Maze Tute - Part 1 - Model Creation using 3D Canvas

Maze Tute - Part 1 - Model Creation using 3D Canvas

I have just started using 3D Canvas - I found this maze creation a very good way to master the basics - maybe you will too!

A Big Thank You to Barrie Martin for an incredible amount of hand-holding as I took my first shaky steps into the world of 3D modelling.

This is what we are aiming to create - a 3 x 3 maze.

You should then be able to create a maze of any size.

3D Canvas is available for free from amabilis. The free version should allow you to complete this tute except for the last step.

Peter Hewitt, September 2007

This is how I arrange my left hand panel.

And these are two of the most important items to master.

The arrow is used when you wish to work with the whole object.

The square is used when you want to work with faces.

And two more important tips:

Use the Compact button frequently - this will free up precious resources.
Save your work regularly.
(Who said I could count?) Remember that Ctrl-Z will undo that mistake that just made.

Start with a cube.

Select a face.

Right click on the Extrude Tool and set the extrusion to 4 units.

OK then left click the Extrude Tool.

Repeat but with an extrusion of 1 unit - the same size as the original cube.

Reposition using the Navigator.

Note this does NOT affect your object in any way - just your viewpoint - use it lots to always have a good view of your model.

Click and select a colour.

Colouring isn't necessary but it makes it easier to see what you're doing.

Apply the paintbrush as shown.

Continue in the same way until you have something like this.

Select the whole side by Ctrl-clicking each face and extrude it 4 units.

Continue in the same way until you have this basic layout.

We're going to change all of the top to the same colour.

Use the dropper to "pick up" the dark green colour.

Then right click on a green square and "Select By Material".

Click on the Paint Can to apply the colour to the selected squares.

Time to squash the floor.

Right click on the whole model and select "Scale By Amount".

We now make life easier by centering our model.

Select the whole model and click "Centre Selection in Group".

For larger mazes it is easier to work with the Top View for the next step.

Click on the background.

This is the maze plan I'm going to use for this tute.

Paint each of the openings with the grey colour.

And now we're ready to extrude the maze walls.

Don't forget to use "Select By Material".

Return to Perspective View so we can admire our handiwork.

Our model can now be exported as a DirectX Object.

Right Click on the whole object.

Not possible in the free version of 3D Canvas.

Save as maze3.X

And now it's your turn - see if you can create maze9.X