How To Create A Model In Maya

Maya 3d models

Introduction to Maya 3D Models

3d models are three-dimensional objects created with x, y, and z-axis respectively. Autodesk Maya is a popular 3D modeling and animation program. The users can create extraordinary 3D models such as character models, architectural models, and basic 3D objects as well.

Autodesk Maya supports a number of plugins and features that helps the user to create simple 3d models and objects.

How to Create 3D Models in Maya?

In Autodesk Maya, the animators and modelers generally create basic models or import complex 3d models in the program. Since Autodesk Maya is mostly used for smooth animations and rendering, the users create the 3D models on software such as Autodesk Max, AutoCAD, or Blender.

But some of the users also use Autodesk Maya for both 3D modeling and Animations. To create 3d models in Maya the users can use three basic functions or tools for the same.

1. NURBS: NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational Basis Splines) 3D modeling is based on create smooth objects and are used to create arched surfaces with the help of the Bezier tool. The NURBS polymer modeling is commonly used to create interior and exterior designs and also used in Mechanical Engineering to design automobile 3d models.

How to create 3D models in Autodesk Maya using NURBS?

Install and open Autodesk Maya

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Click on Menu Bar and Click CREATE as shown in the image below

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Click on NURBS PRIMITIVES

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Click on the object you wish to create.
Now, for example, we want a sphere, so click on it

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Drag the mouse and create a sphere.

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Alternatively, you can also click on the Windows > UI Elements > Shelf and click on NURBS Primitives and select any object as required

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2. POLYGON: The most basic and the first step in creating any 3D model is with the help of Polygon Modeling. Polygon Modeling is based on simpler mathematical calculations and includes edges, vertices, and faces. The user can create simple models using shapes with this modeling function.

This is the best option for modeling when it comes to modifying or editing the object. The only setback of this sort of modeling is that it works only with rough or hard edges. For smother and curvy edges, the user should use NURBS modeling.

How to create models with Polygon Modeling?

Install and open Autodesk Maya

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Click on Menu Bar and Click CREATE as shown in the image below

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Click on POLYGON PRIMITIVES

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Click on the object you wish to create.
Now, for example, we want a cylinder, so click on it

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Drag the mouse and create a cylinder

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The user can also use different tools from the OBJECTS PANEL to extrude, bevel or bridge the surfaces accordingly.

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Alternatively, you can also click on the Windows > UI Elements > Shelf and click on POLYGON Primitives and select any object as required.

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3. SUBDIVISION SURFACES: These objects use both NURBS and Polygon modeling primitives. These objects have edges, vertices, and also faces but they have curves as NURBS within them. These objects are much more complicated and difficult to create on Maya.

With the help of these primitive tools, the user is able to create basic and complex models as required. In consideration, Autodesk Maya is expensive and considerate software to purchase only for creating 3D Models. So, designers sometimes download 3D models from online websites and import them on the software and then create projects and animations with their help.

There are a huge collection of websites available on the internet that offers free and importable 3D models of various categories such as characters, interiors, exteriors, and also automobile models.

One of the websites that offer free 3D models is CG Trader. Following are the steps to download and import a 3d model on Autodesk Maya:-

Go to the website: www.cgtrader.com

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Search for free 3D models and select the format of the model as shown below:-

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Save the model on the desktop

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Open Autodesk Maya
Select Import from the file menu

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Select the source folder and import the model

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The model will be imported in Autodesk Maya

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The model can be edited, scaled, or moved also.

Conclusion

Summarizing, creating 3D models on Autodesk Maya requires great effort and knowledge about the software. Although, the user can create 3d basic shapes and geometrical primitives using the above-mentioned steps.

Character modeling is the most complex 3d modeling. Also, 3D models are mostly created on Autodesk Max and then exported to Autodesk Maya, as Maya is basically more in demand for 3D Animations and Rendering purposes.