Thursday 12 May 2011

How To Select Tools in Autodesk Maya

Animation using computers is modern technology’s answer to cartoons. Before the use of computer, graphic artists will draw images on paper and make a rapid display to mimic movement. Today, graphic artists use computers and sophisticated software to create animated slides. The speed of the moving frames dictates the movement of the characters within the animation.

If you are interested in pursuing animation as a craft or a hobby, there is a wide range of computer software that you can use. One of the easier animation programs is the Autodesk Maya. Autodesk Maya works for Linux, Windows and even Macintosh based operating system. Autodesk Maya is developed by Autodesk, Incorporated that is based in the United States.

Before you begin to use Autodesk Maya, you will need to install it on your computer. Follow the installation procedures that comes with your purchased software. If you encounter any problem during the installation, check out Autodesk’s website for trouble-shooting guides. Familiarize yourself with the user interface of the program before you begin.

* The most basic part of learning how to use Autodesk Maya is the select tools. Learn and practice how to use this utility, as you will need this later on.
* Locate the software among the list of your computer’s application. If you have newly installed the software, you can create a shortcut on your desktop by right clicking on the icon and selecting “Create shortcut”. Agree on the prompt that the shortcut will be placed on your desktop. Double click the icon to launch and open the Autodesk Maya software.
* Alternatively, you can locate the Autodesk Maya software by clicking on the “Programs” found when you click the “Start” button at the lower left corner of your screen. Choose the software and open it.
* You will need to place an object in your grid in order for you to select the tool to activate. If you are playing around the program, simply place an object on the grid. Once an object is available, click on the “Display” menu that is found on the upper portion of the menu panel. Select the “UI Elements” among the choices and you will see a “Tool Box” in the options. Then click on the “Tool Box” so that the panel will be displayed in your screen.
* Play around with the object by choosing any tool that is available on the menu panel. An object is important, as you will be working on it. In some cases, you will not be able to use a specific tool on your object. Don’t worry. You can still use these tools for some other tasks.


Once you are familiar with the select tools, you can begin working on a small project. Be patient as animation takes time to master. Use your imagination to make a creative and interesting animation project. Remember to save your project after every few minutes so as not to lose your progress. Join online forums of amateur animators so that you can have online help on your project. Share tips and tricks on what you have discovered and learn from other people.

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