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A:M Forum Rules
GENERAL FORUM GUIDELINES
The A:M Forum is for technical support and the sharing of tips and ideas between users/prospective users of Hash software. It is moderated constantly by technical support representatives.
DO'S!
-Ask questions about the software.
-Assist other users... everyone was new at this once.
-Inform people of your version/platform when asking for help.
-Share resources; tutorials, models, textures, tips and techniques (link to useful websites).
-Post links to your work, or where your art is being used online (on websites, in games, toons', etc.)
-Search the A:M Forum and FAQ. The question you are about to ask may have already been answered.
-Organize and inform others about user groups, IRC chats, image and animation contests, job opportunities, etc.
-Discuss what you are working on and let everyone know about magazine reviews and articles that relate to your projects.
DON'TS!
-Do Not be rude or disrespectful or mean to other forum members in any way. Personal attacks will be removed.
-Do Not post bug/crash reports to the list (send bug/crash reports to http://www.hash.com/reports.
-Do Not complain about forum content. Complaints or suggestions can be sent directly to hash@hash.com
-Do Not reprimand other forum members for violating forum rules, that's the moderators job, which (unless you are a moderator) you are not.
-No complaining or whining on the forum or distribution of misinformation.
-No flames of any kind.
-No Off Topic posts. (Posts in the Off Topics section should be related to A:M in some form or fashion or benefit the A:M community as a whole).
-No soliciting of any kind without prior approval.
-No threads or comparisons related to other 3D Applications.
-No "Wish list" or feature requests, they should be sent to www.hash.com/reports for categorizing and prioritization (User requests define the future development of the software).
-No "me too!" posts
-No discussion of Hash Internal Affairs (finances, advertising, PR.)
-No posting of private email to the forum unless permission of the author is granted. (Private correspondence should remain private)
-No very general questions like: "how do I make a good 3D model" make your questions as complete and concise as possible.
If you have questions as to whether it's appropriate, send it to: support@hash.com, We'll be happy to let you know whether it is, or is not appropriate.
User Led Forum Considerations
Firstly and foremostly, please remember this is Martin Hash's forum and that it is every A:M User's primary resource for information about A:M. In order to remain relevant we need everyone's continuing support and interest.
Secondly, understand there is a distinction between A:M (the program) and the A:M forum. There are some topics and issues that are outside the scope of this forum and most can be deduced by reading through the forum guidelines. These include such things as Hash Inc internal policies, business practices, trade secrets, and specific plans for the future not yet publicly released. Each of these would be fascinating topics of their own but are better reserved for private communications with a representative of Hash Inc.
Related to the second, is purchasing, customer service and other areas outside the purview of the common user who may have no interest in such things; subjects relating to money exchanging hands are beyond the scope of the A:M Forum and often can lead to conflicts of interest between users and/or Hash Inc. (If Hash Inc cuts you a deal on volume purchasing it's really no one else's business). Likewise, individual complaints about a product or service are best remedied by going direct with Hash Inc representatives empowered to make decisions. Please allow them them the time necessary to resolve your specific issue and consider the cost of customized solutions.
This last area is likely the source of much confusion because many see the A:M Forum as the official outlet for Hash Inc... and it is. But the forum is not designed for conducting business and private matters best resolved by going to Hash Inc directly. Similarly, bug reports are best resolved by entering them directly into the A:M Reporting system.
Many problems can be easily addressed at the user level just by asking fellow users in the forum. If someone at Hash Inc suggests the forum as a source, it is very likely a problem can be easily resolved. For tougher issues there is even more reason to take the issue directly to the source... you don't want the issue discussed... you want it resolved quickly.
Finally, remember that we want to pass this forum on to future moderators and generations of A:M Users in the absolute best condition possible. A:M is just that good a program and is worthy of our consideration.
Thanks for making the A:M Forum a great community.
4,160 topics in this forum
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- 1 follower
- 17 replies
- 2.5k views
I would like to be able to control the Enforcement of a percentage Pose from a on/off Pose. Is it even possible? I am constructing a character who is talking trough the corner of his mouth. Witch corner he is talking trough is varying depending on angle to the camera. I am planning to use Dope Sheet to quickly make the basic lip sync before fine tuning it. I am going for this approach: I make two percentage poses for all phonemes, one for each side (Right A I, Left A I, Right E, Left E, Right O, Left O etc.) and form the expressions of the mouth. Then I make a percentage Pose for each phoneme (A I, E, O etc.) In these poses I control the poses above (Pose A I at…
Last reply by Visping, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 2.5k views
Always something with me. Today it's hair. Trying to follow the tech ref manual re hair and most of it works, the grooming tools work well but am trying to achieve color variation along the length of the hairs as in the book but not any details of the numeric settings. Trying to get close to the 2nd enclosed pic. See last pic for my results. Any help appreciated.
Last reply by Wildsided, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 2.5k views
Hello everyone, its been YEARS since I've been on this forum and used A:M. Quick Question(s)... When I make a model, What kind of file can I export it as? How many types of model files can I export? This 3D printer takes STL files. Can I export A:M Model Files as STL too? Thank You everyone! I hope to be using my A:M program soon!!
Last reply by TRN, -
- 1 follower
- 7 replies
- 2.5k views
Hi guys, I'm just getting back into A:M after a few years off. I'd like to review a list of updates, advancements and additions that have happened to this very organic software over the past few years. Is such a list available? If so, where can I find it? thanks, Tommy
Last reply by TommyDAQ2, -
- 1 follower
- 25 replies
- 2.4k views
because I don't need all its capabilities and cross-application integration. I have Inkscape (Unix and Mac GNU) which works for me. I creates wonderful .svg file. But, A:M doesn't recognize .svg files - just .ai. Is there another program (preferably under GNU licensing) that will create pseudo-Illustrator files?
Last reply by itsjustme, -
- 14 replies
- 2.4k views
Hiya. As an old newbie (ie, I started with AM '98, '99, ...then recently upgraded to '07), over the last 8 or so years I've been a poly-modeler. I can model in poly's quickly, smoothly, and have a fun time doing it. Now, back to give AM another spin around the block, I find myself fighting the spline-mindset. I attempted to model in AM as if each spline was the part of an edge loop, and I was planing on using the bias handles to get my desired cuveature. This didn't work out quite so well as I had envisioned. So, anyone have any good links to free or pay tutorials on AM modeling? Something that covers hard and soft surfaces (cars, buildings, etc. and…
Last reply by the_black_mage, -
- 6 replies
- 2.4k views
So I'm trying to make a generic "starfield" since they seem to have gotten rid of "front projection maps" I made a basic flat pane model and have tried applying a starfield image to it as a decal. Everytime I try, the program crashes. It even does it on VGA image size. I'm using a Windows 10 Machine with an AMD Radeon graphics card. It's a Dell XPS Desktop. What am I doing wrong?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 5 replies
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Hi there. Working more through Fuchur's excellent Tank tutorial project and have completed the second video, which ends with adding boolean holes to the end of the turrets. I noticed an odd thing (well, odd to me, surely familiar to others). If I do an in-program render, the booleans show up fine. However if I render to file, the boolean cutters are rendered. Is this a sign that the boolean isn't calculated in the render, or maybe the cutters have to be set to not render, or...? Not a huge emergency and I'm sure the solution is simple enough. Just call me curious. Here's the shots. One is in-editor, one is the rendered-to-file. Really great tutorial s…
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 7 replies
- 2.4k views
Hello, when does one animate the model bone in a choreography?. say a character spins on his heels, would that be the model bone doing the main rotation and the bones making it look real or..? i dont like the idea of 'leaving the model bone behind' when the animating just the bones, however whatever constraints are on the model seem to become less than useful if the model bone is used to move from a to b (not including paths here) anyway am mighty confused about this. and what about a somersault. ? or blocking out a scene.
Last reply by Clipping Path Specialists, -
- 39 replies
- 2.4k views
Hash website doesn't have product information. How do I learn what it has to offer?
Last reply by higginsdj, -
- 3 replies
- 2.4k views
I am wondering if there is a way to add a row of splines between two other rows without having to hand stitch it.
Last reply by Frederick, -
- 27 replies
- 2.4k views
I need help with entering the image contest! I emailed my image to steve@hash.com are newbie's not allowed to enter the contest?????? Thank you Dion Kirfman Here is my image I didnt get to enter,
Last reply by goodguy20k, -
Logo Help!
by Mark3D- 35 replies
- 2.4k views
Hello All, I am trying to recreate the Denny's logo from their new commercials: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5qmBawyifg Now I have completed the logo already but that is as far as I have gotten. What I am wondering is if anyone had tutorials on the different surface attributes I could apply to the logo to give it that "dull", low reflective look it has in the commercial. Almost like the 3d renders people do of white/grey models when their project is a WIP. Hopefully someone can understand what I am trying to say... haha. If not, I can try and clarify. Thanks! Here is the logo as of now....
Last reply by Mark3D, -
- 1 follower
- 37 replies
- 2.4k views
When ever I do Copy, Flip and Attach to a model, depending on how complex the model is, I'll end up making minor changes to fix things. Correct some splines re do some patches, nothing major. Pretty much everything that wasn't modified is still nicely working with Mirror Mode, but those control points I modified are no longer mirrored. Once my model has been made whole with copy flip attach, I've to worry about making adjustments to both half's Mirror Mode takes care of that. So, is there any way I can get control points back in sync again with there mirror control point, so they work again with Mirror mode?
Last reply by Walter Baker, -
- 30 replies
- 2.4k views
Hi all, I have a weird problem: I have downloaded a demo version of AM but cannot get it started before I fill out "username" and "organisation" in a registration window that appears when I open the application. Should I register at Hash's web page somewhere first?
Last reply by Darkwing, -
- 8 replies
- 2.4k views
v190j.1 Windows 7 Followed the manual to the word for setting up sprite emitters for fire, smoke etc. but can't get any color in the sprites in spite of setting up the rgb channels in Action as instructed. Can't find the "moron" mode switch. Been over the instructions a dozen times. (the one in the manual re fire, smoke and sparks) What am I missing? (I'm sure its something embarrassingly obvious. Any help appreciated greatly.
Last reply by svetlik, -
- 1 follower
- 10 replies
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Hi, Looking again for the Forum Expertise It seems simple - so it probably is - just not for me. Frustratingly so. I'm trying to make up a mosaic and then colour it dynamically through poses. Everything is fine EXCEPT I'm not able to set up the groups. Here area couple of examples of the types of groups that I've been trying to set up without any success. I can't seem to be able to set them up when there is a common CP between what I want in the group and what I want outside the group. 1. A group with only Orange Tiles 2. A Group with only Black Tiles 3. A Group with only Green Tiles Oliver
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 2 followers
- 17 replies
- 2.3k views
I'm thinking about buying Animation Master but I have no animation experience. I'm a fast learner and i'm pretty good at photoshop and things like that. I was just wondering how hard it is to learn if you have no experience. Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Chris
Last reply by Muff, -
- 4 replies
- 2.3k views
Hey there, Hashers. I purchased a copy of A:M way back in 2007, and am only now getting to the point of learning it. I know it’s 13 years out of date by now, but it works for me and I have no immediate desire to upgrade. I am learning by going through the ANIMATION: MASTER, A COMPLETE GUIDE book by David Rogers. It’s as old as the version I’m using so everything seems to synch up well for the most part, but I have hit a snag in Chapter 4 (Action Basics) that I just can’t move past. In the process of animating my model (a flower sack), it instructs me to copy frame 0 and paste it on frame 24…. OK, HOW? I don’t mean how do I do a copy and paste, that’s comput…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 20 replies
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Hello all Im looking at AM for my game creating projects, waiting on a return email from support on some questions. I would like to make a suggestion that one of the Admins or the webmaster make a quick webpage with the specifics of AM, file formats for import/export, video formats import/export etc so that folks can get a quick glance to see if AM will suit their needs. So AM is spline modeling? And doing searching on the forum I see that X format is supported, as I use Unity 3D Im thinking perhaps converting x to fbx. I would not need the advanced material support, just basic materials and I know those usually carry over in X. And video export seems to be Avi …
Last reply by RU2D4, -
- 5 replies
- 2.3k views
Shadow options turned on for ALL objects, camera and lights but no shadows rendering from the camera in the chor. Any help appreciated.
Last reply by svetlik, -
- 5 replies
- 2.3k views
please at first accept my apologies, i don't want to go to blender but export animation done under animation blender TO blender cycles of course .X seems good but i go to find x import in blender and go to animate under animation master someting for demoscene so then ^^^^ kindly regards stéphane
Last reply by stefff285, -
- 34 replies
- 2.3k views
I'm looking for a good model with textures (like creature)
Last reply by NancyGormezano, -
- 2 followers
- 10 replies
- 2.3k views
Hi, It's quite possible that I'm going down the wrong road but .... Coming from an engineering background I'm used to looking at objects in a modular manner, where the final model is made up of building blocks and that is what I'm trying to do in A:M. I have a model (M1) with 1 bone (B1) and 1 pose slider (PS1). Then I made a second model (M2) and I dragged and dropped M1 into it twice. At this stage, all the groups from M1 are in M2 twice, also there are 2 bones but there is only 1 pose slider (relationship). This means that I can only manipulate one copy of M1 within M2 (the most recently copied version of M1). I tried doing something similar using a …
Last reply by LenseOnLife, -
- 4 replies
- 2.3k views
Trying to apply a decal as cookie cutter to a grid that will be curved slightly. Image has alpha and looks fine in Photoshop, alpha is clear w/black all around. See attached pics. Am I the only one who has constant problems with everything I try to do in AM????? Always loved AM but AM don't love me BACK. I'm sure its something stupidly obvious. Any help appreciated-sorry to be such a painus in the anus.
Last reply by svetlik, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 2.3k views
Hi, Just wondering. Is it possible to group 'groups' into another group as a hierarchy? Or is the group structure flat? I've made up a very simple patch as an example. Sp-Top are the 2 CPs along the top of the patch Sp-Bottom are the 2 CPs along the bottom Sp-Left are the 4 CPs on the left hand side Sp-Right are the 4 CPs on the right hand side. Holding Ctrl I can select each group and then make a new group included everything within each of the individual groups which is Sp-All. I'm wondering if it is possible to have a group that includes sub-groups but as a hierarchy - i.e. with a '+' so that it can be 'opened' / 'closed' in …
Last reply by LenseOnLife, -
Auto-Assign
by Masna- 3 followers
- 18 replies
- 2.3k views
In the A.M. manual it talks about auto-assign. How do you use auto-assign and what toolbar is it on.
Last reply by mouseman, -
- 5 replies
- 2.3k views
Hey Hashers, Didn’t think I would be back so soon with another question (s). I tell ya, I was doing just fine breezing through this book until I got to Action Basics. This is deceptively the shortest chapter in the tome, yet it’s the one that’s caused the most head scratching. Ok, so I tried to scan the part of the book that's befuddling me and upload it here, but that's just not working out for me. I will retype it: “Each driver has it’s own setting for it’s default interpolation, located in the PWS next to the name of the driver. There are actually three pull-down menus located under that image, the first and last of which look ghosted out and are for …
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 3 replies
- 2.3k views
Embarassed that I don't know how to do this. I have a Chor that I want to copy so that I can make another version with all the light settings intact but if I do a "Save As" it re-names the Chor and saves it to disk (which is good) but I want to be able to make a new version with the objects arranged differently but keep all the light/camera settings etc. BUTT!!! If I import the Cho it won't let me rename it. Am I making any sense? I know this should be AM 101, but normally a "Save As" function makes a new file in most apps. You guys are very patient with me and I appreciate it. Especially you Robcat. Any help appreciated.
Last reply by svetlik, -
- 27 replies
- 2.3k views
Mod note: I've split this off from a TAoA:M exercise thread as this might be useful to other people who need to find and install 32-bit A:M to use its Quicktime ability. 64-bit A:M doesn't have Quicktime, but 32-bit A:M does. Actually the best way to post work is to render it to a Quicktime file. If you are using 64-bit A:M you may also want to install the 32-bit version so you can load your PRJ and render (Quicktime isn't available yet in 64-bit A:M) You can have both A:Ms installed. copy the master0.lic file from the 64-bit A:M folder to the 32-bit A:M folder.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 8 replies
- 2.3k views
So I managed to settle on a project for the sci-fi contest, and if I finish it early I may do another entry. It seemed like a relatively straight-forward bit of modeling, but something isn't working quite right. It could be that I haven't sat down in front of AM for so long that I'm missing something obvious. Here is my problem: I've got one rectangular surface with another rectangle inside, and I'm trying to push the inner rectangle inwards to create a depression or indent in this robot (I would post an image but it will be immediately obvious what my project is, I think). I thought I knew what the problem was, I didn't have any splines connecting the 2 a…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 9 replies
- 2.2k views
I found these on Safe Harbor ,was just wondering if anyone has bought them or have heard anything about them be it good or bad.
Last reply by livewiresrus, -
- 1 follower
- 19 replies
- 2.2k views
why would I want to do 1, or 2 or 4 or 7 passes?
Last reply by Vertexspline, -
- 12 replies
- 2.2k views
Hello I'm on the fence about buying A:M. I have an older version (round about 2005). I'm always hesitant when it comes to a purchase that's "bigger than normal" for me, so it's just a matter of me talking myself off the fence. From what I've seen, it looks like A:M has gotten a significant facelift since then, has a lot of new features, and better performance, and so on. I'm almost positive I saw a page somewhere that lays out new features and updates across each version, but I can't recall where it was, or find it. And, while I'm here, could you (meaning anyone interested) share what some of the biggest, most significant and exciting improvements have been for you sin…
Last reply by Muff, -
- 24 replies
- 2.2k views
Hello - I have purchased a custom built PC with an AMD 320+Ghz dual core processor with 2 gig of RAM and I'm still running into long rendering times. Rendering a 20 sec (491 frames) animation in "preview" mode at low res (320x240) is still taking over 2 hours. My choreography's ground and sky are just the default A:M backgrounds. I am running A:M 11.1 on my startup disc and rendering to a seperate internal hard drive. Surely this rendering time is abnormally long. Any suggestions? Thanks, Chris
Last reply by luckbat, -
- 1 follower
- 24 replies
- 2.2k views
i'm working on a nice little rigg(i'll show it off later). but for some reason when i try to smart skin a bone of a model i don't get the right results. i translate the bone, go into muscle mode and get the splines how i want them. then i test it out and the splines i moved don't go back to the way they were when i translate it back...is there some thing i'm missing?
Last reply by mtpeak2, -
- 18 replies
- 2.2k views
I am trying to modify an existing material, "ceramic cup" to have a black color instead of white or off-white. I set both the diffuse and specular colors to black, but it is not black, just has more of a gray tint. Did I forget something, or is there another attribute I have to set the color for?
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 follower
- 21 replies
- 2.2k views
I am trying to build some headlights for a car. But I cant seem to get it right. I get some strange kind of "offset dublication" and a very sharp edge at the end of the cone. (see pictures) multipass 5 passes Any ideas, how I can get rid of that? Any good example of a headlight and backlight somebody could post? And also, whatfor is the lightwindow that opens up, when clicking a light object in the PWS? It only seems to stay all black for me. Headlightsettings.bmp
Last reply by jakerupert, -
- 1 follower
- 10 replies
- 2.2k views
Hi, 1. I made a simple 'box model', added lib poses and stored it out. 2. Created a small audio clip, added dope sheet and the 'lips' seemed OK, so stored that out as an action. Presuming that is the right way to store a re-usable voice audio? 3. New project, imported 'box model', imported action. New choreography and added the box to the chor. 4. Moved to 5 seconds on the timeline and then dragged the voice action to the box in the choreography. It actually has installed itself at the beginning of the choreography. Question: Is it possible to add the audio action to start at 5 seconds rather than at frame 0? Thanks, Oliver
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 8 replies
- 2.2k views
Hi, Am wondering if it is possible to have a 'personal library of materials'. I see in the tools->OPtions->folders it is possible to add extra path for A:M to search for additional LBR files. I have a number of materials files and am wondering how can I put them into a LBR file so that A:M will recognise them. Have searched the internet for a utility without any success. Any ideas - or am I simply barking up the wrong tree and there is an easier way that I've missed? Thanks, Oliver
Last reply by Rodney, -
I followed the flag waving exercise...no problem, BUT, when I created a character and try to get her dress to work via cloth sim, etc., when I get to the part where I'm supposed to pick "attached" group, there isn't one.... I added a screen shot below... Thanks for anyone's help. Kem
Last reply by Rodney, -
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- 1 follower
- 31 replies
- 2.2k views
Hello A:Msters, Here is a my question, how canI avoid creases i have on my model, the flow seems ok but i still have some pinches.Does thes disappear after texturing, or do i have to adjust bias, or there is a function to smooth the splines ! any helps, tutos, advicse are welcome ! thank you.
Last reply by maddle, -
- 15 replies
- 2.2k views
I am looking at coming back into the fold but was hoping some of you could answer a few questions for me. Back on v13, A:M used to really slow down if I had 10K patches or more. With the newest version (especially the 64bit), has this been taken care of or does it still slow down at 10K? If I purchase the v16, does that still qualify me for the v17 beta? What type of improvements have been made since v13? Ummm... I guess those are really the main questions I had to ask. BTW, last I heard, Martin had gone on a safari, returned but was rarely heard from. Hope things are going okay for him and he is still involved with A:M. Oh yeah, I had to …
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 2 followers
- 28 replies
- 2.2k views
I simply dont truly now what these do. I have never seen a comparison with a control Ca someone create an illustration showing the difference in these settings? Not the difference from each other but the difference in values from within themselves. I cant find anything on either of these. If the comparison illustration could be in this fashion or something like this that would be great
Last reply by HomeSlice, -
- 1 follower
- 29 replies
- 2.2k views
Today is my first day with A:M and I am stuck with exercise 1. I know you guys can help me out of this, here is my problem: I did exactly same as it says in exercise 1. Opend a choreography window, dragged actor Keekat to the window, opened Pose Slider window from [View] [Pose Sliders]. Now I can view all different poses inside the Pose Sliders window. I tried to drag sliding bar of Dynamic Pose, but nothing happening. I am not able to drag the bar of any of those poses. Please help me.
Last reply by markyboy01, -
- 15 replies
- 2.2k views
No. I didn't lose an important file. No. I didn't corrupt a model I had been spending days to create. No. I didn't save over the top and overwrite my beautiful project. Well. Not recently at least. It just occurred to me that it had been a long time since a warning was put out and I hope that by spreading the word we can save people the trouble of learning the hard way. I'm not sure that I've ever emphasized backing up to new users. TIme to do something about that. If anyone would care to elaborate on their backup methods I'm sure others would be greatful for your time. It might even save them a scream or two.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 3 replies
- 2.2k views
I am Scoot Sunderland, a new member. Nice too meet you. Thanks
Last reply by Wildsided, -
- 29 replies
- 2.2k views
Sorry I didn't post this in the FAQ forum. For some reason, it wouldn't let me post there. Anyways, I'm really interested in this program, and before I buy it, I'm wondering about something: If I film my whole fan film, leaving places for CGI and such, will I be able to completely add in CGI with Animation Master once Im finished filming? For example, if I want my alien tripods to walk behind a forest, so the audience sees them through the trees, then can I: 1. Film the forest 2. Generate the CG tripod 3. Place the CG tripod animation moving behind the forest... so we can see bits of it through the trees on the other side of the forest Exam…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 16 replies
- 2.2k views
Why is the background to my choreography different when I render-to-file than when I am working with the choreography? This is my working screen. This is the rendered file. Walking_Lower_Body_F1.mov
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 2.2k views
Anyone know how to create something like this dense_beveled_cube.mdl Modzz2.mdl I cant figure it out. everything I create it seems impossible to create a smooth dense cube.
Last reply by itsjustme,
