Getting Started in 3D with 3ds Max

Lofting is an underutilized modeling technique in 3ds Max that uses 2D shapes to generate 3D geometry. In Chapter 6, you learned about the Local reference coordinate system that maintains a constant orientation relative to the object as it is moved or rotated through 3D space. In lofting, the orientation of the 2D shape and the 2D path are based on the shape’s Local reference coordinate system. This basic orientation method is constant and must be understood to effectively use lofting.

Lofting requires a minimum of two 2D shapes: a path and a shape. The loft path is a 2D shape that is used to define the direction and length of a lofted object. ...