Mirroring Objects

Use

When you mirror an original object, it is generally 'instanced', but can be copied if required.

Mirrored objects, by default, have the same mesh as the original, but a different transformation matrix, (position, orientation, and scale). For example, if a spark plug is used eight times in a V8 engine, you can use the mirror tool to create seven instances that point to the original object and its geometry.

Instancing objects reduces the size of the file, helps save memory, decreases render times, and increases the data transfer rate. As all instanced objects point to the same polygonal mesh, you can see which mesh this is in the Object Properties dialog for the mirrored object.

Activities

• Mirroring a selected object

  1. Select the objects that you wish to mirror, then do one of the following.

     • Using the Tool Assistant, choose Mirror.

     • From the 3D Editor toolbar, click Mirror Tool.

  2. Establish your mirror settings in the Tool Assistant.

  3. If you want to save the mirror into the scene, choose Save. The selected 3D objects in the scene are mirrored. Objects are mirrored at their base location, and mirroring is performed using the mirror modifier