how to I separate this geometry into two "separate objects" ???

[JohnLancaster]

I've got this chest I'm working on, and I want to separate the top from the bottom, should be obvious from where. It has an extruded inside as well with an edge in the same relitive place for seperation. 

I'm kind of new to maya, so I'm not sure how to separate it into the two peices I need. Could I get some detailed instuction?

Also, later I'm planning on subdividing it to get smoother edges where it counts. I'm guessing I'd add edge loops where they'd be needed to preserve the general shape of the object and then just subdivide from there, right?

[damaggio · Accepted solution]

for 2015 ...Select the faces for the chest lid Mesh>Extract , the default option is set to separate the faces into a new object ....this is a basic modeling function you should make a button on the shelf with Control Shift.

There's also the Mesh>Separate but this one is for combined ojects that form one mesh and you want to separate them.

Then you can move the pivot to the side of the lid so it will hinge from there.

Yes you can add edge loops to make it good for subdivision or just crease the edges with the crease tool.

Good topology is a good practice here.

Best.

[JohnLancaster]

Thanks, worked perfectly!

[Anonymous]

AWESOME help! I benefitted as well...Thank you, truly:)) 

[GabrielaGasulla]

I found "Extract" on Edit mesh instead. Anyway, it worked perfectly for me 🙂