extrude modifier missing in 3ds max

[kevinossia]

I wanted to try using the extrude modifier in 3ds max for the first time as it seems to be the solution to my problem, but I can't find the extrude modifier in the modifier list.

 

I looked in the standard menu and went to Modifiers-->Mesh Editing, and the extrude modifier is there, but I can't use it. It is grayed out.

 

Any ideas? How do I fix this?

[Corey Beaulieu]

Extrude modifier only works on Lines/Shapes.

 

Face Extrude or Shell are for geometry and Edit Poly is often required for specific edits to a 3D Mesh.

 

So I guess it all depends on what you are trying to do beyond "use the extrude modifier"

[kevinossia]

I have a wagon model and I want to thicken the walls. I tried extruding the faces out but that leaves a space where the face originally was. I was hoping the extrude modifier coupled with the capping would accomplish this.

[Corey Beaulieu]

If you are saying that you have model that is modeled out of a single plane (no thickness at all) then all you would want to do is use a Shell Modifier.

 

With shell the inner and outer amounts aren't necessarily properly labeled, as in outer amount can often times effect the inner portion of your model, but just roll with the visual feedback. The other thing to note with Shell is that the option to "Straighten Corners" is often necessary.

[Tommy L]

push modifier might help.

[Justin Hunt]

the inner and outer refer to the face normal direction, ie outer means the normal faces out and inner the normal faces in.

 

If you have flipped faces then the shell modifier can get a bit screwy