How to Edit Polygons in 3ds Max?

To edit polygons on an object in 3ds Max, you typically need to apply the Edit Poly modifier or convert the object to an Editable Poly object. Both methods give you access to various sub-object levels (vertex, edge, border, polygon, element) and tools for manipulation. The provided references highlight specific ways to add the Edit Poly modifier.

Here are the common methods to begin editing polygons in 3ds Max, based on the provided information:

Methods to Access Polygon Editing

The most flexible way to edit polygons non-destructively is by using the Edit Poly modifier. This allows you to make changes while keeping the original object's parameters editable below the modifier stack.

Method 1: Using the Modify Panel (Reference 1)

This is a standard workflow for applying modifiers in 3ds Max.

1. Create or Select an Object: Start by having the object you wish to edit selected in your scene.
2. Go to the Modify Panel: Located on the right side of the 3ds Max interface.
3. Open the Modifier List: Click the dropdown menu labeled "Modifier List".
4. Navigate to Object-Space Modifiers: Scroll down the list to find this section.
5. Select "Edit Poly": Click on "Edit Poly" in the list.

The Edit Poly modifier is now applied to your object, and you can expand it in the modifier stack to access its sub-object levels (Vertex, Edge, Border, Polygon, Element) and editing tools.

Method 2: Using the Graphite Modeling Tools Ribbon (Reference 2)

The Graphite Modeling Tools, also known as the ribbon, provide quick access to many modeling functions, including applying the Edit Poly modifier.

1. Create or Select an Object: Select the object you want to edit.
2. Go to the Graphite Modeling Tools Ribbon: This is usually located at the top of the 3ds Max window. If not visible, you can enable it via the main menu (typically Modeling > Graphite Modeling Tools).
3. Navigate to the Polygon Modeling Panel: Within the ribbon tabs, find and click on the "Polygon Modeling" panel.
4. Click "Apply Edit Poly Mod": This button is usually found within the panel and instantly applies the Edit Poly modifier to the selected object.

Once the modifier is applied, the ribbon interface often changes to show the various polygon editing tools available at the sub-object level you select.

Other Considerations

While the references point to applying the Edit Poly modifier, you can also convert an object directly to an Editable Poly object. This is done by right-clicking the object and selecting "Convert To > Editable Poly". This is a destructive process, meaning you lose the object's creation parameters, but it provides the same editing capabilities as the Edit Poly modifier.

Editing polygons involves selecting sub-objects (like individual vertices, edges, or polygons) and using tools within the Modify panel or the ribbon to transform, extrude, bevel, bridge, cut, and much more, shaping your 3D model.