Reference Topics > Example: Create a guided loft with matchlines
Example: Create a guided loft with matchlines
Use Matchlines to get the desired result from multiple profiles with an unequal number of vertices. If the number of edges and vertices of all profiles is not identical, the relative position of a vertex within its profile is used to determine positions in the other profiles. This often leads to unwanted results. Create matchlines to fix the problem. Matchlines show where you want the vertices of the profile edges to be joined together.
Conditions for working with matchlines:
• Matchlines can only be assigned to vertices of profiles.
• A matchline definition is complete if every profile is connected by the matchline.
• You can define more than one matchline. The number of edges or vertices of the profiles do not have to be identical.
• Define the start and end point of a closed profile with a single matchline. When more than one matchline is needed, the start points are randomly chosen under the given matchlines.
• If no matchlines are given, the system finds a good match for closed profiles.
• To modify or delete a matchline, select one of the matchline's vertices.
• Birails have the same effect as matchlines.
• You may need to add vertices in order to place matchlines.
Multiple profiles for guided loft
Automatic result of guided loft with foremost profile split by vertices of last profile
Profile mapped to an already existing vertex
Edges of profiles cannot be used anymore with matchline definition and are ignored
To create, modify, or remove a matchline, click the associated button in the dialog. Follow the directions in the Prompt Bar.
Limitations:
• You cannot specify a birail and matchline for the same set of vertices.
• All matchlines will be deleted if the number of profiles changes.
• Matchlines cannot touch each other, except during the definition or modification of matchlines.
