Rip_shot
05-01-2007, 05:19 AM
Step 1:
Create a Cube; let’s say 20x20x20
Set the Length Segments to about 30
Make sure the Cube’s Pivot is in the center of the Cube before moving on.
Note: To change an objects Pivot click the tab beside the modifier tab called Hierarchy and click effect Pivot, now select the move tool and move the now visible pivot to the center of the cube.
Example (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m211/rip_shot/step_1.jpg)
Step 2:
Create a Spline Path in the shape of the path you want your bar to fly.
Example (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m211/rip_shot/Step_2.jpg)
Step 3:
Select the Cube again and in the modifier panel click the drop down menu and click path deform.
Click Pick Path and select the Spline Path you just created.
Click the Y axis then click the Move to Path button just above it.
Note: The segments you added for your cube should not be following the path. make sure your cube looks like its ready to be stretched out like an accordion along the path.
Example (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m211/rip_shot/Step_3.jpg)
Step 4:
We’re almost ready to animate, now let’s change a couple more values
Staying in the Path Deform Menu, change the following Values:
Stretch: 20 (the more you stretch out your cube the more jagged it will become along the path, we want to achieve a smooth flying bar, if you want it longer, increase your stretch then go back to your cube level and increase its length segments accordingly)
Percent: (after setting your stretch set your percent value so that the front of the cube is at the beginning of your spline path)
Rotation: 0
Twist: 180 (this is completely up to you, this controls how much your cube will twist while flying down your path)
Example (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m211/rip_shot/Step_4.jpg)
Step 5:
Now its time to animate.
Turn on your Auto Key, select the cube so that you’re in the Path Deform Menu, move the Time bar to frame 100 and adjust your percent so that your cube reaches the end of its journey.
Press play and watch your cube fly through space.
Example (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m211/rip_shot/Step_5.jpg)
Try different things like flying many cubes around missing each other. Add a camera to follow one of the cubes around while it flies around.
Please leave comments if you liked the tutorial or if you knew of a better way to achieve the effect.
Example (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m211/rip_shot/Example.jpg)
Example Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSKDTL0FKaI)
Create a Cube; let’s say 20x20x20
Set the Length Segments to about 30
Make sure the Cube’s Pivot is in the center of the Cube before moving on.
Note: To change an objects Pivot click the tab beside the modifier tab called Hierarchy and click effect Pivot, now select the move tool and move the now visible pivot to the center of the cube.
Example (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m211/rip_shot/step_1.jpg)
Step 2:
Create a Spline Path in the shape of the path you want your bar to fly.
Example (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m211/rip_shot/Step_2.jpg)
Step 3:
Select the Cube again and in the modifier panel click the drop down menu and click path deform.
Click Pick Path and select the Spline Path you just created.
Click the Y axis then click the Move to Path button just above it.
Note: The segments you added for your cube should not be following the path. make sure your cube looks like its ready to be stretched out like an accordion along the path.
Example (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m211/rip_shot/Step_3.jpg)
Step 4:
We’re almost ready to animate, now let’s change a couple more values
Staying in the Path Deform Menu, change the following Values:
Stretch: 20 (the more you stretch out your cube the more jagged it will become along the path, we want to achieve a smooth flying bar, if you want it longer, increase your stretch then go back to your cube level and increase its length segments accordingly)
Percent: (after setting your stretch set your percent value so that the front of the cube is at the beginning of your spline path)
Rotation: 0
Twist: 180 (this is completely up to you, this controls how much your cube will twist while flying down your path)
Example (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m211/rip_shot/Step_4.jpg)
Step 5:
Now its time to animate.
Turn on your Auto Key, select the cube so that you’re in the Path Deform Menu, move the Time bar to frame 100 and adjust your percent so that your cube reaches the end of its journey.
Press play and watch your cube fly through space.
Example (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m211/rip_shot/Step_5.jpg)
Try different things like flying many cubes around missing each other. Add a camera to follow one of the cubes around while it flies around.
Please leave comments if you liked the tutorial or if you knew of a better way to achieve the effect.
Example (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m211/rip_shot/Example.jpg)
Example Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSKDTL0FKaI)