08 - Maya 2015 - Mirroring and Symmetry

When modeling it is very common that one side of an object needs to by the same as another side. This can be accomplished a couple of different ways. First we will take a look at Mirroring geometry. With the use of edge loops we can create a line of going around the object's center. Once we have the object split in half we can take one side of the object and delete it so that only the side that we wish to have mirrored is left. Mirroring geometry is based on the pivot of the object so we will first need to center the pivot and then select the Mirror Geometry settings. The options for the Mirror Geometry tool will allow us to define the plane that we want the object to mirror across and then let Maya know that we not only want to mirror the object but also weld both sides together.

Another tool that can be used to keep one side identical to another side is through having symmetry activated in the move tool. The symmetry option within the move tool will allow us to work on one side of an object and have those changes made on the other side of the object automatically. Really it comes down to a choice for the developer on whether it is easier to simply develop one side of an object and then mirror it or to use symmetry and have the object automatically maintain symmetry. Keep in mind however that symmetry and mirroring geometry are really only effective for objects that you wish to have be identical on both sides.

Disclaimer:

The above video was developed by Brain Poof. The views and opinions being expressed by any narrator of any multimedia provided on this channel are the sole product of Brain Poof.

[LokeshmaharanaSarella]

Hi, after the mirror geometry the faces above the sword (point) turned to triangles.

[johnpeoplefox]

I mirror geo, only to find a tiny gap between my middle line. If i connect border edges, it does exactly what i want, but with a broken mesh. Light is fucked on half the mode. if i do connect verts, the mesh doesn't connect properly and leaves a tiny gap. Makes no sense! someone help plz

[likskirtspleetscreen]

hello, thx for the vid.... but what about edge loop tool, I can't reflect it on the other side... moving tools are working but doesn't reflect the edge loop, can you help me? thx

[mikHft]

hey thanks for the Video. ist helpful but where do you get the tool setings?