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Introduction

One of the most powerful 3D modeling and rendering tools for the PC, and far more affordable than similarly capable products like 3D Max, Ray Dream has a complex interface and a difficult learning curve. This section of The Temporal Doorway is dedicated to helping me remember what I'm learning.

How Do I?

Get Started

Create a library of primitive objects...

First off, decide that your primitive forms will, as much as possible, be free form objects. I have run into problems with image maps on mesh objects, for instance, which were remedied by recreating the object as a free form object. This seems to be related to the parametric mapping mode, which is the best way to ensure a properly scaled image map.

A critical element of creating a library of primitive objects is having each be a predictable size and at a predictable position. This seems impossible with the free form editor, since there are no properties for setting the length of the object. But this can be remedied by picking View | Grid and setting the grid to an even fraction of your object size (for instance, if you are using feet as your units, setting it to one foot, or if using inches to one inch). Also turn on snap to grid. Then change the length of the extrusion path in the free form editor. It will snap to the grid intersections, which you can know are the correct length.

Once done, don't forget to select your object in the perspective window and adjust its coordinates. Also make sure the scale is 100% and the size shown is correct for your intent.

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