Autodesk 12812-051462-9011 User Guide 3 - Page 61

right of the Sample Type flyout. This button, which shows an object with a question mark, displays the sample object file you chose. If the sample object scene contains only the object, sample slots display it with default lighting. If the scene also contains a camera and lights, you can use the camera to specify the view, and the lights to light the object as you choose. Turn on Load Camera and/or Lights in the Custom Sample Object group. Procedures To set up a custom sample object: 1 Create a scene with a single object, such as a pyramid. The object should fit into an imaginary cube that is 100 units on each side. Also, the object must be at the root level of the scene: it can't be linked to other objects. If more than one object is in the scene, the Material Editor uses the first object listed in the Track View hierarchy. 2 If the object does not have built-in mapping coordinates (via a Generate Mapping Coords check box), then assign a UVW Map modifier on page 1931 to it to provide mapping coordinates. If the object has a Generate Mapping Coords check box, it's on by default, and the Material Editor uses those coordinates. If you want to use coordinates other than those built into the object, assign a UVW Map modifier and set up your own coordinates. 3 Save the scene as a MAX file. 4 In the Material Editor Options dialog, click the File Name button in the Custom Sample Object group box, and choose the file that contains your object. 5 Activate the sample slot in which you want to see the custom object, then choose the button at the far right of the Sample Type flyout. Your custom object is displayed in the sample slot. If the size of your object is not quite right for the sample slot, adjust its size and save the scene again. To update the sample slot so it uses the newly saved MAX file, open the Material Editor Options dialog, and then click OK. 5316 | Chapter 19 Material Editor, Materials, and Maps