collapsing

[SgWRX]

there's a couple of different things that can be referred to as collapsing... you can collapse an object with modifiers, you can select several objects and collapse them.

 

if you create 3 spheres, convert 1 to an editable poly, then attach the two others, is that also considered collapsing?

 

i've read that collapsing many objects into 1 mesh is often a good way to save resources when rendering.

 

thanks

[SandmanNinja]

Hi Steve,

 

Well, when I say collapse, I mean collapsing the stack. I think it's probably the most correct usage of the word in 3ds.

 

If I convert a primitive to a sphere, I say ..er.. convert.

 

If I combine or attach objects together, I say ..er.. attach.

 

Hehhe... It's the programmer in me - I just try to use the most appropriate word.

And if there is a doubt about which word, then I use the name of the function within the program. Hence, collapse, convert, attach, etc.

 

I've heard having multiple objects attached to form a single object can save resources, but I think it's not worth it if you lose the 'granularity' of the objects. In other words, does saving 500 bytes of system RAM (out of 8 billion) justify losing the ability to select each object by their elements?

[Nic H]

You dont lose the ability to select by element though. Edity Poly, press '5' and then click and select.

 

I often collapse / then attach large amounts of objects together, especially for things like Internal walls / External walls / slabs. Objects that arent detailed and have relatively simple materials geometry mostly, really speeds things up.