Scale?

[mjones1575]

Okay this probably will again make sense to most. What is the best way to make sure that objects in a scene are proportionate to each other? I just wanted to see what some other approaches are. I have been measuring real world objects (then using using 1ft for grid size)and using that as a general rule, but i am not sure how accurate it is. Just curious how everyone else starts out. Thanks.

[BeeVee]

It's very accurate, but since all measurements are relative in the same software, as long as one thing is 1' long and is ten times as short as another thing that's nominally 10' long that's all that should count, right? ;) Actually, LightWave's scale is pretty accurate, although LightWave's internal metric system works better (since conversion into Imperial units is always approximate). I know of several people that print directly out from LightWave to 3D printers without needing to do any size conversion first.

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[mjones1575]

So it would be safe to say model all objects using one grid size, since ft seems to make the most sense?

[CC Rider]

The grid size doesn't matter as much as simply modeling to a real world scale.
...If you are modeling a cruise ship, for instance, you wouldn't want to use a 1' grid scale since it would be a little small.
You could use a 20' scale and as long as all the measurements are real world then all the models should play nice together.

If what you are asking is should you always use a 1:1 scale (1' in LW= 1' in the real world) then that is a smart way to be sure all your models stay in proportion to one another.:D

[mjones1575]

Thanks guys that helped clear that up some. How does the grid size matter in layout compared to Modeler. I have seen the increase and decrease grid size, but what does that mean overall. How does that relate to objects in modeler that are modeled using a grid size of 1ft. I don't understand how the two relate and what the grid setting in layout should be, or if it even matters. Hope i was clear enough, thanks.

[BeeVee]

The grid size in Modeler is dynamic and scales to fit the scale of your object. The one in Layout is slightly different and the best thing you can do is load a pair of objects of vastly different scales and see how moving them (or the camera) feels. Try loading one first, then the other and switch the order you load them in to get a better feel for the way LightWave treats objects at different scales.

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[Jim M]

... grid size is just grid size...

[mjones1575]

I guess what i am not understanding is, for example you have a box that is lets say 5ftx5ft. What should the grid be set at in layout, or does it even matter? I know to adjust the grid size so that things can be moved easier, and so that the camera and lights look proportionate to the scene. I am probably making this more that what it really should be. When you load your first object, does that set the grid for you? Anyway thanks to all that reply.

[BeeVee]

You are getting hung up on it somewhat. Just remember that the grid is a tool for better understanding of the scene rather than one that sets any limits. Let's take the example of a planet and a spaceship. A planet is much bigger than a spaceship - even Pluto! - so if you had the grid set to the spaceship scale and you wanted to move the planet it would take a long time. On the other hand, if you had the grid set appropriately for the planet it would be very hard to precisely move the spaceship.

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[mjones1575]

Thanks to all. That helped clear that up.