What is the purpose of the Surf-iT modeling kit?

Surf-iT provides a powerfully flexible, non-linear, fully integrated 3D modeling system and 2D-to-3D design solution for 3ds max and Autodesk VIZ. It has become one of the most popular methods for 3D modeling among 3ds max, Design and Autodesk VIZ users (as well as many AutoCAD users having access to max or VIZ). Surf-iT features dynamic, rapid, easy-to-use tools that can produce BOTH complex organic forms, and precise 3D CAD shapes as one contiguous open or closed 3D surface model.
With Surf-iT, sophisticated 3D models can be produced as simply and as accurately as vector-based 2D drawing programs.
Surf-iT's modular apporach allows non-linear 3D modeling: You can instantly create parametric 3D Spline Objects, and at anytime you can edit, preview, surface or re-surface them as 3D patch or mesh surfaces. The Splines and S-Objects can even convert to NURBS, Sub-Division Surfaces, or Polygons for modifications using HSDS, Edit Poly, Edit Mesh, and other tools. Most importantly, Surf-iT generates surfaces in ONE-CLICK providing superior surface quality and the ideal geometry for deformable 3D models to be animated using free-form deformation, character animation, physics engines, fluid dynamics, or cloth simulators.
Surf-iT includes a vast array of tools designed for flexibility and compatiblity. With Surf-iT's extensive and robust Spline Editor you can perform precise Spline editing operations quickly and easily. A powerful customizable user interface let's you operate on object and sub-object components while you preview the surface results.
In short, Surf-iT is a complete solution for non-linear 3D modeling that ensures output to all standard 3D data types using optimal 3D geometry for both tool and physics based deformation and animation.
Learn more about this solution at the Surf-iT product site.

Which versions of 3D Studio are supported?

Currently, Surf-iT supports the latest versions of 3ds Max, Design, Autodesk VIZ and some older versions.

Where can I buy Surf-iT?

Surf-iT is currently offered online directly from GHOST 3D and authorized GHOST 3D Resellers worldwide. GHOST 3D maintains a direct and personal approach to distribution so that we can offer exceptional 3D tools at the lowest cost possible. We also hope to support and maintain a high degree of camaraderie between the vast and growing community of 3D artists that prefer the flexible Surf-iT work flow. To order Surf-iT, contact your local reseller, or you can purchase securely and download now using the GHOST 3D Product Order Form.

Does Surf-iT come with a manual?

Surf-iT comes with extensive reference information and tutorials in the form of a searchable and menu driven help file. There is no printed manual as the product is distributed electronically in an easy-to-install setup executable. However, the help file contains full color illustrations and many photographs and diagrams in the tutorials which are step-by-step detailed instructions on how to accomplish simple to more advanced modeling techniques.

Is there a tryout or trial opportunity for Surf-iT?

Yes. Since there are many Surf-iT releases and updates to integrate with several versions of host software, we recommend you contact us or simply order and download the latest version. When you are prompted to submit your Software installation setup and registration information, you may either request a Full License, or a "Trial License" for a 14-Day Evaluation Period to try out Surf-iT. If you decide Surf-iT is not right for you, you may return it for refund within the 14-day evaluation period. We also invite you to e-mail us any questions you may have about the Software and the products it supports. Surf-iT is a powerful and robust complete 3D modeling system, and we aim to ensure your complete satisfaction. Our staff is happy to explain product details and support at anytime before, during, and after your evaluation.

What are the Surf-iT S-Objects?

Surf-iT "S-Objects" are basically parametric 3D Spline objects. S-Objects allow you to instantly and parametrically create various 3D Spline objects in forms from simple grids and boxes to more complex objects, which can all be comprehensively edited (with the Spline Editor) and instantly surfaced with Surf-iT Patch and Surf-iT Mesh surfacing engines. The S-Objects are often used to generate a Spline framework of intersecting Splines that are edited with quick and simple operations, like moving the intersection points (and their vectors if desired) to deform the S-Object framework of Splines into the desired final model. You have a variety of preview options to see the mesh or patch surface while editing. You can also perfom very advanced operations with Surf-iT's Spline Editor, which lets you refine locally and globally, and help control how the Surf-iT S-Object is surfaced. You can also extrude and join segments into Splines, surfaced holes, and protrusions, so that they are easier and more efficient to work with and shape your object. S-Objects are compatible with 3ds max Splines, NURBS and can be used similarly to 3ds max Splines if desired.

Surf-iT Patch is the surfacing modifier, correct? Can you tell me more about the Surf-iT Patch modifier benefits?

Yes, Surf-iT Patch is our original and proprietary patch surfacing engine. It has been modified from time to time to increase functionality and support. Surf-iT Patch is specially designed to provide multi-level surfacing, meaning that there are heuristic and parameteric calculations performed to control what and how your Spline object is surfaced. Surf-iT Patch efficiently creates surfaces from Spline shapes by interpretting the relationships between the Spline shapes and creating the most desirable surface in the most efficient manner. This means Surf-iT Patch can be many times faster in calculating and creating the patch surface than any comparable surfacing process. Furthermore, Surf-iT Patch can optimize the face count by intelligently handling various oddities that are improperly constructed, or which are in some way redundant in the Spline object. Surf-iT Patch also provides Anomaly Detection to pin point some of the oddities or possible problems with a Spline object you may create manually, and it does this with no extra processing time!
Also, only Surf-iT Patch is fully scriptable.
Surf-iT Patch is preferred by professionals who need to create Patch surfaces quickly in the most efficient manner possible, and who wish to animate their Spline objects with quicker updates to surface calculations, with more predictable and controllable results. This is the right modeling kit for designers and model makers who want the best 3D models for animation, polygon editing and advanced deformation!

I'm a developer at a game development company and I wanted to know how to re-create Surf-iT objects in our game engine? Do you supply exporting tools for Surf-iT objects?

Surf-iT's modifiers and objects output fully compatible 3ds max objects: such as Mesh, Spline, and Patch objects. Therefore, Surf-iT is designed and developed such that object output and data will be compatible with game developer tools and exporters. The 3ds max SDK and game developer tools that Discreet is extending also work with our object and modifier output. In other words, Surf-iT will empower your 3D artist's with superior modeling tools, and will not introduce any unique or unusual integration challenges to your development team. For additional information e-mail GHOST 3D Software Representative.

How is the Surf-iT Spline Editor different from 3ds max's Edit Spline?

Well, the answer to that question can be very long indeed. Here is the short answer:
Surf-iT's Spline Editor promises to be the most enhanced and robust Spline Editing tool in 3ds max. This is possible because we have dedicated our efforts to creating additional easy-to-use tools and advanced operations that make Surf-iT in league with some of the more advanced modeling packages available on other platforms. The Spline Editor will also include all the standard 3ds max Edit Spline tools with each release so that you do not need to switch to Edit Spline if you need a certain tool that is already developed by Discreet. The Spline Editor contains some special tools for extrusion, connections, and joining, as well as previewing and controlling the way Surf-iT Patch surfaces the Spline object. There is a handy tool bar for essential and unique operations, and many flexible tools that you won't find in the Edit Spline modifier. You get the best of both worlds at one level in the modifier stack. For additional information about the Spline Editor refer to the Surf-iT product page.

What are some of the uses for Surf-iT's Connect-iT modifier?

Connect-iT is an all-purpose Spline connection and refinement tool. It allows you instantly form an efficient Spline network of intersecting Splines from any Shapes with any number of vertices. The result is a Spline object ready for immediate surfacing with Surf-iT Patch or Surf-iT Mesh . Connect-iT also lets you refine Splines, Segments, etc, and then interpolate connections between all the points along the the source Splines and connect them . Connect-iT offers a unique U-Spline feature that means that you can subdivide the connecting lines in the U direction (you can also refine in the Source Spline V direction). This means that with U-Splines you can parametrically create vector interpolated Splines between the Source Splines that you create, regardless of how many Splines you have, and regardless of the complexit of the vectors or number of vertices. The result is similar to NURBS-like surface reparameterization, except with vector interpolation - yet, all this is performed without a real polygon surface! It's very fast and useful in a variety of modeling techniques such as connecting cross sectional lines, reordering Splines, subdividing and interpolating Splines, or to just create a surface-able Spline area for portions of your Spline model. If you use Connect-iT to automatically create your Spline lattice, you can use the speediness of Surf-iT Mesh (as an alternative to Surf-iT Patch) and still achieve a vast and sophisticated degree of re-parameterization.

I read something about Surf-iT Macros, can you tell me more?

Surf-iT Macros and MaxScripts are an essential part of the Surf-iT Modeling kit in 3ds max R3 and above. From the Customize menu on the 3ds max menu bar you can load the \Surf-iT.cui file which is a custom ui toolbar that contains several colorful icons representing all the major Surf-iT components, and includes several more custom tools that speed your work flow and enhance your Surf-iT modeling power. These icons are buttons that instantly navigate you to the many Surf-iT creation and editing modules incorporated into Surf-iT. There are also additional tools for selection and previewing of your Surf-iT object surfaces while you operate on the Spline objects. You can open the Surf-iT Reference Preview command panel (Surf-iT 1.1 and above) which is a modeless floating command panel that provides quick selection of your source objects and preview objects, and allows you to remotely control the Surf-iT Mesh or Patch parameters for any of the preview objects. The other buttons on the Surf-iT Macros toolbar provide instant mode changes to all the S-Objects, or you can instantly add any modifier. Best of all, because 3ds max R3 and above are totally customizable, so is Surf-iT! You can configure any or all of these tools into special toolbars of your own. Surf-iT Macros provide an assortment of viewing and mode switches that make the Surf-iT modeling work flow as easy as it could possibly be!

Can I make my own custom scripts to generate Surf-it S-Objects and manipulate Surf-iT's modifiers?

Yes you can. If you own a licensed copy of Surf-iT (scripting is mostly disabled in the Trial version) you are free to script away to your hearts content. You can script the creation of any S-Object, change its parameters, add modifiers, and change their paramters too. If you make anything really interesting with Surf-iT or any of its scriptable tools, let us know, we'd love to see what you are doing with Surf-iT!

How does the Spline Editor's Snap tool differ from 3ds max's snap tools?

Surf-iT's Snap tool is really best described as an "automatic multi-vertex snap tool". Far be it for us to replace the usefulness and flexibility of 3ds max's 3D Snap functions and settings. Instead, the Spline Editor's Snap tool is specially designed and suited towards working with Splines. It allows you to snap multiple vertices together to their nearest neighbors within a user-definable threshold. This is much different than the Fuse tool which snaps any selected points all together into a single and central location, if they lie within the threshold. Instead, the Spline Editor's Snap tool will snap any selected vertices to its nearest neighbors within the radial distance parameter, such that you can snap any number of vertices perfectly in clusters, such as all the vertices along one Spline to a few vertices on another - there is a intelligent precedence that is used, and actually more to it that can be described here. However, one of the most common uses of the Snap tool is for instantly "stitching" together all the vertices along the seams of two mirrored halves of a Spline object - the result is a seamless connection between the two halves for perfectly smooth surfaces. The vertices snapped are left perfectly and accurately coincidental without welding them and inadvertently changing the Splines they live on. It's a "snap" to perform because all you do is select and click Snap, and any Bezier tangents associated with the vertices are maintained perfectly.

How is the Spline Editor's Radial Selection different from Area Selection?

In all fairness, we have to leave some things to surprise. Let's just say its way better! Check it out and see for yourself.

I tried surfacing modeling with other spline tools, surface tools, and even polygons, but they leave many holes in the surface, or perhaps the normals were screwed up. Will Surf-iT do a better job at surfacing them?

3D models can become very detailed and sophisticated (that's the intent anyway) with complex topology and geometries, resource constraints, and construction challenges during the modeling process, all of which can result in a failed or imporperly represented surface. Sometimes this is due to improper user procedures or techniques, and sometimes it is because the software was not designed with the proper features or tools to produce the object or details you were attempting. Either way it is most likely that some very specific problems developed in the construction of the model or geometry that we call anomalies, geometry problems, or pathological topology or shape relationships. Surf-iT's tools and techniques are designed to establish, create, and promote optimal geometry construction.
Surf-iT's proprietary surfacing algorithms address geometry construction issues and detectable anomalies to help ensure the final surface is generated as desired. For example, Surf-iT's unique polygon normals procedure does an exceptional job in maintaining the integrity of the final surface. Surf-iT's geometry optimization process helps ensure openings in the surface only occur where intended. Surf-iT's surfacing engine even incoporates instant surface Anomaly Detection features that report pathological anomalies (things you may or may not desire) and their resolution! So, there is little chance of your 3D modeling project getting delayed or abandoned.
In summary, Surf-iT's design, extensive testing, and its use by thousands of designers, engineers, and animation studios around the world, have all contributed to Surf-iT's ability to handle most geometric anomalies and pathological construction issues that may occur.

How do I access the Surf-iT Macros?

Load the Surf-iT.cui to view an example toolbar with the Surf-iT Macros for all S-Objects, Modifiers, and Surf-iT_Extras Macros. Or open the Customize UI dialog, click the MacroScripts radio button, and Select Surf-iT from the List box. You can then select each individual macro script and drag its button icon to any toolbar or a new toolbar.
Don't forget to try the 'Surf-iT_Ref_Preview_Control' floater macroscript. This floating dialog, allows you to create duplicate preview objects with the Surf-iT modifiers on them, and control all of the Surf-iT surface attributes, including normals, selected segs (for surfacing only part of the object's selected segs), bound vertices, gen map coords, ambiguous quads, and display settings. This is invaluable for surface viewing while you are working on Spline Sub-Objects, vertices, and tangent handles. Also, you can use selection sets of segments with the Selected Segs toggle to dynamically surface various named segment selections/portions of your object, and much more. The possibilites are really diverse.

I had trouble loading a sample file from 3ds max R4. What should I do?

The first upload of Surf-iT 1.24 patch had the old original sample files, which should be replaced. There is a replacement pack for Surf-iT 1.24, which is called Surf-iT_124_samples.exe - you can download it now . This is only a problem with a few of the samples, but NOT any of your own scenes. All of your max scenes that were saved with previous versions of Surf-iT will load properly. Only some of the replacement scenes were incompatible. There is no bug or problem with Surf-iT.
There is no need to re-install Surf-iT 1.24, but you can request Surf-iT 1.24 SurfItsetup.exe (with the replacement scenes in the installer) from technical support if necessary.

If I create an S-Lathe Object with the 'Create Spline' button, how do I operate on the original Spline to change the outcome?

You don't. The 'Create Spline' mode in the S-Lathe panel is for quickly creating S-Lathe objects that you edit with the Spline Editor.
- For maximum control and flexibility over the S-Lathe source lines:
First, create the source line shape with Create > Shapes > Line tool, then Create an S-Lathe object by clicking the S-Lathe button, click the 'Reference' radio button underneath the 'Attach Shape' button, then click the Attach Shape button and pick the line (or Spline Shape) you previously created. Now if you select the original referenced line object (the source Spline Shape you created) you can edit it in any way you want and the changes are reflected in the S-Lathe object that uses it. This makes the S-Lathe object work very similar to a modifier - you can edit the source Splines that you create and attach with Attach Shape, and the S-Lathe object updates accordingly. You can also Edit the entire S-Lathe object with a Spline Editor modifier in the normal manner.