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Lines

rhysa

rhysa

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australia
Ok Ive tried but I can't work out how to create lines in GMAX. Ive tried just simply creating one using the line tool but that generates an error on compile. Someone suggested I convert it to an editable poly before compiling and that would work but still no luck. Can someone help me out here?
 
he Rhysa,
Basically what are you trying to make with lines, like roads or powerlines? I use lines (or splines) for paths of objects, but i dont know how you would use a line on its own. Anyways, i get around making thin lines by simply making a very narrow box, its effect is similar, the problem is is that you then might have to many polygons if you want to make a lotta lines. For road lines i suggest you take a look at texturing planes and objects. Im also a bit new to this all, but i guess thats all i can say for you now. :o
 
Yea Im trying to create lines for antennas. So just a line thats displayed in FS. I did think of the the narrow box but there has to be a way of doing it.
 
If the antenna is 2D only, you could simply use a textured plane. If you want to create something like a rope or cable I'd suggest You create a narrow poly (2-sided) instead of a box. Of course if you want to do it the perfect way, you'd have to create a cylinder. But noone would ever come so close to see if it's a cylinder, y box, a poly or just a texture. ;)
 
You can also use the prefix line_ in your material name. This will make sure that your polygons are drawn as lines. Using the line tool of GMax does not work.
 
I didn't know that. What difference does it make to a poly without "line_"? Has the line a constant width?
 
Rhysa,
I grew pretty disenchanted with lines in FSDS. The big problem is that they don't grow fainter with distance. So, on a multi-resolution model, I used lines only on the highest resolution model, but quickly switched to a polygon. Also, you have to set the right colors for the lines, or you will get glowing lines at sunset/sunrise.
If you are trying to make railings, I found that railings made with transparent textures seem to work better than railings made with lines. They are just as sharp close up and fade nicely with distance.
The only advantage to lines is that the computer can probably draw them quicker.
Phil
 
Hi Thorsten,

Horst18519 said:
I didn't know that. What difference does it make to a poly without "line_"? Has the line a constant width?
Click to expand...

As Phil already mentioned they don't look that good in general, because they have no shading or so. So it looks like a FS5 line all the time :). The image below shows the only building I have used them in until now:

tud_lib_02.jpg
 
Ah all good points. Ok I think I will just use polygons or textures then. I suppose you can't change the thickness of the lines either?
 
Nope, the lines always have a thickness of 1 pixel. At any distance. That is why they look a bit weird sometimes.
 
rhysa said:
Ah all good points. Ok I think I will just use polygons or textures then. I suppose you can't change the thickness of the lines either?
Click to expand...

Creating Lines And Change Thickness.

In gmax it is possible to create lines and change thickness.
 
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