
	Optional Code

Occasionally new features are added to CySlice that significantly change the work flow or output. In these cases the old code is retained in case the user needs to stay compatible with some existing process, and the Preferences panel is used to enable or disable the new features.

Figure 371. Preferences

To access the optional code toggles, click on the blue CySlice button in the main CySlice window to bring up the About CySlice window, then click on the Preferences button to open up the preferences panel (see Figure 371).

Note: Settings in the Preferences panel are remembered between CySlice sessions.

Nice Lines on Zoom

On by default. When the polymesh is visible and shaded, network curves are draw as a tube with four offset lines; this is so the curve is clearly visible above and below the polymesh surface.

In previous versions of CySlice, the four line tube would become more apparent as the view was zoomed in. With the Nice Lines on Zoom feature enabled, the tube is rebuilt after each view zoom and so should always appear only a few pixels wide. This recalculation of curve graphics after each zoom might result in redisplay lags on slower systems, and so the feature can be switched off if desired.

Free Point Placement

On by default. In previous versions of CySlice, network shape points could only be placed on the polymesh vertexes. With Free Point Placement enabled, shape points can now be placed anywhere on the polymesh surface.

New Boundary Search

On by default. The original method for finding a boundary, after a seed point is placed, is to trace a line out from the seed location, along the polymesh surface, until it intersects with a network curve. In some circumstances this would fail, especially if the boundary curve wasn't fitting closely to the polymesh.

When New Boundary Search is enabled, more lines are traced out from the seed point, and so the chance of finding the correct boundary is greatly increased.

Fit SUBD Boundary

Figure 372. Old Boundary Fit

Off by default. In previous versions of CySlice, the boundary of a SUBD surface wasn't ever fitted to the underlying polymesh. Figure 372 illustrates the results of this method; you can clearly see that the blue SUBD surface isn't passing through any of the boundary curve shape points.

Figure 373. New Boundary Fit

Now, when Fit SUBD Boundary is enabled, the fitted SUBD surface will interpolate the boundary points (see Figure 373).

Figure 374. Mixed Boundary Fit

If you want to use a mixture of the old and new behaviors, apply green fit points to those areas where the original method (i.e. no fit) should be used (see bottom right corner of Figure 374).

Because this new feature results in a radically different boundary to the fitted SUBD surfaces, its off by default. However, regardless of whether you're a new or long-time user, you're encouraged to turn Fit SUBD Boundary on as it provides more control over the boundary shape. Just be conscious of the fact that an old network, if reloaded and refitted, with end up with a different control hull around the SUBD surface boundary.

New Network Hide

Off by default. If you enable New Network Hide, network objects (i.e. points, curves, patches) won't be affected by <h> key hide operations if "Hide" is on in the Networks window. If "Show" or "Edit" is on, then the networks objects will be affected (which is the normal behavior).
This allows you to hide parts of the polymesh without also hiding those same parts of the network.

Auto Fit Points

Off by default. If you enable Auto Fit Points, then the new SUBD black fit points are automatically added to common problem areas. That is, around the tip of three sided patches and around resolution change boundaries, where triangular shaped quads occur.
Because this new feature results in a radically different control hull, its off by default. However, regardless of whether you're a new or long-time user, you're encouraged to turn Auto Fit Points on as it produces a better initial surface. Just be conscious of the fact that an old network, if reloaded and refitted, with end up with a different control hull.

Del Duplicate Patches

Off by default. Its possible, even for the experienced user, to accidentally add a second seed to a network region, creating a duplicate patch. These overlapping patches can cause various problems (e.g. see Patches: Subdivision Surfaces: Spikes 2) and are hard to detect.
If you enable Del Duplicate Patches, then any duplicate patches are removed during Rebuilds. This new feature is off by default because its quite new, but users are encouraged to turn it on.