This is a brief tutorial to introduce you to the use of the Instance function in Pixels 3D Studio. This tool can save you lots of time, when used properly.

This tutorial requires:

Pixels3D | studio | v3.x

Instancing allows you to replicate a single object multiple times using a control object such as a spline or mesh. One replica is created for each CV of the control object.

For instance, the image on the right shows the result of instancing a sphere with a cone.

Create a Spline, and a Cube.

Select the Spline

Choose Reshape>Reorder. For this exercise, the number of steps will equal the number of cubes we want to instance along the spline.

Set it to 20 steps, uniform spacing, and click OK.

The spline now consists of 20 uniformly spaced control vertices.

Select the Cube, then Shift-Select the Spline.

Choose Control>Instance.

The spline now consists of 20 uniformly spaced control vertices.

Select the Cube, then Shift-Select the Spline.

Choose Control>Instance.

In Instance Options, check Rotate, and Align With Normals.

Click OK.

Instancing with Patches works exactly the same way.

On the right is the result of instancing a cube with a Mesh. (mesh deleted afterwards)

Instancing can create interesting effects, but should be used sparingly, as it has the potential to create huge amounts of geometry, which will result in an interactivity hit.

Remember, Studio uses NURBS, which are far more complex & demanding than simple polygons.