Creating Architectural Column using Loft in 3ds Max

You create shape objects to serve as a path for any number of cross-section shapes. The path becomes the framework that holds the cross sections forming your object. If you designate only one shape on the path, 3ds Max assumes an identical shape is located at each end of the path. The surface is then generated between the shapes.

3ds Max places few restrictions on how you create a loft object. You can create curved, three-dimensional paths and even three-dimensional cross sections.

When using Get Shape, as you move the cursor over an invalid shape, the reason the shape is invalid is displayed in the prompt line.

Unlike other compound objects, which are created from the selected object as soon as you click the compound-object button, a Loft object is not created until you click Get Shape or Get Path, and then select a shape or path.

Loft is enabled when the scene has one or more shapes. To create a loft object, first create one or more shapes and then click Loft. Click either Get Shape or Get Path and select a shape in the viewports.

Once you create a loft object, you can add and replace cross-section shapes or replace the path. You can also change or animate the parameters of the path and shapes. Another method is to use the Modify panel's Deformations rollout to add complexity. See Deformations for further information.

Once you've created a loft object, you can also use the Modify panel's Deformations rollout to add complexity. See Deformations for further information.

You can't animate the path location of a shape.

You can convert loft objects to NURBS surfaces.