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CHAPTER

Cloning Objects and

Creating Object Arrays

he only thing better than one perfect object is two perfect objects.
Cloning objects is the process of creating copies of objects. These copies IN THIS CHAPTER
Tcan maintain an internal connection (called an instance or a reference) to
the original object that allows them to be modified along with the original object. Cloning objects
For example, if you create a school desk and clone it multiple times as an Understanding copies,
instance to fill a room, then changing the parameter of one of the desks automat- instances, and references
ically changes it for all the other desks also.
Using the Mirror and Snapshot
An array is a discrete set of regularly ordered objects. So creating an array of tools
objects involves cloning several copies of an object in a pattern, such as in rows
and columns or in a circle. Spacing clones along a path
I’m sure you have the concept for that perfect object in your little bag of tricks, with the Spacing tool
and this chapter lets you copy it over and over after you get it out.
Using the Clone and Align tool
Creating object arrays
Cloning Objects
Using the Ring Array system
You can clone objects in Max in a couple of ways (and cloning luckily has noth-
ing to do with DNA or gene splices). One method is to use the Edit ➪ Clone
(Ctrl+V) menu command, and another method is to transform an object while
holding down the Shift key. You won’t need to worry about these clones attack-
ing anyone (unlike Star Wars: Episode II).
Using the Clone command
You can create a duplicate object by choosing the Edit ➪ Clone (Ctrl+V) menu
command. You must select an object before the Clone command becomes active,
and you must not be in a Create mode. Selecting this command opens the Clone
Options dialog box, shown in Figure 8.1, where you can give the clone a name
and specify it as a Copy, Instance, or Reference. You can also copy any control-
lers associated with the object as a Copy or an Instance.

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