My only reason to even look at Swivel 3D by PARACOMP was to have the ability to create objects which could then be transfered into MacroMind’s Director for some great animations. I’d used a few other 3D programs ion the past with very little luck.
My first move was to see how far I could get without opening the manual. Sadly it was not too far, BUT WAIT.. I only really tried to draw a shape too quickly. It really is a very simple program to operate. You do have to however reorient your way of thinking.
So my second move was to flip through the manual and see what I could see. I found a tutorial section and went to it immediately. There are three tutorials in all.
Well off to the first tutorial. It took me about 20 minutes to do it. I quickly found the main secret to using this package. First you have
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to be able to decide whether the object is basically symmetrical or non-symmetrical. The second is to be able to see the object from all sides in your mind. It’s quite an interesting exercise.
The first tutorial is creating an old time air horn. After I created the air horn I compared it to the one that comes with the program. I actually kind of liked mine more, a bit shorter and a bit more character.
Feeling real good about my success I quickly started on the second tutorial which emphasis on creating objects with moving parts. This is where the “swivel” comes in. This one wasn’t as easy. In fact I got lost fairly quickly.