsist
ofstraight-linesegments,arcs,polylines,andfree-formcurves.TheJoincommandalsoconnectsadjacent
surfacesintoapolysurface.
Explode
TheExplodecommandremovestheconnectionbetweenjoinedcurvesorsurfaces.Forpolysurfaces,thisis
usefulifyouwanttoediteachindividualsurfacewithcontrolpoints.
Trim and Split

TheTrimandSplitcommandsaresimilar.Thedifferenceiswhenyoutrimanobject,youselectthepartsto
removeandtheyaredeleted.Whenyousplitanobject,allpartsareleft.
TheSplitcommandwillsplitasurfacewithacurve,surface,polysurface,oritsownisoparametriccurves.
TheUntrimcommandremovesasurfacestrimmingcurve,withanoptiontokeepthecurvesoyoucanre-
useit.
Control-point editing
Youcanmakesubtlechangesintheshapeofacurveorsurfacebymovingthelocationofitscontrolpoints.
Rhinooffersmanytoolsforeditingcontrolpoints.SomecommandssuchasRebuild,Fair,andSmoothoffer
someautomatedsolutionsforredistributingcontrolpointsoveracurveorsurface.Othercommands,suchas
controlpointdraggingandnudging,MoveUVN,andHBarletyoumanuallycontrolthelocationofindividualor
groupsofcontrolpoints.
Control point visibility

Toeditcurvesandsurfacesbymanipulatingcontrolpoints,usethePointsOncommandtoturnthecontrol
pointson.
Whenyouarefinishedwithcontrol-pointediting,usethePointsOffcommandorpressEsctoturnthemoff.
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Controlpointsofpolysurfacescannotbeturnedonforediting.Editingthecontrolpointsofpolysurfacescould
separatetheedgesofthejoinedsurfacescreatingleaksinthepolysurface.
Change control point locations

Whenyoumovecontrolpoints,thecurveorsurfacechanges,andRhinosmoothlyredrawsit.Thecurveor
surfaceisnotdrawnthoughthecontrolpointsratheritisattractedtothenewpositionsofthecontrolpoint.
Thisallowstheobjecttobesmoothlydeformed.Whencontrolpointsareon,Rhinostransformcommandscan
manipulatethepoints.Youcanalsorebuildsurfacestoaddcontrolpointsandredistributethem.
Add, delete, or redistribute control points

Addingcontrolpointstoacurvegivesyoumorecontrolovertheshapeofthecurve.Manipulatingcontrol
pointsalsoletsyouremovekinks,makecurvesuniform,andaddorsubtractdetail.TheDeletekeyerases
curvecontrolpoints.Thischangestheshapeofthecurve.
Curve and surface degree

Apolynomialisafunctionlikey=3x3 2x+1.The"degree"ofthepolynomialisthelargestpowerofthe
variable.Forexample,thedegreeof3x3 2x+1is3;thedegreeofx5 +x2 is5,andsoon.NURBSfunctions
arerationalpolynomialsandthedegreeoftheNURBSisthedegreeofthepolynomial.FromaNURBSmodeling
pointofview,the(degree1)isthemaximumnumberof"bends"youcangetineachspan.
Forexample:
Adegree-1curvemusthaveatleasttwocontrolpoints.
Alinehasdegreelessthan1.Ithaszerobends.
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Adegree-2curvemusthaveatleastthreecontrolpoints.
Aparabola,hyperbola,arc,andcircle(conicsectioncurves)havedegreelessthan2.Theyhaveonebend.
Adegree-3curvemusthaveatleastfourcontrolpoints.
AcubicBzierhasdegreelessthan3Ifyouarrangeitscontrolpointsinazig-zagshape,youcangettwobends.
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Transforms - Move, Copy, Rotate, Scale
Transformschangethelocation,rotation,numberandshapeofwholeobjectsbymoving,mirroring,arraying,
rotating,scaling,shearing,twisting,bending,andtapering.Thetransformcommandsdonotbreaktheobjects
intopiecesorcutholesinthem.
Note:Forallofthefollowingexercises,theimageswerecap-
turedusingShadedmodedisplay.
Move
UsetheMovecommandwhenyouwanttomoveanobjectacertaindistanceorifyouwanttouseobject
snapstoplaceanobjectaccurately.
Move objects using distance values

TheMovecommandrequiresafromandtolocation.
Youcanpicktheselocationsonthescreenortypecoordinatesatthecommandprompt.
Practice moving objects

Theobjectofthisexerciseistomoveanobjectfromaspecificlocationontheobjecttoalocationinthe
coordinatesystem.
1. Startanewmodelusinganytemplate.
2. DrawaSphereofanysizeanywhereonthescreen.
3. Selectthesphere.
4. StarttheMovecommand.
65
5. AtthePoint to move fromprompt,withtheCenterobjectsnapon,movethemousearoundthe

edgeofthesphereuntiltheCentooltipdisplaysandclick.
6. AtthePoint to move toprompt,type0,0,0.

Thespheremovestothe0,0,0coordinatepoint.
Tip:Simplytyping0isashortcutforthecoordinates0,0,0.
Move objects by dragging

Thequickestwayistoclicktheobjectanddragit.Rhinoprovidestoolsformakingdraggingobjectsaccurate.
Youcandragobjectsinanyviewport.Objectsnapswillhelpalignobjectstoeachother.
Practice dragging objects

1. OpenthetutorialmodelDrag Objects.3dm.
2. IntheOsnapcontrol,turnontheCenterobjectsnap.
66
3. InthePerspectiveviewport,clicktheconeatthebottomedgeandpauseuntiltheCenterobject
snaptooltipdisplays.
4. Dragtheconeuntilthecenterofthecone'sbaselinesupwiththetopsurfaceofthecylinderandthe
Centerobjectsnapforthecylinder'stopfacedisplays.
5. Releasethemousebuttontoplacethecone.
6. IntheFrontviewport,dragtheconetothetopofthecylinder.
WatchwhathappensinthePerspectiveviewport.
Therearemanytimeswhenyouhavetowatchwhatishappeninginotherviewportstoaccurately
placeyourobjects.
Elevator mode
YoucanpresstheCtrlkeytomoveobjectsinthez-direction.Thisiscalledelevator mode.
Elevator modeislikeOrtho,exceptthemovementisverticaltotheactiveconstructionplane.
TopracticeusingtheCtrlkeytomovevertically,youaregoingtomovetheboxtoalocation5unitsabovethe
centerofthesphere.
UsingelevatormodetomoveobjectsverticallyletsyouworkmoreinthePerspectiveviewport.
67
Move the box vertically
Note:
Forthefollowingimages,Shade-highlight selected surfaces and
polysurfaceshasbeenturnedon.
(Options>View>DisplayModes>Shaded>Objects>Selection)
1. TurnOrtho off.
2. OntheTransformmenu,clickMove.
3. InthePerspectiveviewport,rotatetheviewsothesphereistowardthefront,andselectthebox.
4. AtthePoint to move from...prompt,turnontheEndobjectsnapandclickacornerofthebox.
5. AtthePoint to move toprompt,turnontheCenterobjectsnap,holddowntheCtrlkey,andclick

thecenterofthesphere.
6. ReleasethemousebuttonandtheCtrlkeyandstarttodragthebox.
7. Atthecommandprompt,type5.
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Copy
TheCopycommandmakescopiesofobjects.
SometransformcommandslikeRotate,Rotate3D,andScalehaveaCopyoption.Thisletsyoucreateacopy
oftheobjectasyourotateorscaleit.
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Practice copying objects
70
1. OntheTransformmenu,click Copy.
2. InthePerspectiveviewport,useacrossingwindowtoSelecttheconeandthecylinder.
3. AtthePoint to copy fromprompt,clickanywhereintheTopviewport.
4. AtthePoint to copy toprompt,clickwhereyouwantthefirstcopy.

Zoominoroutifyoulike.
71
5. AtthenextPoint to copy toprompts,clickotherplacestomakesomecopiesofthebox.

Whenyouhaveenoughcopies,pressEntertoendthecommand.
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Rotate
TheRotatecommandrotatesanobjectinrelationtotheconstructionplanearoundacenterpoint.
Rotate an object
1. OpenthetutorialmodelRotate-Scale.3dm.
2. OntheTransformmenu,clickRotate.
73
3. IntheTopviewport,selectthegreenhalf-cylinderasshownintheillustrationbelow.
74
4. AttheCenter of rotation...prompt,withtheEndobjectsnapon,clickthelowerleftcornerofthe
box.
5. AttheAngle or first reference point...prompt,checktoseethatOrthoisturnedon,dragthe

cursortotherightandclick.
6. AttheSecond reference point...prompt,toggleOrthoonoroffdependingonwhetheryouwant

torotatetheboxin90-degreeincrementsortorotateitfreely.
75
7. Dragthecursoruptorotatetheboxasshownintheillustrationbelow,andclick.
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Scale
TheScalecommandsgiveyoucontroloverthedirectionofthescale.Youcanre-sizeobjectsuniformlyinone,
two,orthreedirections,orscaleanobjectwithadifferentscalefactorineachdirection.
Scale the prism

1. Selecttheprismshape.
2. OntheTransformmenu,clickScale,andthenclickScale 3-D.
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3. AttheOrigin point...prompt,clickthecorneroftheprismasshownintheillustrationbelow.
Theoriginpointisthebasepointfromwhichtheobjectwillbescaled.Itislikeananchorpoint.The
objectwillgroworshrinkaroundthispoint.
Toscaleanobject,youmustfirstshowanoriginalsize,andthenshowanewsize.Dragthecursor
andclickanotherpointontheobjecttoshowtheoriginalsize,andthendragthecursorandclick
againtoshowthenewsize.
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4. AttheScale factor or first reference point...prompt,clickthecorneroftheprismasshownin

theillustrationbelow.
Thisestablishesthefirstreferencepoint.
5. AttheSecond reference point...prompt,dragthecursor.

Theobjectgrowstheamountyoudragthecursor.
6. Clicktosetthesecondreferencepoint.
Enter a number to set the scale factor

4 Tomaketheobjecttwiceitsoriginalsize,atthecommandprompt,type2.
4 Tomaketheobjecthalfitsoriginalsize,atthecommandprompt,type.5.
Scale an object to a specific size

4 Tomaketheprisminthisexample2.35unitsalongtheoriginalside,attheSecond reference
pointprompt,atthecommandprompt,type2.35.
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Mirror
Inthisexercise,youaregoingtopracticeanotherbasiceditingcommand:Mirror.TheMirrorcommand
makesareverse-imagecopyoftheobject.Objectsaremirroredacrossalinethatyoudrawinaviewport.
Mirror an object
1. OpenthetutorialmodelMirror Objects.3dm.
2. OntheTransformmenu,clickMirror.
3. Onthestatusbar,turnOrtho on.
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4. Selecttheobject.
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5. AttheStart of mirror plane...prompt,intheToporFrontviewport,clicktotherightofthefaceas

shownintheillustrationbelow.
6. AttheEnd of mirror plane...prompt,dragthelinetowardthebottomofthescreen,andclickto

endthemirrorline.
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Array
TheArraycommandscopyobjectsintoevenlyspacedrowsandcolumnsoraroundacircle.
Orient
TheOrientcommandscombinemoveorcopy,scale,androtateoperationstohelpyoupositionandsize
objectsinonecommand.
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Curve and Surface Analysis
SinceRhinoisamathematicallyaccurateNURBSmodeler,toolsthatprovideaccurateinformationaboutthe
objectsareprovided.
Measure distance, angle, and radius

Someanalysiscommandsprovideinformationaboutlocation,distance,anglebetweenlines,andradiusofa
curve.Forexample:
Distancedisplaysthedistancebetweentwopoints.
Angledisplaystheanglebetweentwolines.
Radiusdisplaystheradiusofacurveatanypointalongit.
Lengthdisplaysthelengthofacurve.
Curve and surface direction

Curvesandsurfaceshaveadirection.Manycommandsthatusedirectioninformationdisplaydirectionarrows
andgiveyoutheopportunitytochange(flip)thedirection.
TheDircommanddisplaysthedirectionofacurveorsurfaceandletsyouchangethedirection.
Theillustrationshowsthecurvedirectionarrows.Ifthedirectionhasnotbeenchanged,itreflectsthedirection
thecurvewasoriginallydrawn.Thearrowspointfromthestartofthecurvetowardtheendofthecurve.
TheDircommandalsodisplayssurfaceu-,v-,andnormaldirection.Surfacenormalsarerepresentedby
arrowsperpendiculartothesurface,andtheu-andv-directionsareindicatedbyarrowspointingalongthe
surface.Closedsurfacesalwayshavethesurfacenormalspointingtotheexterior.
TheDircommandcanchangetheu-,v-,andnormal-directionsofasurface.Thisdirectioncanbeimportantif
youareapplyingtexturestothesurface.
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Curvature
Curveanalysistoolsletyouturnonagraphshowingthedirectionperpendiculartothecurveatapointandthe
amountofcurvature,displayacurvaturecircle,testthecontinuitybetweentwocurvesandtheintervalsof
overlapbetweenthetwocurves.
TheCurvatureGraphcommanddisplaysacurvaturegraphoncurvesandsurfaces.Thelinesonthegraph
representadirectionperpendiculartothecurveatthatpoint.Thelengthofthelineindicatesthecurvature.
Visual surface analysis

Visualsurfaceanalysiscommandsletyouexaminesurfacestodeterminesmoothnessasdeterminedbyits
curvature,tangency,orothersurfaceproperties.ThesecommandsuseNURBSsurfaceevaluationand
renderingtechniquestohelpyouvisuallyanalyzesurfacesmoothnesswithfalsecolororreflectionmapssoyou
canseethecurvatureandbreaksinthesurface.
Environment map
TheEMapcommanddisplaysabitmapontheobjectsoitlookslikeasceneisbeingreflectedbyahighly
polishedmetal.Thistoolhelpsyoufindsurfacedefectsandvalidateyourdesignintent.
Thefluorescenttubeenvironmentmapsimulatestubelightsshiningonareflectivemetalsurface.
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Curvature analysis
TheCurvatureAnalysiscommandanalyzessurfacecurvatureusingfalse-colormapping.Itanalyzes
Gaussiancurvature,meancurvature,minimumradiusofcurvature,andmaximumradiusofcurvature.
TheZebracommanddisplayssurfaceswithreflectedstripes.Thisisawaytovisuallycheckforsurface
defectsandfortangencyandcurvaturecontinuityconditionsbetweensurfaces.
Draft angle analysis

TheDraftAngleAnalysiscommanddisplaysbyfalse-colormappingthedraftanglerelativetothe
constructionplanethatisactivewhenyoustartthecommand.
ThepulldirectionfortheDraftAngleAnalysiscommandisthez-axisoftheconstructionplane.
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Edge evaluation
GeometryproblemssuchasBooleanorjoinfailurescanbecausedbyedgesonsurfacesthathavebecome
brokenoredgesbetweensurfacesthathavebeenmovedthroughpointeditingsotheycreateholes.Anedgeis
aseparateobjectthatispartofthesurfacesboundaryrepresentation.
TheShowEdgescommandhighlightsalltheedgesofthesurface.
Apolysurfacemaylookclosed,butthePropertiescommandmaytellyouthatitisopen.Someoperationsand
exportfeaturesrequireclosedpolysurfaces,andamodelusingclosedpolysurfacesisgenerallyhigherquality
thanonewithsmallcracksandslivers.
Rhinoprovidesatoolforfindingtheunjoinedornakededges.Whenasurfaceisnotjoinedtoanother
surface,ithasnakededges.UsePropertiescommandtoexaminetheobjectdetails.Apolysurfacethathas
nakededgeslistsasanopenpolysurface.UsetheShowEdgescommandtodisplaytheunjoinededges.
Otheredgetoolsletyousplitanedge,mergeedgesthatmeetend-to-end,orforcesurfaceswithnakededges
tojoin.Youcanrebuildedgesbasedoninternaltolerances.Otheredgetoolsinclude:
SplitEdgesplitsanedgeatapoint.
MergeEdgemergesedgesthatmeetendtoend.
JoinEdgeforcesunjoined(naked)edgestojoinnearbysurfaces.
RebuildEdgesredistributesedgecontrolpointsbasedoninternaltolerances.
Diagnostics
Diagnostictoolsreportonanobjectsinternaldatastructureandselectobjectsthatmayneedrepair.The
outputfromtheList,Check,SelBadObjects,andAudit3dmFilecommandsisnormallymostusefultoa
Rhinoprogrammertodiagnoseproblemswithsurfacesthatarecausingerrors.
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Organization and Annotation
Rhinooffersaidstoorganizingyourwork:
Layers
Groups
Blocks
Worksessions
Eachmethodoffersadifferentapproachtomodelorganization.Usinglayersletsyouassignalayerdesignation
toobjects.Groupsassociateobjectssotheycanbeselectedasone.Blocksletyoustoreandupdatean
associationofobjects.Worksessionsletyouworkonapartofaprojectwhileusingothermodelsintheproject
asreferences.
Rhinoalsoprovidestheabilitytoaddnotationtoyourmodel.Theseappearasobjectsinthemodel.
Dimensions
Leaders
Textblocks
Adifferentformofnotationalwaysdisplaysfacingtowardstheviewplane.
Annotationdots
Arrowheads
Inaddition,youcanaddNotestothemodel.Notesdonotappearinthemodel,butdisplayinaseparate
window.
Layers
Layersareawayofgroupingobjectsandapplyingcertaincharacteristicstoallobjectsthathavethatlayer
assignment.Therearetwomentalmodelsyoucanusewhenyouthinkoflayerstheycanbethoughtof
eitherasastoragelocationfortheobjectsorasawaytoassignasetofcharacteristicsorpropertiesto
objects.
Layerstatesincludealayername,thecolorusedtodisplaytheobjects,andtheon/offandlocked/unlocked
statusofalltheobjectsonalayer.Objectsonlayersthatareoffarenotvisibleinthemodel.Objectsonlocked
layerscannotbeselectedbutcanbesnappedto.Objectsarealwayscreatedonthecurrentlayer.Thislayer
assignmentcanbechangedlater.
Toaccomplishthemostcommontasksrelatedtolayers,clicktheLayerpaneinthestatusbartodisplaythe
popuplayerlist.Youcansetthecurrentlayer;changetheon/off,locked/unlockedstate;andthelayercolor.In
addition,right-clickthelayernametocreateanewlayer,renamealayer,deletetheselectedlayer,select
objectsontheselectedlayer,changeobjectstotheselectedlayer,andcopyobjectstotheselectedlayer.
AccomplishmoredetailedlayermanagementwiththeLayerspanel.Right-clicktheLayer panetoopenthe
Layerspanel.TheLayerspanelsetsthecurrentlayer,locksandunlockslayers,turnslayersonandoff,
changesthelayercolorandsetsthelayerrendermaterial.Youcancreatenewlayers,deletelayers,move
layersupordowninthelayerlist,filterthelayerlist,setthecurrentlayertomatchanobjectinthemodel,
changeobjectstoaselectedlayer,selectalllayers,andinverttheselection.
TheSelLayercommandselectsallobjectsonalayer.
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Groups
Agroupisacollectionofobjectsthatselectasoneformoving,copying,rotating,orothertransformsand
applyingpropertiessuchasobjectcolor.Groupingobjectsassignsagroupnametoeachobjectthatisdisplayed
asapartofitsproperties.Objectswiththesamegroupnamebelongtothesamegroup.
Groupgroupsobjectsforselection.Agroupcancontainoneormoresub-groups.
Ungroupdestroysthegroup.
SetGroupNamechangesthenameassignedbydefault.Namingdifferentgroupstothesamename
combinesthosegroupsintoone.
AddToGroupandRemoveFromGroupaddandremoveobjectsfromgroups.
SelGroupselectsgroupsbyname.
Blocks
Ablockisanotherwayofassociatingobjectstogethertoformasingleobject.TheBlockcommandcreatesa
blockdefinitioninthecurrentmodel.TheInsertcommandplacesinstancesofthisblockdefinitioninyour
model.Youcanscale,copy,rotate,array,andotherwisetransformblockinstancesinthemodel.Ifyoueditthe
blockdefinition,allinstancesoftheblockarechangedtothisnewdefinition.Blockscanstreamlinemodeling,
reducemodelsize,andpromotestandardizationofpartsanddetails.
Multipleinstancesofablockcanbelocated,scaled,androtatedintoamodelwiththeInsertcommand.Block
definitionsarecreatedwiththeBlockorInsertcommand.Materialsandotherobjectpropertiesonblock
instancesaredeterminedbythecomponentobjects.
Explodingablockinstanceplacestheblockgeometryusingtheinstancelocation,scale,androtation.To
redefineablock,usetheBlockEditcommand,toeditthegeometry.
TheBlockManagercommanddisplaysadialogboxthatlistsalltheblockdefinitionsinthemodel.Usethe
Block Managerdialogboxtoviewblockproperties,exportablockdefinitiontoafile,deleteablockdefinition
andallitsinstances,updateablockdefinitionfromafile,findoutwhatblocksarenestedinotherblocks,and
countthenumberofblockinstancesinthemodel.
Worksessions
TheWorksessioncommandletsmanyusersworkonalargeprojectbymanagingmanyfiles.Eachusercan
editadifferentfileintheprojectandatthesametimeseetherelatedportionsoftheproject.Byrefreshingas
needed,eachusercanseethecurrentversionoftherelatedfilesintheprojects.Onlyoneusercanhaveafile
openforediting,butmanyuserscanseeit.
Rhinoworksessionsletyouattachexternalfilestoyourcurrentworkenvironment.Attachedgeometrycannot
beedited(Move,Scale),butitcanbeusedforinputtocreationcommands(Copy,ExtrudeCrv).
Dimensions
Youcandimensionobjectsinyourmodel,withyourchoiceoffont,unitsdisplay,decimalprecision,textand
arrowsize,andtextalignment.Afterdimensionsareplaced,youcanselectalldimensions,editdimensiontext,
turncontrolpointsontomovedimensionelements,anddeletedimensions.Youcanplacehorizontal,vertical,
aligned,rotated,radial,diameter,andangledimensions,textblocks,leaders,andcreatea2-Dhiddenline
drawing.
Dimensionsarenotassociative.Changingyourgeometrywillnotupdatethedimensionunlessthedimension
wasdrawnwithhistoryenabled.Changingthedimensionwillnotupdateyourgeometry.
TheDimcommandplaceshorizontalandverticaldimensionsdependingonthedirectionyoupickthepoints.
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Dimensionsarecreatedusingthecurrentdimensionstyle.Createnewdimensionstylestocontroltextsize
andfont,andotherdimensionproperties.UsethesettingsintheDocument Propertieswindowtocreate
newstylesandsetthepropertiesofexistingstyles.
Text
TheTextcommandplacesannotationtextinyourmodel.
Leaders
TheLeadercommanddrawsanarrowleader.
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Dots
TheDotcommandplacesatextdot.
Dotsarealwaysparalleltotheview.Dotsaredisplayedinthelayercolor.Dotsizeisconstantonthescreen.As
youzoominandout,thedotdisplaysthesamesize.
Hidden line removal

TheMake2Dcommandcreatescurvesfromtheselectedobjectsassilhouettesrelativetotheactiveview.The
silhouettecurvesareprojectedflatandthenplacedontheworldx,y-plane.
Thecommandoptionscreatethe2-Ddrawingfromthecurrentview,currentconstructionplane,createafour-
viewlayoutusingUSorEuropeanprojectionangles,setlayersforthehiddenlines,anddisplaytangentedges.
Notes
TheNotescommandprovidesameansofstoringtextinformationinyourmodelfile.Youcantypeinformation
directlyintotheNotestextbox.IfyouleavetheNotes boxdisplayedwhenyouclosethemodelfile,itwill
displaythenexttimethefileisopened.
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Render
Inadditiontoshadedpreviews,Rhinoprovidesfull-colorrenderingwithlights,transparency,shadows,
textures,andbumpmapping.
Objectswillrenderwhiteuntilyouaddrendercolor,highlight,texture,transparency,andbumps.These
attributesarecontrolledthroughthePropertiespanel,Materialpage.
Theprocessneededtorenderscenesconsistsoffourbasicsteps:
Addlighting
Assignmaterials
Setuptheenvironmentandgroundplane
Render
Althoughthestepsdonothavetobedoneinthisorder,usingthismethodseemstomakesettingupascene
moreefficient.Toimprovequality,repeatthesestepsuntiltheimagelooksrighttoyou.
Lights
IneveryRhinorenderingtherearelightsourcesthatRhinousestocalculatehowtheobjectsaretobe
illuminated.Ifyoudonotaddanylightsourcestoyourscene,thedefaultlightisused.Thedefaultlightisa
directionallightwithparallelraysthatactsasthoughyouhavealampshiningoveryourleftshoulder.
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Render
Add indoor lights or sun

4 InsertSpotlights,Directional Lights,Linear Lights,Point Lights,orRectangular Lights.
4 OrturnontheSun.
Materials
Materialsspecifythecolor,finish,transparency,texture,andbumpforusebytherenderer.
Assign materials to layers

1. IntheLayerspanel,selectoneormorelayernames,andclickintheMaterialcolumn.
2. IntheLayer Material dialogbox,setupmaterialproperties.
Assign materials to objects

1. Selectanobject.
2. OntheEditmenu,clickObject Properties.
3. InthePropertiespanel,Materialpage,setupmaterialproperties.
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Render
Environment
Environmentsdescribethespacearoundthemodel.Thisspaceisreflectedinobjectsandcanprovideoverall
lighting.
Set up the rendering environment

Therenderingpropertiesincludeenvironmentsettingslikebackgroundcolorandimage.
1. OpentheEnvironment Editorpanel.
2. Setupenvironmentproperties.
Ground Plane
Thegroundplaneprovidesaninfinitehorizontalplatformfortheimagethatstretchestothehorizoninall
directionspositionedatadefinedelevation.Agroundplanerendersmuchfasterthanusingasurfaceasa
background.Anymaterialcanbeassignedtothegroundplane.
Turn on a ground plane

1. OpentheGround Planepanel.
2. Setupgroundplaneproperties.
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Render
Render
Renderandsaveanimage.
Render and save the image

1. OntheRendermenu,clickRender.
2. IntheRender Window,ontheFilemenu,clickSave As.
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Rhinoceros 5 User's Guide
Section II: Tutorials
Pull Toy - Solids and Transforms
Thistutorialdemonstratesusingsolidprimitivesandsimpletransforms.
Youwilllearnhowto:
Entercoordinatestoplacepointsexactly.
Drawafree-formcurveandpolygon.
Createapipealongacurve.
Useapolararraytocopyobjectsinacircularpattern.
Extrudeacurvetocreateasurface.
Useplanarmode.
Enter coordinates
Whenyoupickapointwiththemouse,thepointliesontheconstruction planeoftheactiveviewportunless
youuseamodelingaidsuchasobjectsnaporelevator mode.WhenRhinopromptsforapoint,youcanenter
x-,y-,andz-coordinatesinsteadofpickingapoint.Eachviewporthasitsownconstructionplaneonwhichitsx-
andy-coordinateslie.Thez-coordinatefortheactiveviewportisperpendiculartothex-yplane.
Thegridisavisualrepresentationoftheconstructionplane.Theintersectionofthedarkredandgreenlines
showsthelocationoftheoriginpoint(x=0,y=0,z=0)ofthecoordinatesystem.
Draw the pull toy body

Thisexerciseusesx-,y-,andz-coordinatestoaccuratelyplacepoints.Whenyouaretotypecoordinates,type
themjustastheyareshowninthemanual.Theformatisx,y,z.Forexample,type1,1,4.Youmusttypethe
commas.Thissetsthepointatx=1,y=1,andz=4intheactiveviewport.
Wheneveryoutypepoints,lookinallviewportsatwherethepointisplacedsoyoucanstartgettinganideaof
howcoordinateentryworks.
Tip:Paycloseattentiontotheviewportrequiredineachinstruction.
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Start the model

1. BeginaNewmodel.
2. IntheOpen Template Filedialogbox,selectSmall Objects - Centimeters.3dm,andclick
Open.
Draw an ellipsoid
1. TurnonOrtho.
2. OntheSolidmenu,clickEllipsoid > From Center.
3. WiththeTopviewportactive,attheEllipsoid centerprompt,type0,0,11,andpressEnter.
Thisplacesthecenterpointoftheellipsoidatx=0,y=0,andz=11.Lookatthepointinthe
Perspectiveviewport.
4. AttheEnd of first axisprompt,type15,andpressEnter.
5. Movethecursortotherighttoshowthedirectionandclick.
6. AttheEnd of second axisprompt,type8,andpressEnter.
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7. Movethecursoruptoshowthedirectionandclick.
Thissetsthewidthoftheellipsoid.
8. AttheEnd of third axisprompt,type9,andpressEnter.

Younowhaveaneggshapethathasdifferentdimensionsinallthreedirections.
9. Rotatetheperspectiveviewportsoyouarelookingalongthex-axisasillustrated.
TurnonShadeddisplaymodeinthePerspectiveviewport.
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Draw the axles and wheel hubs

Theaxlesandwheelhubsarecylinders.Theaxlesarelong,thincylinders,andthewheelhubsareshort,fat
cylinders.Youaregoingtomakeoneaxleandonecompletewheel.Youwillthenmirrorthecompletewheelto
theotherside.Youcantheneithermirrororcopythecompleteaxleandwheelsettothefrontofthetoy.
Create the axle

1. OntheSolidmenu,clickCylinder.
2. WiththeFrontviewportactive,attheBase of cylinderprompt,forthelocationofthecylinder's
center,type9,6.5,10,andpressEnter.
3. AttheRadiusprompt,type.5,andpressEnter.
4. AttheEnd of cylinderprompt,type-20,andpressEnter.
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Create a wheel hub

1. OntheSolidmenu,clickCylinder.
2. WiththeFrontviewportactive,attheBase of cylinderprompt,type9,6.5,10,andpressEnter.
3. AttheRadiusprompt,type4,andpressEnter.
4. AttheEnd of cylinderprompt,type2,andpressEnter.
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Draw the lug nuts

Youwillmakethelugnutsbyextrudingahexagonalpolygoncurve.
Create a hexagon
1. OntheCurvemenu,clickPolygon > Center, Radius.
2. AttheCenter of inscribed polygon ( NumSides=4 )prompt,type6,andpressEnter.
3. IntheFrontviewport,attheCenter of inscribed polygonprompt,type9,8,12,andpress
Enter.
Thiswillplacethepolygonrightonthesurfaceofthewheelhub.
4. AttheCorner of polygonprompt,type.5,andpressEnter.
5. IntheFrontviewportdragthecursorasillustrated,andclicktopositionthehexagon.
Make a solid from the polygon

1. Inanyviewport,selectthehexagonyoujustcreated.
2. OntheSolidmenu,clickExtrude Planar Curve > Straight.
3. AttheExtrusion distance prompt,noticethecommand-lineoptions.Settheoptionsasfollows:
Direction-usedefault
BothSides=No
Solid=Yes
DeleteInput=Yes
ToBoundary-usedefault
SplitAtTangents=No
SetBasePoint-usedefault
Iftheoptionisnotsetaslistedabove,clicktheoptiontochangeit.
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4. AttheExtrusion Distanceprompt,type-.5(Noticethenegativenumber.Ifyoutypeapositive
numberatthispoint,thenutswillbeburiedinthewheelhub.Youwantthemtostickout.),and
pressEnter.
Array the lug nuts

Tocreatethelugnutsonthefirstwheel,youaregoingtouseapolar(circular)array.Anarrayisasetofcopies
ofanobject.Youcontrolhowthecopiesaremade.Apolararraycopiestheobjectsaroundacentralpoint.The
objectsarerotatedastheyarecopied.
Array the nuts around the center

1. Selectthelugnut.
2. OntheTransformmenu,clickArray >Polar.
3. WiththeFrontviewportactive,attheCenter of polar arrayprompt,usetheCenobjectsnapto
snaptothecenterofthehub.
4. AttheNumber of elementsprompt,type5,andpressEnter.
5. AttheAngle to fill <360>prompt,pressEnter.
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6. AtthePress Enter to acceptprompt,checkthepreview,andpressEnter.
Draw the tires

Thetiresareasolidformcalledatorus,whichlookslikeadonut.Whenyouaredrawingatorus,thefirstradius
istheradiusofacirclearoundwhichthetubeisdrawn.Thesecondradiusistheradiusofthetubeitself.
Todrawthetires,youwilldrawthecenterofthetorustubeabitlargerthanthediameterofthewheelhub.
Thetubeitselfisslightlylargerthanthehub.Thismakesitdipintothehub.
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Create a torus for the tires

1. OntheSolidmenu,clickTorus.
2. IntheFrontviewport,attheCenter of torusprompt,type9,6.5,11,andpressEnter.
Thisplacesthecenterofthetorusatthesamepointasthecenterofthewheelhub.
3. AttheRadiusprompt,type5,andpressEnter.
Thismakestheradiusofthetorustubeoneunitbiggerthanthewheelhub.
4. AttheSecond radiusprompt,type1.5,andpressEnter.
Thismakestheinnerdimensionofthetorustube.5unitssmallerthanthewheelhub.
Mirror the wheels

Nowthatyouhaveawholewheelcreated,youcanusetheMirrorcommandtocreatetheotherthree.
Mirror the wheel to the other side

1. IntheTopviewport,useawindowtoselectthewheelasillustrated.
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3. AttheStart of mirror planeprompt,type0,0,0,andpressEnter.
4. AttheEnd of mirror planeprompt,withOrthoon,dragtotherightintheTopviewportas

illustratedandclick.
Mirror the front wheels and axle

1. IntheTopviewport,useawindowtoselectthewheelsandaxleasillustrated.
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3. AttheStart of mirror planeprompt,type0,0,0,andpressEnter.
4. AttheEnd of mirror planeprompt,withOrthoon,dragdownintheTopviewportasillustrated

andclick.
Draw the eyes

Youaregoingtodrawasphereforaneyeandasmallersphereforthepupil.
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Create an eye using a sphere

1. OntheSolidmenu,clickSphere > Center, Radius.
2. AttheCenter of sphereprompt,intheTopviewport,type-12,-3,14,andpressEnter.
3. AttheRadiusprompt,type3andpressEnter.
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Create the eye pupil

1. RepeattheSpherecommand.
2. AttheCenter of sphereprompt,intheTopviewport,type-13,-4,15,andpressEnter.
3. AttheRadiusprompt,type2andpressEnter.
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Mirror the eye

1. IntheTopviewport,useawindowtoselecttheeyeasillustrated.
3. AttheStart of mirror planeprompt,type0(thisisashortcutfortyping0,0,0),andpressEnter.
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4. AttheEnd of mirror planeprompt,withOrthoon,dragtotheleftintheTopviewportas

illustratedandclick.
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Make the pull cord

Tomakethecord,youaregoingtodrawafreehandcurveusingelevatorandplanarmode.Whenthecurveis
complete,usethePipecommandtomakeitathicksolid.
Set up the view

1. Zoomoutinalltheviewports;youaregoingtoneedsomespacetowork.
2. Onthestatusbar,turnPlanarmodeon,andturnOrthooff.
3. IntheOsnapcontrol,clickDisabletoturnoffallobjectsnaps.
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Create the pull cord at the front of the toy
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1. OntheCurvemenu,clickFree-form > Control Points.
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2. AttheStart of curveprompt,intheTopviewport,holdtheCtrlkeytoactivateelevatormode
andclicknearthefrontendofthebodyellipsoid.
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3. MovethecursortotheFrontviewport,dragthemarkerneartheendoftheellipsoid,andclick.
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4. AttheNext pointprompt,clicktotheleftoftheellipsoidintheTopviewport.
Planarmodekeepssuccessivepointsatthesameconstructionplaneelevation.Planarmodecanbe
overriddenwithelevatormodeorobjectsnaps.WatchthecurveintheTopandFrontviewports.
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5. AttheNext pointprompt,useelevatormodetoaddanotherpointintheTopviewport.
6. AttheNext pointprompts,turnoffPlanarmodeandclickseveralmorepointsintheTop
viewporttocreateacurvedline.
NoticethatthepointsareprojectedtotheTopconstructionplane.
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Make the cord handle

1. DrawanEllipsoidwiththeDiameteroptiontorepresentahandleattheendofthecurve.
2. AttheStart of first axisprompt,usetheEndobjectsnaptopicktheendofthecordcurve.
3. AttheEnd of first axisprompt,type10tosetthelength,andpressEnter.
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4. Dragthedirectionsoitlinesupwiththecordcurveandclicktosetthedirection.
Thisdoesnothavetobeveryaccurate.
5. AttheEnd of second axisprompt,type4,pressEnter,anddragtosetthedirection.
6. AttheEnd of third axisprompt,type2,andpressEnter.
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Thicken the curve with a pipe

1. Selectthecurveyoujustmadeatthefrontofthepulltoy.
2. OntheSolidmenu,clickPipe.
3. AttheStart radiusprompt,type.2,andpressEnter.
4. AttheEnd radiusprompt,pressEnter.
5. AtthePoint for next radiusprompt,pressEnter.
Thepipewillbethesamediameterforthefulllengthofthecurve.
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Flashlight - Revolve Curves
Creatingsurfacesfromcurvesandjoiningthesurfacestogetherallowsyoumuchgreaterfreedom.
Thistutorialintroducestheconceptofdrawingcurvesandonemethodofcreatingsurfacesfromthosecurves.
Youwilllearnhowto:
Drawfree-formcurvesbasedonanexistingobject.
Editcontrolpoints.
Revolvesurfacesaroundanaxis.
Revolvingcurvesisagoodmethodforcreatingtubularshapeslikevases,wineglasses,andchairlegs.
Youaregoingtouseabasicflashlightasaguidefordrawingthecurvesyouwillneedforthenewmodel.Using
thebasicflashlightgivesyouaframeofreferencefordecidingaboutthesizeandshapeoftheobject.
To get started
4 OpenthetutorialmodelfileFlashlight.3dm.
Set up the model

Youaregoingtotracearoundtheoldflashlight.Tomakethiseasier,youwilllocktheobjects.Whenobjectsare
locked,youcanseethemandsnaptothem,butyoucannotselectthem.Thiskeepstheobjectsfrom
interferingwhenyouwanttoselectthingscloseby.Youcanstilluseobjectsnapstosnaptolockedobjects.You
willthencreatesomecurvesandrevolvethemtomakethenewflashlight.
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Lock the flashlight objects

1. Selectalltheobjects.
PresstheCtrland Akeystoselectalltheobjectsinthemodel.
2. OntheEditmenu,clickVisibility > Lock.
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Draw a centerline
Drawaconstructioncenterlinethroughthecenteroftheoldflashlight.
Draw the construction centerline

1. OntheCurvemenuclickLine > Single Line.
2. AttheStart of lineprompt,usetheCenterobjectsnaptoplacethestartofthelineatthecenter
oftheflashlightbase.
3. AttheEnd of lineprompt,turnOrthoon,anddrawthelinethroughtheexactcenteroftheold
flashlight.
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Draw the body profile curve

Youaregoingtodrawaprofilecurvethatyouwillusetorevolvetocreatetheflashlightbody.Aprofilecurve
definesacross-sectionofonehalfofthepart.
Draw the body curve

1. Onthestatusbar,clicktheLayerpaneandmakethelayerFree Form Bodycurrent.
2. OntheCurvemenu,clickFree-Form > Control Points.
3. AttheStart of curveprompt,intheFrontviewport,startdrawingacurvearoundtheflashlight
bodyasillustrated.
UsetheEndobjectsnaptostartthecurveattheendoftheconstructioncenterline.
UsetheNearobjectsnaptoendthecurveontheconstructioncenterline.
Startingandendingthecurveexactlyonthelineisimportantsothatlaterwhenyourevolvethe
curvetocreateasolid,therewillbenogapsoroverlappingparts.
Whendrawingthecurve,useOrthotocontrolthefirsttwo(1and2)pointsandthelasttwopoints
(3and4)onthecurve.Ifthefirsttwopointsandthelasttwopointsareplacedinastraightline,the
curvewillstartandendtangenttothatline.
4. Whenyouhaveplacedthelastcontrolpoint,pressEntertofinishdrawingthecurve.
Toplacethelasttwopointsinastraightlinewitheachother,useGrid Snap,Ortho,or
Perpendicularobjectsnap.
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Draw the lens profile curve

Makeanotherprofilecurveforthelens.
Create the lens

1. OntheCurvemenu,clickFree-Form > Control Points.
2. AttheStart of curveprompt,intheFrontviewport,placethefirstcontrolpointofthelens
profile.
UsetheNearobjectsnaptostartandendthecurveontheconstructioncenterline.
Placecontrolpointsintheupperpartofthelenscurvesoitcrossesthebodyprofilecurve.
Get the old flashlight out of your way

1. OntheEditmenu,clickVisibility > Unlock.
2. Selectalltheobjectsexceptthetwoprofilecurvesyoujustdrewandtheswitchsphere.
3. OntheEditmenu,clickVisibility > Hide.
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Build the flashlight body

Tomakethebody,youwillrevolvetheprofilecurve360degrees.Youwillusetheendpointofthecurveand
orthotoestablishtherotationaxis.
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Create the flashlight body
131
2. AttheSelect curve to revolveprompt,selectthebodyprofilecurve.
3. AttheStart of revolve axisprompt,usetheEndsnaptosnaptooneendoftheprofilecurve.
4. AttheEnd of revolve axisprompt,turnOrthoon,andspecifytherevolveaxislineasillustrated.
5. IntheStart angle...prompt,clicktheFullCircleoption.
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Create the lens

Nowrevolvethelensprofilecurveinthesamewayasthebody.
Revolve the lens profile curve

2. AttheSelect curve to revolveprompt,selectthelensprofilecurve.
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3. AttheStart of revolve axisprompt,useEndobjectsnaptolocatetheendpointofoneofthecurve

profiles.
4. AttheEnd of revolve axisprompt,turnOrthoon,anddrawtherevolveaxislineasillustrated.
5. IntheStart angle...prompt,clicktheFullCircleoption.
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Headphone - Sweep, Loft, and Extrude
Thistutorialdemonstratescreatingsurfacesfromprofilecurvesusinglofts,sweeps,andextrudes.
Youwilllearnhowto:
Usesub-objectselectiontopre-selectobjectsforacommand.
Createasurfacefromaplanarcurve.
Loft,revolve,sweep,andextrudesurfaces.
Capplanarholestocreateasolid.
Drawahelixaroundacurve.
Matchcurveends.
Createsolidpipes.
Mirrorobjects.
Uselayers.
Useobjectsnaps.
To open the headphone model.

4 OpenthetutorialmodelfileHeadphone.3dm.
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Create the speaker shell

Thespeakershelliscreatedusingaloftedsurface,aone-railsweep,asolidextrusionofaplanarcurve,anda
surfacefillet.Theresultinggeometryisjoinedintoonesolid.
Loft curves to create a surface

Onewaytocreateasurfaceistouseexistingcurvesasaguide.Whenloftingthroughcurves,thecurves
areusedasaguideforcreatingasmoothsurface.
1. TurnonShadedmodeinthePerspectiveviewport.
2. Selectthethreecircularcurves,withacrossingselectionasillustrated.
3. OntheSurfacemenu,clickLoft.
4. AttheDrag seam point to adjustprompt,notethedisplayofthecurvedirectionarrowsatthe
seampoints,andpressEnter.
Inthismodel,theyarenicelylinedupforyou,soyoudonotneedtoadjustthem.
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5. IntheLoft Optionsdialogbox,clickOKtocreatetheloft.
Extrude the surface edge

Extrudetheloftedsurfaceedgeinthecentertomakeamagnethousing.
1. HoldtheCtrland Shiftkeystoselectthesurfaceedgeatthecenteroftheloftedsurface.
Tip:
SelectingobjectswiththeCtrland Shiftkeysiscalledsub-object selection.
HoldtheCtrland Shiftkeys,andclicktoselectpolysurfacefaces;surfaceand
polysurfaceedgecurves;controlpoints;meshvertices,faces,boundaries,andedges;
andobjectswithinagroup.

3. AttheExtrusion Distanceprompt,type-2(noticethenegativenumber)andpressEnter.
Thismakesasolidcylinderforthemagnethousingthatistwounitsthickandextendsinthenegative
directionfromtheoriginalsurfaceedge.
Extract the bottom surface

Thecylinderyoujustcreatedisanextrusionobject(solid).Toremovethebottom,extracttheface.
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1. HoldtheCtrland Shiftkeys,andclicktoselectthebottomface.
2. OntheSolidmenu,clickExtract Surface.
3. AttheSelect surfaces to extractprompt,selectthesurfaceasillustratedandpressEnter.
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Fillet the edge of the cylinder surface

1. OntheSolidmenu,clickFillet Edge > Fillet Edge.
Thecurrentradiussettingshouldbe1.
2. AttheSelect edges to filletprompt,selecttheedgeatthetopofthecylinderpressEnter.
3. AttheSelect fillet handle to editprompt,pressEnter.
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Join the surfaces

Surfacesthatshareanedgecanbejoinedintoapolysurface.Youwilljoinallthesurfaces.Sincethefaces
aresometimeshardtosee,usetwoviewportstoselectthemall.
1. Selectthesurfaceandthepolysurface.
2. OntheEditmenu,clickJoin.
Tojoinsurfaces,youmustselectsurfacesthatareadjacenttoeachotherandtheedgesmustmatch.
Create the padding and cover

Sweepacurvearoundtheedgeofthespeakerconetocreatethepaddingaroundtheedgeofthespeaker.
Reset the view

1. OntheViewmenu,clickZoom > Zoom Extents All.
2. HideorDeleteallofcurvesusedfortheloft.
Sweep a curve along one rail

1. HoldtheCtrlandShiftkeys,andclicktoselecttheloftsurfaceouteredge.
2. HoldtheShiftkeyandselecttherailcurveatthetopofthespeakerasshown.
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Make a surface from planar curves

Filltheareaatthebaseofthepaddingwithaplanarsurfacecreatedfromtheedgeofthesweep.
1. HoldtheCtrland Shiftkeys,andclicktoselectthesurfaceedgeofthespeakerconeasillustrated.
2. OntheSurfacemenu,clickPlanar Curves.
Aplanarsurfaceiscreatedatthebaseofthepadding.
Create the mounting bracket

Thenextpartisthebracketthatholdsthespeakertotheheadband.Sincethespeakerunitiscomplete,you
canturnitslayeroffandmaketheBracketlayercurrent.
Reset the layers

1. Onthestatusbar,clicktheLayerpane.
2. MakeBracketthecurrentlayerandturnonBracket Shape Curves.
Turnallotherlayersoff.
Reset the view

4 OntheViewmenu,clickZoom > Zoom Extents Alltozoominonthebracketshapecurvesinall
viewports.
Extrude a curve into a solid

Useaplanarcurvetocreateasolidshape.
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1. Selecttheclosedcurve.
3. AttheExtrusion distanceprompt,type-1andpressEnter.
Fillet the edges

Roundthesharpedgeswithafillet.
1. OntheSolidmenu,clickFillet Edge > Fillet Edge.
2. AttheSelect edges to filletprompt,type.2andpressEnter.
3. AttheSelect edges to filletprompt,clickChainEdgesandselectthefrontedgeofthebracket.
Theentireedgeofthesolidshouldhighlight.
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4. PressEntertoclosethatedgeselection.
5. AttheSelect edges to filletprompt,clickChainEdgesandselectthebackedgeofthebracket.

6. PressEntertoclosethatedgeselection.
7. PressEntertofinishtheedgeselection.
8. AttheSelect fillet handle to editprompt,pressEnter.
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Create a tubular surface from the shape curves

1. Selectthecurveatthetopofthebracket.
3. AttheStarting radiusprompt,type.3andpressEnter.
Beforetypingtheradius,setthecommand-lineoptionstoCap=FlatandThick=No.
For the second tube

1. Selectthecurveatthebottomofthebracket.
3. AttheStarting radiusprompt,type.2,andpressEnter.
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Create the headband

Theheadbandconsistsofaseriesofellipsessweptalongapath.
Reset the layers

2. MakeHeadbandthecurrentlayerandturnonHeadband Shape Curves.
Reset the view

4 OntheViewmenu,clickZoom > Zoom Extents Alltozoominontheheadbandshapecurvesinall
viewports.
Create an ellipse perpendicular to a curve

1. TurnOrthoon.
2. OntheCurvemenu,clickEllipse > From Center.
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3. AttheEllipse centerprompt,clickAroundCurve.
4. AttheEllipse centerprompt,snaptoanendpointoftheheadbandcurve.
UsetheEndobjectsnap.
5. AttheEnd of first axisprompt,type0.5,andpressEnter.
6. AttheEnd of first axisprompt,dragthecursorinthex-directionandclick.
7. AttheEnd of second axisprompt,type2,andpressEnter.
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8. AttheEnd of second axisprompt,dragthecursorinthey-directionandclick.
Array a curve along a path

1. Selecttheellipse.
2. OntheTransformmenu,clickArray > Along Curve.
3. AttheSelect path curveprompt,selectheadbandcurve.
4. IntheArray Along Curve Optionsdialogbox,underMethod,settheNumber of itemsto3.
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5. UnderOrientation,clickFreeform,andclickOK.
Scale the ellipse

Scalethecenterellipsetomakeitlarger.
1. Selectthecenterellipse.
2. OntheTransformmenu,clickScale > Scale 1-D.

Scale1Dstretchesanobjectinonedirection.
3. AttheOrigin pointprompt,inthePerspectiveviewport,snaptothecenterofselectedellipse.
4. AttheScale factor or first reference pointprompt,type2,andpressEnter.
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5. AttheScale directionprompt,dragthecursorinthey-directionandclick.
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Sweep along one rail

1. Selectthecurves.
3. AttheDrag seam point to adjustprompt,examinethedirectionandseampointsofthecurves

tomakesuretheyarenottwisted,andpressEnter.
Round the headband ends

Usethesameellipsethatformedthefirstcross-sectioncurvefortheheadbandtocreatearoundedendforthe
headband.Startbysplittingtheellipseinhalf.
Reset the view

1. OntheViewmenu,clickZoom > Window.
2. InthePerspectiveviewport,zoominontheleftendoftheheadbandyoujustcreated.
Split the ellipse in half

1. Selecttheellipse.
2. OntheEditmenu,clickSplit.
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3. AttheSelect cutting objectsprompt,clickthePointoption.

4. TurnonQuadrantobjectsnap.
5. AtthePoint to split curveprompts,snaptothetwoquadrantsatthenarrowaxisoftheellipse.
6. AtthePoint to split curveprompt,pressEnter.

Theellipseissplitintotwohalves.
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Create a surface of revolution

1. Selectlefthalfoftheellipse.
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3. AttheStart of revolve axisprompt,snaptotheendoftheellipsehalf.
4. AttheEnd of revolve axisprompt,snaptotheotherendoftheellipsehalf.
5. AttheStart angle...prompt,type0,pressEnter.
6. AttheRevolution angle...prompt,type180,pressEnter.
Aroundedsurfaceiscreatedattheendoftheheadband.
7. Repeatthesestepsfortheothersideoftheheadband.
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Mirror the rounded end

1. Selecttheroundedend.
3. AttheStart of the mirror planeprompt,type0.
4. AttheEnd of the mirror planeprompt,dragthemirrorlineinthey-directionasillustrated.
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Join the surfaces

1. Selectthesurfaces.
2. OntheEditmenu,clickJoin.
Threesurfacesjoinintoonepolysurface.
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Create the speaker wire

Useaseparatelayertocreatethespeakerwire.
Reset the layers

2. MakeWire Shape CurvesthecurrentlayerandturnonWire.
Reset the view

4 OntheViewmenu,clickZoom > Zoom Extents All.
Make the helix

1. OntheCurvemenu,clickHelix.
2. AttheStart of axisprompt,clickAroundCurve.
3. AttheSelect curveprompt,selectthelongfree-formcurve.
4. AttheRadius and start pointprompt,type1andpressEnter.

Thissetstheradiusforthehelix.
5. AttheRadius and start pointprompt,setTurns=30andNumPointsPerTurn=8.
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6. AttheRadius and start pointprompt,intheRightviewportdragthecursortotheleftandclick.
Reset the view

1. OntheViewmenu,clickZoom > Window.
2. InthePerspectiveviewport,zoominontheleftendofthehelixyoujustcreated.
Match and join the helix to the end curves

1. OntheCurvemenu,clickCurveEdit Tools > Match.
2. AttheSelect open curve to change - pick near endprompt,selectneartheleftendofthehelix.
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3. AttheSelect open curve to match - pick near endprompt,selectnearthelowerendofthe

verticalcurve.
4. IntheMatch Curvedialogbox,underContinuity,clickTangency,underPreserve other end,

clickPosition,andclickJoin.
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5. Repeatsteps3through6fortheotherendofthehelix.
Create the speaker wire

1. Selecttheextendedhelicalcurve.
3. AttheStarting radiusprompt,type.2andpressEnter.
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Create the second wire

1. Selectthecurveatthetopleft.
3. AttheStarting radiusprompt,type0.1andpressEnter.
Mirror the headphone parts

Mirrorthepartstocreatethepartsfortheothersideoftheheadphones.
Reset the layers

2. Turnonalllayers.
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Reset the view

4 OntheViewmenu,clickZoom > Zoom Extents All.
Delete all the shape curves

1. PressEsctodeselecteverything.
2. OntheEditmenu,clickSelectObjects > Curves.
Mirror the left half of the headphones

1. IntheFrontviewport,windowselecttheobjectsasillustrated.
(Selectthespeaker,bracket,smallwire,androtatedellipse.)
TheMirrorcommanddependsonwhichviewportisactive.Itusestheconstructionplaneinthe
activeviewporttodefinethemirrorplane.Themirrorplaneisperpendiculartotheconstruction
plane.Twopointsdefinethelineinthisplaneaboutwhichtheselectedobjectsaremirrored.
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3. AttheStart of mirror planeprompt,type0,0.

Thisisthefirstpointofthemirrorline.
4. AttheEnd of mirror planeprompt,turnonOrtho,anddragthemirrorlinestraightupandpick.
Learn more
ForavideotutorialshowingamoresophisticatedmodelingmethodforaheadphonesetusingRhino'sGumball
feature,see:Modeling stereo headphones.
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Penguin - Point Editing and Blending
Thistutorialdemonstratespoint-editingtechniquesincludingmovingandscalingcontrolpointsandadding
knotstosurfacestoincreasecontrol.Inaddition,youwilluseblendstocreatesmoothtransitionsbetween
surfaces.
Youwilllearnhowto:
Rebuildsurfacestoaddadditionalcontrolpoints.
Insertknotsinasurfacetoaddcontrolpointsinaspecificlocation.
Editsurfacecontrolpointstodefineashape.
Scalecontrolpointstochangetheobjectshape.
Useobjectsnapsprojectedtotheconstructionplane.
Orientanobjectonasurface.
Createsmoothblendsbetweensurfaces.
Rendered with Penguin renderer by Jari Saarinen.
The body
Ifyoulike,opentheexamplemodel,Penguin.3dm,andtrytomatchtheshapesasyouarebuildingthe
model.Experimentwithyourownshapes,too.
Thebodyandheadarecreatedfromonesphere.Theshapeisformedbymovingthecontrolpointsinthe
spheretocreatethehead.
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Draw a sphere
4 IntheTopviewport,usetheSpherecommandtodrawaspherewitharadiusof10units.
Rebuild the sphere

4 UsetheRebuildcommandtoaddmorecontrolpointstothesphere.
IntheRebuild Surfacedialogbox,setthePoint countintheUandVdirectionsto8andthe
DegreeintheUandVdirectionsto3.
CheckDelete input.
ClickOK.
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Turn control points on

4 UsethePointsOn (F10)commandtoturnonthespherescontrolpoints.Lookinalltheviewports
atthestructureofthecontrolpoints.
Thenextstepwillchangethisstructuresotheinfluenceofmovingthecontrolpointsdoesnotextend
overthewholesphere.
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Insert knots
4 UsetheInsertKnotcommandtoinserttwoknotsinthesphereintheareawhereyouwantthe
neck.
Inserttheknotsintheu-directiononlyasillustrated.
Examinethecontrolpointstructureafterinsertingtheknot.
Repositioncontrolpointstocreatetheindentationfortheneckandtoreformthebodyshape.
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Flatten the bottom

1. IntheFrontviewport,selectallthecontrolpointsinthelowestrowsofthesphere.
UsetheSetPtcommandtomatchthemtothebottompolepointintheworldz-directiononly.
2. IntheSet Pointsdialogbox,checkSet Z,cleartheSet XandSet Ycheckboxes,andclickWorld.
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3. Dragtheselectedcontrolpointsup.
Thiswillalignalloftheselectedcontrolpointstothesamez-value(upinFrontviewport),flattening
thesurface.
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Drag points
4 SelectrowsofcontrolpointswithawindowanddragthemupordownintheFrontviewportto
shapethebody.
UseWireFramedisplaymodeifyoufinditeasiertoselectcontrolpointsinwireframeviews.
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Scale points
1. SelectrowsofcontrolpointswithawindowintheFrontviewport.
2. IntheTopviewport,usetheScale2Dcommandtomovethemcloserorfartherawayfromthe
centralpoint.
TopickthebasepointfortheScale2DcommandusethePointobjectsnapwithProjectturnedon.
Thiswillscalethepointsparalleltotheconstructionplane.WatchtheFrontviewporttoseethe
changesinthebodyshapeasyoumovethecontrolpointsclosertoandfartherfromthecenter.
ExperimentwiththeProjectsettingintheOsnapcontroltoseehowitworks.
Youwillbeabletoseethetrackinglineprojectedtotheconstructionplaneintheviewports.
Matchtheexamplemodeloruseyourownshape.
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3. Dragindividualgroupsofcontrolpointstomakethebodyslightlyflatterinthefrontneartheneckas
illustrated.
The eyes
Theeyeisanellipsoidshapethatisorientedontothesurface.
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Create the eye
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1. IntheTopviewport,starttheEllipsoidcommand.
Placethecenterpointanywhere.
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2. AttheEnd of first axisprompt,type1.1toconstrainthedistancefromthecenterpointtotheend

oftheaxisto1.1units.
Dragthecursortotherightandpick.
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3. AttheEnd of second axisprompt,type1.1toconstrainthedistance.

Usingtheseconstraintshascreatedacircularellipsoidwhenseenfromthetop.
DragthecursorupordownintheTopviewportandpick.
4. AttheEnd of third axisprompt,type.5,pressEnter.
Orient the eye on the surface

1. SelecttheeyeellipsoidintheToporPerspectiveviewport.
2. StarttheOrientOnSrfcommand.
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3. AttheBase point...prompt,intheTopviewport,pickthecenteroftheellipsoid.
4. AttheReference point for scaling and rotationprompt,pickanypointtotherightorleftofthe

eyeellipsoid.
Theexactlocationisnotimportant.
5. AttheSurface to orient onprompt,selectthepenguinbody/head.

6. IntheOrient on Surfacedialogbox,clickOK.
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7. AtthePoint on surface to orient toprompt,movethecursorontotheheadtowhereyouwant

toplacetheeyeandclick.
Mirror the eye

4 UsetheMirrorcommandintheFrontviewporttocreatethesecondeye.
The beak
Thebeakisanotherellipsoidthatyoucanedittochangetheshape.
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Create the basic beak shape
180
1. IntheTopviewport,starttheEllipsoidcommand.
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2. AttheEnd of first axisprompt,type3toconstrainthedistancefromthecenterpointtotheendof

theaxistothreeunits.
Dragthecursortotherightandpick.
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3. AttheEnd of secondaxisprompt,type2toconstrainthedistance.
Usingtheseconstraintscreatesacircularellipsoidwhenseenfromthetop.
DragthecursorupordownintheTopviewportandpick.
4. AttheEnd of third axisprompt,type1,pressEnter.
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Shape the beak
184
1. Turnonthebeak'scontrolpoints(F10).
IntheFrontviewport,selectthelowerrowofpointsanddragthemup.
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2. Selecttherowofpointsinthetopcenteranddragthemdowntoshapethebeak.
TryusingtheNudgekeys(Alt+Arrowdirectionkeys)tonudgetheselectedpoints.
Move the beak

4 Movethebeakintoposition.
The feet
Thefeetarecreatedusinganotherellipsoid.Knotsareaddedtohelpcreatethewebbedtoes.
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Draw the beginning ellipsoid
187
1. IntheFrontviewport,starttheEllipsoidcommand.
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2. AttheEnd of first axisprompt,type1toconstrainthedistancefromthecenterpointtotheendof

theaxistooneunit.
Dragthecursorupandpick.
3. AttheEnd of secondaxisprompt,type3toconstrainthedistance.
IntheTopviewport,dragthecursorupandpick.
4. AttheEnd of third axisprompt,type3,pressEnter.
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Rebuild the ellipsoid

4 UsetheRebuildcommandtoaddmorecontrolpointstotheellipsoid.
CheckDelete input.
Insert knots to create the webbed feet

4 UsetheInsertKnotcommandtoinsertfourknotsintheellipsoidasillustrated.
SettheSymmetrical=On.
InserttheknotsintheV-direction.
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Scale the points from the center
191
1. Selectcontrolpointsasillustrated.
Usewindowandcrossingselectionstoselectthecontrolpointsonboththetopandbottomofthe
ellipsoid.
2. UsetheScale2Dcommandtoscalethecontrolpointsoutfromthecenterofthefoot.
UsethePointobjectsnaptosetthebasepointofthescaletothecenterpointoftheellipsoid.
Dragthepointstomakethewholefootabouttwicethesizeoftheoriginalellipsoid.
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Move the foot into position

4 UsetheMovecommandtomovethefootunderthepenguinbody.
Rotate the foot out

4 UsetheRotatecommandtorotatethefootoutslightly.
Mirror the foot

4 UsetheMirrorcommandtocreatethesecondfoot.
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Create a cutting plane

1. Selectthefeet.
2. IntheFrontviewport,usetheCutPlanecommandtomakeaplanarsurfacethatpassesthrough
thefeetasillustrated.
TheCutPlanecommandmakesaplanethatpassesthroughtheselectedsurfacesalongthelineyou
draw.
Trim and Join the feet and the plane

1. Trimthebottomsofthefeetoffwiththeplaneasthecuttingobject.
2. Trimtheexcessplanefromoutsidethefeet.
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3. Jointheplanepartsandthefeet.
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The tail
Thetailisanotherellipsoid.Itisjoinedtothebodywithasmoothblendsurface.
Create the tail shape

4 DrawanEllipsoidthatis4unitslong,3unitswide(Topviewport),and1.5unitstall(Front
viewport).
Position the tail

4 MoveandRotatethetailinposition.
Union the tail and body

4 UsetheBooleanUnioncommandtotrimandjointhetailandthebodyshapes.
Thetransitionbetweenthetailandbodyisratherabrupt;soreplacethiswithasmoothblend
surface.
Todothis,youmustfirstcreateagapbetweenthetwopartsfortheblendsurfacetofill.
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Pipe the intersection

4 UsethePipecommandtocreateacircularsurfacearoundtheedgebetweenthebodyandtail.
AttheSelect curve to create pipe aroundprompt,selecttheedgebetweenthetailandthebody.
AttheRadius for closed pipeprompt,type.4.
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Trim the body and tail with the pipe

1. UsetheTrimcommandtotrimboththebodyandthetailsurfacesinsidethepipe.
2. AttheSelect cutting objectsprompt,selectthepipe,andpressEnter.
3. AttheSelect object to trimprompt,selectthebody/tail,andpressEnter.
Tip:Pickontheisocurveoredgethatyoucanseeinsidethepipe.
Tip:
WiththeSetObjectDisplayModecommand,setthepipetoawireframeor
ghosteddisplaymodesoyoucanseetheedgebetweenthebodyandthetail.
Ifyouselectthewrongpart,undowithintheTrimcommandandtryagain.
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Blend between the tail and body

4 UsetheBlendSrfcommandtocreateasmoothsurfacebetweenthetailandthebody.
Join the body and tail

4 Jointheblendandtailtothebody
The wings
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Create the base wing shape

4 DrawanEllipsoidthatis2unitslong,2unitswide(Topviewport),and6.5unitstall(Front
viewport).
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Rebuild the wing

1. UsetheRebuildcommandtoaddmorecontrolpointstotheellipsoid.
CheckDelete input.
2. Dragcontrolpointstocreatetheshape.
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Bend the wing to the body

1. UsetheBendcommandintheFrontviewporttobendthetopofthewingshapetowardthebody.
AttheStart of spineprompt,intheFrontviewport,picknearthebottomofthewing.
AttheEnd of spineprompt,picknearthetopofthewing.
AtthePoint to bend throughprompt,dragthetopofthewingtowardthebody.
2. Iffurtherpositioningisneeded,usetheRotateandMovecommandstoplacethewing.
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Mirror to the other side

4 UsetheMirrorcommandtocreatetheoppositewing.
Boolean Union the wings and the body

4 Totrimthewingholesandthewing,selectbothwingsandthebodyandusetheBooleanUnion
command.
Pipe the intersection

4 UsethePipecommandtocreateacircularsurfacearoundtheedgebetweenthebodyandeach
wing.
AttheSelect curve to create pipe aroundprompt,selecttheedgeoftheholeinthebodyorthe
edgeofthewingsurface.
AttheRadius for closed pipeprompt,usearadiusofabout.6.
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Trim the body and wing

1. UsetheTrimcommandtotrimthebodyandwingsurfacesinsidethepipesurfaces.
2. Deletethepipesurfaces.
Blend between the body and wings

4 UsetheBlendSrfcommandtocreateasmoothsurfacebetweeneachwingandthebody.
Join the body and wings

4 Jointheblendsandwingstothebody
Finishing touches
Tofinishthepenguin,splitthefrontpartofthebodysoadifferentmaterialcanbeappliedtoit.
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Draw a trim curve

4 IntheRightviewport,drawaCurvefromthebeakdowntothebottomasillustrated.
Split the body with the curve

4 UsetheSplitcommandtosplitthebodysurfacewiththecurve.
Thisallowsadifferentcolorforthefrontofthebody.
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Join the body parts

4 UsetheJoincommandtojointhebody(exceptthefront),thetail,andthewings.
Render
Renderingcreatesarealisticpictureofyourmodelwithcolorsyouassign.Theserendercolorsaredifferent
fromthelayercolorsyoumightbeusing,whichcontrolthedisplayinwireframeandshadedmodes.
Set up the view

4 UsetheRendereddisplaymodetosettheviewportrenderedmode.
Assign materials
1. Selectthebody.
2. StartthePropertiescommand.
3. InthePropertieswindow,clicktheMaterialicon.
4. SetAssign material by,toObject.
5. UnderBasic Settings,clicktheColorswatch.
6. IntheSelect Colordialogbox,selectacolorforthebody.
7. SettheGloss finishtoabout40.
8. Selecttheotherpartsandapplymaterialsinthesameway.
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Boat Hull - Loft and Sweep
Thistutorialdemonstratesclassicboathullloftingtechniquesusingtypicalplanandprofilecurves.Theclassic
hullshapeisbasedonadesignfromanoldBoat Builders Handbookmagazine.Manydesignssimilartothisare
availableovertheInternet.
Youwilllearnhowto:
Create3-Dcurvesfroma2-Dlinesdrawing.
Rebuildandsimplifythecurves.
Useanalyticaltechniquestoensurefairness.
Loftsurfacesfromthecurves.
Rhinoisusedbymarinedesignersinmanysegmentsoftheindustry.Formoretutorialsandinformationabout
marinedesign,seetheRhinowebsiteatwww.rhino3d.com.
Note:
Theimagesinthistutorialuseadisplaysettingtochangethecolorofthebackofthe
surfaces.
Front face (1) , backface (2). Yellow arrows indicate surface normal direction, and
green color indicates surface backface.
Thisletsyouseewhichwaythenormaldirectionoftheobjectfaces.SearchtheRhino
HelpforBackface settings.
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Marine Terms Used in this Tutorial
Sheer
Thefore-and-aftcurvaturefromthebowtothesternofashipsdeckasshowninsideelevation.
Chine
Theintersectionofthebottomandthesidesofaflatorv-bottomedboat.
Transom
Theplankingformingthesternofasquare-endedboat.
Fair
Themeaningoffairismuchdebatedinthemarineindustry.Noonecandefineit,buttheyknowwhenthey
seeit.Althoughfairingasurfaceistraditionallyassociatedwithhullsurfaces,allvisiblesurfacesonanyobject
canbenefitfromthisprocess.InRhino,thefirstcueforfairnessinasurfaceisthespacingofthesurfacedisplay
isocurves.
Thereareothercharacteristicsoffaircurvesandsurfaces.Althoughacurveorsurfacemaybefairwithout
exhibitingallofthecharacteristics,theytendtohavethesecharacteristics.Ifyoukeeptheseinmindwhile
modeling,youwillendupwithabetterfinalproduct.
Theguidelinesforcreatingafairsurfaceinclude:
Usethefewestpossiblecontrolpointstogetthecurveshape.
Usethefewestpossiblecurvestogetthesurfaceshape.
Lay out the hull curves

Thehulllineswerecreatedbytracingtheoriginalplansusingabackgroundbitmap.Thefirststepistocheck
thelinesforfairnessbeforecreatingsurfacesfromthem.
Thedesignerslinesareillustrated.Thesheerandchinehavebeenextendedattheforwardandaftendsto
accommodatetheloftingprocess.
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Start the Model

4 OpenthetutorialmodelfileVictory.3dm.
ThelinesarelaidoutonthePlanlayerandtheProfilelayer.
Check the curves for fairness

SelecteachofthedesignerscurvepairsinplanandprofileandusetheCurvatureGraphcommandto
determineifthecurvesarefair.Inthiscase,thefilehastheoriginalcurvesthatweretracedfromthe
backgroundbitmap.Theyarenot"fair."Inotherwords,thecurvesdonotsmoothlytransitionfromoneendof
thesheertotheother.Ifanycurveisnotfair,adjustpointstomakeitfair.Startwiththesheer(thecurveat
thetopofthehullshape).Ithasthebiggestimpactontheappearanceofthevessel.
Check curvature
1. Selectthecurvesyouwanttocheck.
2. UsetheCurvatureGraphcommandtodisplayitscurvaturegraph.
Theillustrationshowsthecurvaturegraphappliedtothetwo-dimensionalsheerinprofile.
Thecurvaturegraphshouldbecontinuousandexhibitthecharacteristicsdesiredforthecurve.Whenthe
curveisconcavedownward,thegraphwillbeabovethecurve.Conversely,concaveupwardcurveswillhave
theirgraphsbelowthem.Thepointofinflection(wherethecurveisneitherconcaveupwardnordownward)is
indicatedwherethegraphcrossesthecurve.
Fix the curvature

Beforedoinganypointeditingtomakethecurvesfair,rebuildthecurvestoremoveexcesscontrolpoints.
SelecteachcurveandusetheRebuildcommandtoreducethenumberofpointsandsetthedegree.Donot
usemorepointsthanyouabsolutelyneed.
UsetheCurvatureGraphcommandtocheckthecurvesagainforfairness.Ifthecurvaturegraphisstillnot
satisfactory,movethecontrolpointsuntilyouhaveasmoothgraph.Proceedwiththerestofthecurvesinthe
modeltobecertaintheyarefairbeforebeginningtosurfacethemodel.
Rebuild the curves

1. Selectthesheercurve.
2. StarttheRebuildcommand.
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3. IntheRebuild Curvedialogbox,changethePoint countto6andtheDegreeto5.
Create the 3-D curves

Sofar,youhavebeenworkingwithtwo-dimensionalcurves.Inordertoloftthesurfaces,theseplanarcurves
willbeusedtocreatetothree-dimensionalcurvesandtheplanarcurvescanbediscarded.
Withthe3D Lineslayercurrent,selecttheprofileandplanviewrepresentationsofeachcurve.Usethe
Crv2Viewcommandtocreatethethree-dimensionalcurvethatcombinesthex-,y-,andz-coordinatesofthe
two-dimensionalcurves.Thetwo-dimensionalcurvesmustbeplanarforthiscommandtowork.
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Create the three-dimensional curves

1. Setthe3D Lineslayercurrent.
2. Selecttheplanandprofilerepresentationsofthesheercurve.
3. StarttheCrv2Viewcommand.
Thethree-dimensionalrepresentationofthatcurvewillbecreated.
4. Whenyouaresatisfiedthatthepropercurvewascreated,deleteorHidethetwo-dimensional
representations.
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5. RepeattheCrv2Viewcommandforthechinecurve.
Revise the curves

Fortheloftprocesstoworkonthebottompanel,itcannotcometoapoint.Theloftedshapemustbe
rectangular.Thisiswhythecurvesareextendedbeyondthecenterline.Thecurvescanbeloftedintoa
rectangularsurfacethatcanthenbetrimmedback.ThecurvesintheVictorymodelarealreadyextendedfor
youexceptforthebottomcenterlinecurve.
Copy the centerline curve

Wearegoingtouseacopyofthecenterlinetocreateanewextendedcurveforloftingthehullbottom.
1. CopythecenterlineusingtheInPlaceoption.
2. Hidethecenterline.
Shorten the centerline

1. Selectthecenterline.
2. StarttheSubCrvcommand.
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3. AttheStart of curveprompt,usingtheEndobjectsnap,clicktheaftendofthecenterline.
4. AttheEnd of curve...prompt,usingtheMidpointobjectsnap,clickthemiddleofthecurve.
Extend the centerline

1. StarttheExtendcommand,andattheSelect boundary objects...prompt,pressEnterfor
dynamic extend.
2. AttheSelect curve to extend...prompt,settheTypetoSmoothandselectthecenterlinenear
theforwardend.
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3. Drawthecurvesoitalignsnicelywiththechineandsheercurvesintheplanviewasillustrated.
Thiscreatesanewbottomcurvetouseforthesurfaceloft.
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4. Turnonthecontrolpoints(F10)tocheckthecurve.
Loft the hull surfaces

Nowthatyouhavecreatedasetofedgecurvesforthesideandbottom,createloftedsurfacesfromthese
curves.Startbyloftingthebottomsurface.Onceyouhavefinishedit,useitsupperedgeasthecurvefrom
whichtoloftthesidepanel.
Toloftthebottompanel,selectthetwoedges(chineandcenterline)andusetheLoftcommand.Inthiscase,
besuretoselectthenewcenterlineyoucreatedinthepreviousstep.
Loft chine and centerline

1. Selectthechineandcenterline.
2. StarttheLoftcommand.
3. IntheLoft Optionsdialogbox,underCross-section curve options,selectRebuild with...,and
setthecontrolpointcountto15,clickOK.
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Loft the side and bottom

1. Selectthesurfaceedgeandthesheercurve.
Tip:HoldCtrl+ Shifttoselecttheupperedgeoftheloftsurface.
2. RepeattheLoftforthesidepanel.
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3. IntheLoft Optionsdialogbox,underCross-section curve options,selectRebuild with...,and

setthecontrolpointcountto15,clickOK.
Trim the bow and bottom

Whenyouhavesuccessfullycreatedboththesideandbottomsurfaces,constructabuttockone-halfinchoff
thecenterlineandtrimbothsurfacestothisbuttock.Todothis,intheTopviewport,drawalinelongerthan
thehullandone-halfinchtotherightofcenterline.
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Draw a trim line

1. IntheTopviewport,drawaLinealongthecenterline(x-axis)thatislongerthanthehull.
2. IntheTopviewport,offsettheline1/2inchtowardthehullsurfaces.
Thiscreatesacurvethatwillbeusedinthenextstep.Wewantasmallgapdownthecenterofthe
boatbetweenthetwohalvesforakeel.
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Trim the side and bottom to the trim line

4 Usingtheoffset curve,Trimthebottom(1)andside(2)asillustrated.
Build the transom

Likeallsurfacesinthistutorial,thetransomwillbebuiltwithasurfacelargerthanthefinishedsurfaceand
thentrimmedtothehull.
Tomakesurethereisenoughsurfaceareatotrim,Extendthetransomcenterlinebyafootortwobothabove
thesheerandbelowthecenterline.Trimthehullsurfaceswiththetransomcenterline.
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Extend the centerline

1. WiththeProfilelayeron,starttheExtendcommand.
2. AttheSelect boundary objects or enter extension length. Press Enter for dynamic
extendprompt,pressEnter.
3. AttheSelect curve to extendprompt,intheFrontviewport,settheTypetoNatural,and
selectnearthetopofthetransomcenterline.
4. AttheEnd of extensionprompt,selectapointabovethecurrenttopofthetransomcenterline.
5. AtthenextSelect curve to extendprompt,selectnearthebottomofthetransomcenterline.

6. AttheEnd of extensionprompt,selectapointbelowthecurrentbottomofthetransomcenterline,
pressEnter.
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Trim and Join the hull surfaces

1. Selectthetransomcenterline.
2. StarttheTrimcommand.
3. SetUseApparentIntersections=Yes.
4. IntheFrontviewport,attheSelect object to trimprompt,selectthehullsideandbottom
surfacesaftofthetransomcenterline.
5. Jointhehullbottomandside.
Mirror the hull surfaces

IntheRightorTopviewport,Mirrorthetwohullsurfacesaboutthecenterline.UsetheEdgeSrf
commandtocreatesurfacesbetweenthetwohullhalves.
1. Selectthetwohullsurfaces.
2. StarttheMirrorcommand.
3. IntheTopviewport,attheStart of mirror planeprompt,type0,pressEnter.
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4. AttheEnd of mirror planeprompt,withOrthoon,dragthemirrorplanealongthex-axis,and

click.
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Create the keel surface

1. StarttheEdgeSrfcommand.
2. AttheSelect 2, 3, or 4 curvesprompt,selectthetwoinneredgesofthehullbottomalongthe
keel.
3. RepeattheEdgeSrfcommand.
4. AttheSelect 2, 3, or 4 curvesprompt,selectthetwoinneredgesofthehullsidesalongthekeel
atthebow.
Tip:Theorderyouselectthesurfaceedgesdetermineswhatdirectionthekeelsur-
facefaces.
Extrude the surface

Tocreatethetransomsurface,Extrudethetransomcenterline.
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1. IntheFrontviewport,selecttheextendedtransomcenterline.
2. StarttheExtrudeCrvcommand.
3. AttheExtrusion distanceprompt,setthecommand-lineoptionBothSides=Yes.
4. InthePerspective,Top,orRightviewport,dragtheextensionbeyondthehullsurface.
Trim the transom

Trimthetransomsurfacewiththehullandalinefromthehulledges.
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1. Drawalinebetweenthetwoafthulltopedges.
2. StarttheTrimcommand.
3. AttheSelect cutting objectsprompt,selectallofthehullsurfaces,includingthekeelsurfaceand

thelineatthetopofthehull,pressEnter.
4. AttheSelect object to trimprompt,selectthetransomsurfaceoutsideofthehulllinesand

surfaces,pressEnter.
Thetransomisnowcomplete.
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Check for errors

1. Joinallofthesurfaces.
2. UsetheShowEdgescommandtocheckthatthejoinwassuccessful.
Displaythenakededges.Nakededgesaresurfaceedgesthatarenotjoinedtoothersurfaces.Inthis
case,theonlynakededgesshouldbetheonesyouexpectaroundtheoutsideofthehullsurfaces
notthosebetweenthesurfaces.
Whenyouhaveyoursurfacesbuiltandjoined,andhavenounjoinededges,lookatthesurfacewith
thecurvatureanalysistools.
Add the deck

Thelaststepistocreatethedecksurface.Intheprofilelines,twocurvesdescribethesilhouetteofthedeck
curve.Youwillusethiscurvetocreatethedeck.
UsetheProjectcommandtoprojecttheverticallinetothesideofthehull.Thislinewillactasamarkerforthe
endofthecurve.IntheFrontviewport,drawacurvefromtheendofthedeckcenterlinecurvetotheendof
theprojectedcurveononesideofthehull.UsePlanarmodetokeepthecurveplanar.Placethefirstthree
controlpointsusingOrthotokeepthemlinedupatthecenter.
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Project the vertical deck edge to the hull

1. Selectthehullandtheverticalline.
2. IntheFrontviewport,usetheProjectcommandtoprojectthecurvetothehull.
Thecurvewillprojecttobothsidesofthehull,soyoucandrawyourcross-sectioncurveoneither
side.
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Draw the cross-section curve

1. ClickthePlanarpaneinthestatusbartoturnonPlanarmode.
2. IntheRightviewport,usetheCurvecommandtodrawacontrolpointcurvefromthetopendofthe
deckcenterlinecurvetothetopofthecurveprojectedtothehull.
UseOrthotoplacethefirstthreecontrolpointsinastraightline.
UsetheEndobjectsnaptoplacethelastpointatthetopoftheprojectedcurveonthehull.
3. UsetheCurvatureGraphcommandtocheckthecurve.
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Create the deck surface

1. UsetheSweep2commandtocreatethedecksurface.
2. AttheSelect rail curvesprompts,selectthecenterlinecurveandthehulledge.
3. AttheSelect cross section curvesprompt,selectthecross-sectioncurveyoucreatedfromthe

deckcenterlinecurvetotheprojectedcurveonthehull,pressEnter.
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Mirror the deck

1. UsetheMirrorcommandtocopythedecksurfacetotheotherside.
AttheStart of mirror planeprompt,intheTopviewport,type0,pressEnter.
2. AttheEnd of mirror planeprompt,intheTopviewport,dragthemirrorplanewithOrthoon.
Fill in the missing surface

4 UsetheEdgeSrfcommandtocreatethesmalltriangularsurfaceatthetipofthebow.
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Join the parts

4 SelectallofthesurfacesandusetheJoincommandtocreateasinglepolysurface.
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Dragonfly - Trace Images
Thistutorialdemonstrateshowtogetstartedmodelinganobjectusingphotographsasreferencematerial.
Youwilllearnhowto:
Traceanimagetocreateprofilecurves.
Createcross-sectioncurvesforloftingtheprofiles.
Editcontrolpointstochangeasurfaceshape.
Starting images.
Finished model.
Note:Thetopandsideviewsareactuallyofdifferentspe-
cimensofthisdragonfly.Inthesideview,thewingsarefolded
up.Wewillbeusingthesideviewimageonlytodrawtheside
viewcurvesofthebody.
Draw the body

Sincethedragonflyissymmetricalinthetopview,andthemodelisnotgoingtobeascientificreproduction,
traceonesideofthedragonflyandmirrorthecurvetotheotherside.Forthesideview,drawtwocurvessince
theprofileisnotsymmetrical.Thenwewillloftcrosssectioncurvestomakethebody.Theheadwillbemade
separately.
Thetailandbodywillallbemadeinonepiece.Thetailisactuallyseveralsegmentsthatflex.Ifyouwere
makingananimationorascientificmodel,youprobablywouldwanttodividethedragonflyintosmaller
surfaces.
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Start the model

1. BeginaNewmodel.
2. IntheTemplate Filedialogbox,selectSmall Objects - Millimeters.3dm,andclickOpen.
Draw a reference line

4 IntheTopviewport,usetheLinecommandtodrawareferenceline50 millimeterslongstarting
at0,0,0.
Place the top view image

1. StartPictureFramecommand.
2. FindtheimagefileDragonFly Top.jpg,andplacetheimageintheTopviewport.
Usethereferencelinetosetthelengthofthepictureframeimage.
Move the image into place

4 UseobjectsnapstoMovetheimagefromthemidpointoftheleftside(Mid)totheconstruction
planeoriginat0,0,0.
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Place the side view image

1. StartPictureFramecommand.
2. FindtheimagefileDragonFly Side.jpg,andplacetheimageintheFrontviewport.
Usethereferencelinetosetthelengthofthepictureframeimage.
3. Using Ortho, dragtheimagedownintheFrontviewportuntilthereferencelinematchesthe

centerofthedragonflybody.
Prepare the view

4 Hidethesideviewpictureframe.
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Draw the outline curve

4 IntheTopviewport,usetheCurvecommandtodrawanoutlineofthetophalfofthedragonfly
body.
Useasmanycontrolpointsasyouthinkarenecessaryforthedetail.
Drawonlyuptotheneck.Youwillbecreatingtheheadanotherway.
Mirror the curve

4 IntheTopviewport,usetheMirrorcommandtocopythecurvearoundthereferenceline.
Thephotographshowsthatthedragonflyisnotsymmetricalaboutitscenterline.However,since
yourdragonflywillbestylized,itdoesnotmatterinthiscase.Youcanchoosethelevelofaccuracy
youneed.
Show the side view image

4 UsetheShowcommandtoshowtheside-viewpictureframeobject.
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Bend the curve

4 IntheFrontviewport,usetheBendcommandtobendthecurvesdownatthetailtomatchthe
bendinthebodycurveinthatview.
Trace side-view body

4 IntheFrontviewport,usetheCurvecommandtotracethebodyoutlineusingtwocurves,one
abovethereferencelineandonebelowthereferenceline.
Maximizetheviewportandzoomin.Pickasmanypointsasyouneedtocreatethecurves.Usemore
pointswhenroundingacornerandfewerpointsforastraightsection.
Prepare the view

4 Hidethepictureframeobjectsandthereferenceline.
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Create the body surface

4 UsetheCSeccommandtocreatecross-sectionprofilecurvesthroughthetop,bottom,andside
curves.
Drawasmanycross-sectioncurvesasyouneedtomaintainthedetail.Youwillbeabletosee
whetheryouhaveenoughcurveswhenyouloftthesurfaceinthenextstep.Ifyoudonothave
enoughcurvestomaintaintheshapeinanarea,addmoreandretrythesurfaceloft.
Loft the body

1. Selectallthecross-sectioncurvesyoujustcreated.
2. UsetheLoftcommandtocreateasurfacethroughthecross-sectionprofiles.
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Draw the head

Drawtheheadwithanellipsoidandmovethecontrolpointsaroundtodeformthehead.Theeyesarealso
ellipsoids.Theneckisasurfaceblend.
239
Draw the head
240
1. UsetheEllipsoidcommandwiththeDiameteroptiontostarttheellipsoidintheFrontviewport.
241
2. UseElevator Modetopositionthefirstpoint.
AttheStart of first axisprompt,pressandholdtheCtrlkeyandintheTopviewportclicknearthe
sideofthehead.
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3. IntheFrontviewport,movethecursoruptothecenteroftheheadinthesideviewandclick.
243
4. AttheEnd of first axisprompt,turnonOrthointheTopviewport,clickattheothersideofthe

head.
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5. AttheEnd of second axisprompt,drawpickapointintheFrontviewporttoestablishthehead

sizefromfronttoback.
WatchthepreviewintheTopviewporttochecktheoverallsize.
6. AttheEnd of third axisprompt,pickapointintheFrontviewportatthetopofthehead.
Note:Drawingtheellipsoidinthisorderandusingtheseviewportsis
importanttogetthepolesoftheellipsoidintherightplaceforthenextstep.
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Rebuild the ellipsoid

4 UsetheRebuildcommandtoaddmorecontrolpointstotheellipsoid.
Setthepointcountto16intheu-directionand10inthev-direction.
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Drag control points to shape the head

1. UsethePointsOncommandtoturnoncontrolpointsfortheellipsoid.
2. IntheTopviewport,selectanddragpointsonbothsidesoftheellipsoidtowardthebacktodeform
thehead.
3. IntheRightviewport,dragthemiddletworowsofpointsdown.
Blend the head and body

Theneckisablendsurfacebetweentheheadshapeandthebody.First,youaregoingtotrimtheheadshape
tomakeanopening.
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Trim the neck

4 IntheFrontviewport,drawlinesasillustrated,andusetheTrimcommandtotrimtheheadand
bodyshapeswiththelines.
Blend the neck and body

4 UsetheBlendSrfcommandtomakeablendsurfacebetweentheheadandbody.
Besuretheseamsarealignedandthedirectionarrowspointthesameway.
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Draw the eyes

Theeyesaresimpleellipsoids.
Draw the base ellipsoid

4 UsetheEllipsoidcommandtodrawtheeye.
Basethesizeandpositionontheimages.
Position the eye

4 UsetheOrientcommandortheMoveandRotatecommandstoadjustthepositionoftheeye.
Mirror the other side.

4 UsetheMirrorcommandtocopytheeyetotheotherside.
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Shape the tail

Theendofthetailhasaroundedshapecutoutofit.UseaBooleantomakethisshape.
Cap the body

1. Ifnecessary,extendthetailsectionbyturningonthecontrolpointsanddraggingthemtomatchthe
bitmap.
2. UsetheCapcommandtomakethebodyintoasolid.
Draw a cutting cylinder

4 UsetheCylindercommandtodrawasolidcylindersoitcutsthroughthetailasillustrated.
Boolean the tail

4 UsetheBooleanDifferencecommandtocuttheendoutofthetail.
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Trace the wings

Thewingsaresolidscreatedfromclosedcurves.Thelegsarecreatedbytracingapolylinedownthecenterofa
legandusingapipesurfacetomakeaseriesoftubesaroundthepolyline.
Draw the outline curve

4 IntheTopviewport,usetheCurvecommandtotracethewingsononesideofthedragonfly.
Extrude the curve to make a solid

4 MakethecurvesintothinsolidswiththeExtrudeCrvcommand.
Setthecommand-lineoptionSolid=YestoYes.
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Move the wings into position

4 PositionthewingsonthebackwiththeMovecommand.
Consultthesideviewimageofthedragonfly.Thefrontwingisslightlyhigherthanthebackwing.
Mirror the wings to the other side

4 UsetheMirrorcommandtocopythewingstotheotherside.
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Draw the legs

Thelegsarepipedpolylineswithdifferentradiiatthestartandendofthepipes.
Draw the base polyline

1. IntheTopviewport,usethePolylinecommandtotracedownthecenterofthelegs.
2. EditthecontrolpointstopositionthelegsintheTopandFrontviewports.
Youwillhavetouseyourimaginationalittleforthissincethetwopicturesdonotshowthelegsofthe
sameinsect.
Pipe the legs

4 UsethePipecommandtodrawthelegsaroundthepolylines.
Refertothebackgroundpicturetodeterminethestartingandendingdiameterofthepipe.
Mirror the legs

4 UsetheMirrorcommandtocopythelegstotheotherside,ordrawdifferentlegsfortheotherside.
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Finishing touches
Foraddedrealism,addcolor,reflectivity,andtransparency.
Render the model

4 Addmaterialsandtexturesandrender.
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Wrap Text - Flow along surface
Thistutorialdemonstrateswrappingtextsolidsandotherobjectsonacylinder.Theseobjectscouldbeusedto
trimholesinthecylinder.
Youwilllearnhowto:
Createtextassolidobjects.
Wraptheobjectstoasurface.
Make a surface
Forthisexample,createasimplecylinder.Onceyouhavelearnedthebasictechnique,youwillbeabletouse
othertypesofsurfaces.Rememberthattrimmedsurfacesmaintaintheirbasicrectangularshape.This
underlyingshapewillaffecttheplacementofthetext.
Create a cylinder
4 InthePerspectiveviewport,usetheCylindercommandwiththeVerticaloptiontocreateasolid
cylinder.
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Create the objects to wrap

Thesesolidobjectswillbewrappedonthecylindersurface.
Create the text

1. UsetheTextObjectcommandtocreateyourtextusingSolids.
Chooseafontthatisfairlylargeandblockyratherthanonewithmanyholesanddetails.
SettheHeightatabout1.5units.
SettheSolid thicknessto.1units.
2. Placethetextontheconstructionplanenearthecylinder.Thelocationisnotimportant.
Control the object placement

TheCreateUVCrvcommandgeneratestheplanarbordercurvesofasurfacethatcanbeusedasaguideto
orientyourtext.Usetheborderrectangletolayyourtextoutbeforere-applyingittothecylinder.The
rectanglethenisusedasareferencetoguidetheplacementoftheotherobjects.
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Create the UV curve

1. UsetheCreateUVCrvcommandonthecylindersidetocreatecurvesthatrepresenttheborderof
thesurfaceontheconstructionplane.
2. Selectthesideofthecylinder.
Arectangleiscreatedstartingat0,0ontheTopconstructionplane.
Position the text objects

4 UseMove,Rotate,andScaleorothertransformstoarrangethetextobjectsinsidetherectangle
justthewayyouwantthemtoappearonthecylinder.
Addanyotherdecorationcurvesyouwanttouse.
Create a reference surface

4 UsethePlanarSrfcommandtomaketherectangleintoasurface.
YouwillusethissurfacelaterasareferenceobjectfortheFlowAlongSrfcommand.
Extrude the decoration curves

1. Ifyouhavecreatedothercurves,selectthese.
2. UsetheExtrudeCrvcommandtothickenthedecorationstomatchtheletters.
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3. AttheExtrusion Distanceprompt,setSolid=Yes.
4. AttheExtrusion distanceprompt,type.1.
Wrap the lettering on the cylinder

1. Selecttheletteringandthedecoration.
2. StarttheFlowAlongSrfcommand.
3. AttheBase surfaceprompt,setRigid=No.
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4. Clicktherectangular planenearthe"lower-left"cornerasillustrated.
5. AttheTarget surfaceprompt,clickthecylinderneartheloweredgeoftheseamasillustrated.
Thetextanddecorationsolidswraparoundthecylinder.
NowyoucanusetheletterstocutthecylinderorBooleantheobjectstogether.
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Mechanical Part - Blocks
ThisexampleshowshowtouseRhinotomodelasimplemechanicalpart.
Youwilllearnto
Createextrusionobjects.
Booleandifferenceshapes.
Drillholes.
Createa2-Dlinedrawingfromthe3-Dshapes.
Dimensionthe2-Dlinedrawingandmodifydimensiontext.
Open the tutorial model

4 OpenthetutorialmodelfileToolblock.3dmandthenclickOpen.
Create solid shapes

StartbycreatingtwobasicsolidshapesfromtheprofilecurvesonlayersProfile-01andProfile-02.
Set up the layers

4 IntheLayerspanel,confirmthattheProfile-01layeriscurrent.
Extrude the profile curve

2. TurnontheEndobjectsnap.
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3. AttheSelect curves to Extrudeprompt,selecttheblueprofilecurve,andpressEnter.
4. AttheExtrusion distanceprompt,setthecommand-lineSolidandtheDeleteInputoptionsto
Yes.
5. Clicktheendofthemagentaconstructionline.
Theextrudedshapeisasolidbecauseitformsaclosedvolumeinspace.
Hide the solid

4 Selectthesolid,ontheEditmenuclickVisibility > Hide.
Set up the layers

4 IntheLayerspanel,makelayerProfile-02current.
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Extrude the profile curve

1. Selecttheredprofilecurve.

3. AttheSelect curves to Extrudeprompt,setthecommand-lineSolidandtheDeleteInput
optionstoYes.
4. AttheExtrusion distanceprompt,intheFrontviewport,dragtheextrusionabovetheheightof
thebluecurveandclick.
ThesolidappearsonthecurrentredlayerProfile-02.
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Show the solid

4 OntheEditmenuclickVisibility > Show.
Boolean the two solids

1. OntheSolidmenu,clickDifference.
2. AttheSelect surfaces or polysurfaces to subtract fromprompt,selectthebluesolid,andpress
Enter.
3. AttheSelect surfaces or polysurfaces to subtract withprompt,setthecommand-line
DeleteInputoptiontoYes.
4. Selecttheredsolid,andpressEnter.
Theresultwillbeanewsolidorpolysurface.Apolysurfaceisacollectionofsurfacesthatcanbeclosed
oropen.Asolidisacollectionofsurfacesthatisclosed.
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Drill the holes

Aconstructioncircleisalreadyinplaceforcreatingthefirsthole.
Make holes in the solid

1. Selectthegreencircleasshown.
2. OntheSolidmenuclickSolid Edit Tools > Holes > Make Hole.

3. AttheSelect a surface or polysurfaceprompt,selectthebluepolysurface.
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4. AttheCut depth pointprompt,dragtheholethroughtheupperportionoftheobject.
5. PickapointinFrontview.
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Copy the holes

Afteroneholeisdrilled,youcancopytheothers.
Copy the holes

Copythethreeremainingholesthatarealignedwiththepreviousholewiththiscommand.
1. IntheOsnapcontrol,turnonthePointobjectsnap.
2. OntheSolidmenu,clickSolid Edit Tools > Holes > Copy Holes.
Note:Copy HolesisactuallytheMoveHolecommandwiththecommand-line
CopyoptionsettoYes.
3. AttheSelect holes in one planar surfaceprompt,selectthefirsthole,andpressEnter.
4. AtthePoint to copy fromprompt,pickthepointobjectinthecenterofthefirstcircle.
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5. AtthePoint to copy to ( Copy=Yes ):prompt,pickthepointthatmakesthecenterofthenext

hole.
6. Repeatthisforthetwoholesthatareontheothersideofthepart.
Note:Donotusethepointinthecenterofthepart.
Create the round hole

Thecenterholeisdifferentinthatitdoesnotpassentirelythroughtheupperpartofthebluesolid.Thereis
noreferencecircletostartfrom.
1. OntheSolidmenu,clickSolid Edit Tools > Holes > Round Hole.
2. AttheSelect target surfaceprompt,selectthetopsurfaceofthebluesolid.
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3. AttheCenter pointprompt,setthecommand-lineoptionsasfollows:
Depth=0.5
Diameter=0.312
DrillPointAngle=180
Through=No
Direction=CPlaneNormal
4. Clickthepointobjectinthemiddleofthebluesolidtofinishcreatingthehole.
Test the solid

Theresultingpolysurfaceisaclosedsolid.Asoliddefinesaclosedvolumeinspace.TheProperties
commandwillreportifthispartisaclosedsolid.ThePropertiescommandwillgiveyouinformationabout
theopen/closedstatusoftheobject.
1. Selectthepart.
2. OntheEditmenu,clickObject Properties (F3).
3. InthePropertiespanel,clickDetails.
IntheObject Descriptionwindow,youwillfindthelistingtoconfirmthattheobjectisvalidand
closed.
Geometry:
Valid polysurface.
Closed solid polysurface with 23 surfaces.
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Make a 2-D drawing

TheMake2Dcommandgenerates2-Dlinesfromthe3-Dsolid.
Create a 2-D line drawing

1. Selectthepart.
2. OntheDimensionmenu,clickMake 2D.
3. Inthe2-D Drawing Optionsdialogbox,underDrawing layoutclick4 view (USA).
UnderOptions,checktheShow tangent edgesandShow hidden linesboxes.
4. ClickOK.
Dimension the 2-D drawing

Usingthe2-Ddrawing,adddimensionsforthepart.
Set up the layers

1. IntheLayerspanel,makeDimensionslayercurrent.
2. TurnoffalllayersexceptDimensionsandtheMake2Dlayers.
3. IntheLinetypecolumnfortheMake2D > hidden > lineslayer,clickContinuous.
4. IntheSelect Linetypewindow,selectDashed.
Set up the viewport

4 Double-clicktheviewporttitletomaximizetheTopviewport.
Dimension the part

1. OntheDimensionmenu,clickLinear Dimension.
2. IntheOsnapcontrol,turnontheEndobjectsnap;turnoffthePointobjectsnap.
3. AttheFirst dimension pointprompt,picktheupperleftcornerofthepart.
4. AttheSecond dimension pointprompt,picktheupperrightcornerofthepart.
5. AttheDimension locationprompt,pickalocationforthedimensionline.
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6. Repeattogenerateaverticaldimensionontherightsideofthepart.
Chain dimension the part horizontally

1. OntheDimensionclickLinear Dimension.
2. AttheFirst dimension pointsetthecommand-lineContinueoptiontoYes.
Thiswillgenerateachainofdimensions.
3. AttheFirst dimension pointprompt,pickthelowerleftcornerofthepart.
4. AttheSecond dimension point,promptturnontheCenterobjectsnapandpickthecenterofthe
firstcircle.
5. AttheDimension locationprompt,pickbelowthepart.
6. AtthenextDimension locationprompts,continuepickingthecentersofthecircles.
7. Finishbypickingthelowerrightcornerofthepart,pressEnter.
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Chain dimension the holes vertically

4 Repeatthechaindimensionstocreateverticaldimensions.
Add radial dimensions

1. OntheDimensionmenu,clickRadial Dimension.
2. AttheSelect curve for radius dimensionprompt,selecttheholeonthefarright.
3. AttheDimension locationprompt,pickabovethepart.
4. Doubleclicktheradialdimensiontext,andinthetexteditbox,addthetextTyp. 5 Places.
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Mechanical Part - Layouts
ThisexampleshowshowtouseRhinotomodelasimplemechanicalpart.
Youwilllearntocreatealayoutwithatitleblockforprinting.
Open the tutorial model

4 OpenthetutorialmodelfileToolblock.3dmandthenclickOpen.
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Layout viewports
Usealayouttoarrangethe2-Dlinesforprinter.
Add viewport tabs

1. OntheViewport tabs,clicktheAdd new tab ( )icon.
2. Onthemenu,clickNew Layout.
3. IntheNew Layoutwindow,selectthefollowing:
Orientation=Landscape
Width=11 inches
Height=8.5 inches
InitialDetailCount= 1
Page1willappearintheviewporttabs.
274
Insert a title block

Inthissectionyouwilladdatitleblockandre-sizethedetailtofit.
Set up the layers

1. IntheLayerspanel,maketheTitle Blocklayercurrent.
2. Confirmthatyouareinlayoutspace.
Insert the title block

1. OnEditmenu,clickBlock > Insert Block Instance.
2. Fromthenamelist,selectAnsi_A_TB.
3. UnderInsertion point,checkthePromptbox,andclickOK.
4. Selectthedetail.
Note:Clickonthedetailedgetoselectit.Makesurethedetailisnotactive.
5. OntheEditmenuclickControl Points > Control Points On (F10).
6. Dragthecontrolpointinthelowerleftcornertore-sizethedetailtofitinthetitleblock.
7. PresstheEsckeytoturnoffthecontrolpoints.
Lock the detail view

1. Selectthedetail.
2. OntheEditmenu,clickObject Properties (F3).
3. InthePropertiespanelontheDetailpage,underScale,settheinches on pageandinches in
modelto1.0.
4. ChecktheLockedbox
Thispreventsfuturepanningandzoomingsothedetailsstaysthecorrectsize.
275
Add print widths

1. Inthestatusbar,right-clicktheLayer panetoopentheLayerpanel.
2. ClickDefaultinthePrintWidthcolumn,andsetthevaluestothefollowing:
Dimension=.35
TitleBlock=.5
Make2D>visible>lines=.70
Thelayoutviewdisplaysapreviewoftheprintwidthsastheywillappearontheprintedpage.
276

Rhino 5 Users Guide

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Rhino 5 Users Guide

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Rhinoceros 5

The Rhino interface

To access the command on the first line

To access the command on the second line

In this session you will

To start your first Rhino model

Start from the menu

Start the Cone command

Draw the cone

Start from a toolbar icon

To display a button tooltip, hover your mouse over the icon

Start the Curve command

Draw the curve

Admire your work

Start from the command line

Start the Sphere command by typing

Draw the sphere

The command window

Choose a command option

Repeat the last command

To repeat the last command

Get help any time

To get help on a specific command

Why NURBS modeling

Closed and open surfaces

Trimmed and untrimmed surfaces

Surface isoparametric and edge curves

Isocurves (1), Edge curves (2).

Light-weight extrusion objects

Polygon mesh objects

To select additional objects

To remove objects from the selection

To cancel the selection

Practice selecting objects

Select objects with windows

Practice window and crossing select

Other ways of selecting

Practice selection by object type

To select parts of objects for use with other commands

Practice sub-object selection

To zoom in and out

Command Key and mouse combinations

Pan Inperspectiveviewports,holdtheShift key,and dragwiththerightmousebutton.

Practice rotating the view

Viewport display modes

To set wireframe mode

To set shaded mode

Other shaded modes

Artistic (left) and Pen (right) display modes.

To activate the viewport title menu

The Rhino cursor

Snap to the construction plane grid

Constrain the angle of movement

Ortho off (left); Ortho on (right).

Snap to existing objects

Persistent object snaps

The Osnap control

To suspend all persistent object snaps

To clear all persistent object snaps

Special case object snaps

To turn on complex object snaps

Distance and angle together

Construction plane coordinates

2-D construction plane coordinates