How do I insert edge loop with precision ?

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone ! 

I am a somewhat new Maya user and is using Maya 2016 student version right now.

I was wondering if there are any ways to insert edge loop or offset faces without changing the shape of the object.

I realize that insert edge loop and offset edge loop seems to be adjustable on percentages only,

not distance units.

So, I decide to do this by selecting the ring of faces and use

Extrude---Offset to input a specific number I want.

Extrude and offset on cube !

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This works well on cubes!

However, when I try to use this on other shapes like a trapezoid,

this will change the shape of the object, which is not what I want

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can anyone give me some advise on how I can fix this or maybe this a better method? 

I am pretty sure there must be ways to do this.

First time using the forum, not sure if I explained it clearly.

Big Thanks ! 

[mspeer]

Hi!

- calculate percentage based on an absolute value, use reference objects, ...

 

[Anonymous]

Hi ! 

Thanks for the reply.

I understand what you are saying.

That was great!

Still, I was wondering if there are other ways in Maya

that is quicker or more convenient to set edge loops precisely

I feel like I am overlooking something obvious 

And also, why does Extrude not shrinking the shape of the cube when Offset,

yet it shrinks mesh in other shapes?

I Really Appreciate your answer!

[mspeer · Accepted solution]

Hi!

No.

I wonder why you need this precision and where do this values you want to use come from?

Keep in mind that Maya is an Entertainment Software and not a CAD application.

[Anonymous]

Hi!

I see, Thanks for the answer.

I am trying to help my friends to make a small game for mobiles.

I need to model some furniture, treasure boxes and simple buildings like houses and bridges.

The values really just comes from my designing ideas in my brain and probably some obsession for perfection

By the way,

if is not too much for me to ask in one post,

can I ask why Extruding---offset ring of faces changes the outer shape of the mesh ( besides the cube shape mesh)?

I was thinking if I can think of way to make Extruding---offset not affecting the outer shape

Really appreciate your answers though.

they are Awesome !

[Anonymous]

chest box edges for example

 Trying to extrude corners as legs and decorations

[damaggio]

don't pull on the handles when extruding, specially corners, use the option window that pops up...or press T.

[mspeer]

Hi!

1. Use Thickness.

2.

"small game for mobiles...I need to model some furniture, treasure boxes and simple buildings like houses and bridges."

You really don't need that type of precision here.

"some obsession for perfection"

This i understand, but you have to overcome this if you want to be effective in modeling.

It's only important how it looks and not to use certain values. You even can change the values for the inserted loop later (if you history is enabled.)

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply.

I see, I will try to have a different modeling style in Maya. 

I guess as long as the topology is clean, the rest are minor details.

Really appreciate all the answers ! 

If I have anymore questions in the future I will ask here.

Thanks all !