1, NURBS modeling Maya has more than one modeling method, but it is still based on NURBS modeling. NURBS modeling can generate smooth and continuous surfaces, and all major 3D softwares are in use, including some softwares specializing in NURBS modeling, such as Rhino. Although 3dsmax also has NURBS modeling, it is just a chicken rib and can't be equated with Maya at all. NURBS modeling uses mathematical functions to define curves and surfaces. The biggest advantage is that the precision of the surface can be adjusted, and the fineness of the surface can be controlled freely without changing the shape, which is impossible for polygon modeling. This modeling method is especially suitable for industrial models and bio-organic models.

NURBS modeling can use various special surface modeling tools, such as cutting, blending and stitching. And the usage of each 3D software is similar, so you don't need to learn it. Among NURBS modeling software, Alias Studio Tools is second to none, with perfect functions and reliable calculation, which directly supports mold making. Most of Maya's NURBS tools come from Alias Studio Tools, but they don't contain some precise calculation tools, so they are not suitable for industrial modeling, but only for video animation. Rhino and SolidThinking are professional NURBS modeling tools with powerful modeling functions, second only to the Studio tools of Alias. Some other softwares, such as SoftimagelXSI, 3ds Max and Cinema 4D, have built-in NURBS modeling tools, but their functions are slightly weak.

Although MayaNURBS modeling tool is relatively perfect, it is better not to use it as an industrial modeling tool, because it only focuses on non-standard modeling and its accuracy is not high. Maya has enough NURBS tools for character animation modeling. If you are engaged in professional industrial design, you'd better choose Alias Studio Tools, Rhino, SolidThinking and other professional design software, as shown in the following figure.

2. Polygon modeling

Polygon modeling is an early modeling method, and it is also the most perfect and extensive. Mainstream 3D software contains polygon modeling function, which is indispensable, especially suitable for architecture, games and character models.

There are other modeling methods that are not commonly used in Maya modeling, because better results can be achieved in other software.

3. Texture displacement modeling Texture displacement modeling refers to the use of black and white values of texture mapping to map the geometric shape of the surface, which is often used to make some models, such as three-dimensional patterns and mountainous terrain. General 3D software, such as Maya, 3ds Max and Softimage, has the function of texture replacement modeling.

4. The sculpting modeling sculpting tool is directly used to sculpt the surface, which is the original creation of Maya software. NURBS surfaces and polygonal models can be carved to make the modeling more vivid. Maya also created three-dimensional rendering technology, which can directly draw three-dimensional objects on the model surface, such as feathers and beards, which are important tools for character animation.