XForm Modifier...what is it specifically used for?

[danb4026]

I have managed to use Max for quite a while without ever using the xform modifier. I am sure I must be missing out on something.

 

Can someone please explain its purpose and why I should get more familiar with it?

[Chad Warner]

xform just stands for "transform." It's better to use than typical transform tools (move, rotate, scale) because you can add it to your modifier stack. That way if you mess something up, or just want to change the xform, you can do it by going back down in the stack.

[SandmanNinja]

I used it a lot when I did a lot of 'fun' modelling - spaceships, 'Mechs, etc. If I ever did a scale, I'd do a xform reset otherwise my model would not behave properly later when I would begin to rig it.

 

It resets the orientation of the x,y,z - say you make a 18-sided cylinder and rotate it 2.5 degrees (perhaps to align one of the side faces with a wall or another surface). If you look at the object from the top viewport, you will see the transform centre will be slightly askewed. If you then do an xform reset, the bounding box will be aligned to the 'new' angle.

[danb4026]

Thanks guys......now I see where it can be very useful.