Overview

After completing this tutorial, you will be able to use the solid tool in the Sandbox Editor, and export solids to 3ds Max for further editing.

The solid tool is used to create simple structures and objects, or placeholders for future art assets. This example uses a simple bridge as a demonstration object.

Solids can be exported in a 3ds Max readable format, and can be used as a guide for creating the final asset.

Placing a Solid in the Level

To create a solid, activate Follow Terrain, this will cause the points of the solid to follow the ground when you're creating it.

Next, go to the RollupBar and click the Solid button in the Object section.

Click and hold the mouse button in the perspective viewport, then drag the mouse around. You will drag out a flat box.

Releasing the mouse button will allow you to give the box height, along the Z axis.

A final click will exit solid creation mode.

Modifying a Solid

To enter the Editing Mode for a solid you have to first select a solid.

Select the solid and activate Editing Mode found within the Solid Parameters pane in the RollupBar.

The solid should change to a flat colored shape.

Editing Vertices

There are several ways to change the shape of the solid.

To change one or more points in the geometry use the Vertex tool. Click the Vertex tool in the Selection Type pane:

Click the point which you want to move. Holding the CTRL key enables the option to select several points.

To change the position of the verticles, use the movement gizmo that appears once you select one.

Editing Polygons

To change faces and polygons in the geometry use the Polygon tool. Click the Polygon tool in the Selection Type pane:

Click the point in the center of the polygon which has to be modified.

To change the position of the polygon, select the movement gizmo in the perspective viewport to the new place.

You can also assign a material to the solid using the Material Editor.