Phase 2. Create the initial box

Now we are going to create the initial box from which we will build the entire model. First select the Top view window by clicking on it. Next, click the Box button on the Create tab of the Command Panel as depicted in Picture-2a below.


Picture 2a

Now draw a box of any size on the Top view, we'll give it the correct dimensions in a bit. Note that when you click and drag your mouse to create the box, you first create a plane. When you release the mouse button, you need to move your mouse upward and click again to complete the creation of the box. To see what you are doing, make sure you look at the front, left, or perspective view while you create the box. When you created the box, you should have something like in Picture-2b.


Picture 2b

Next, we are going to give this box the dimensions we want it to have and convert it to an Editable Mesh. To change the dimensions for the box, click the Modify tab on the Command Panel while the box is selected. See Picture-2C below. Enter 0.7 for length, 45 for width, and 35 for height, below Parameters.


Picture 2c

As you can see in the picture above, I use centimeters, but it doesn't matter which metric system you use, you can scale the entire model when it is finished. If the box becomes so small you can hardly see it any longer, press the Zoom Extents All button at the bottom-right of the screen:

If your results are similar as depicted in Picture-2d below, you are ready to convert the box to an editable mesh.


Picture 2d

To convert the box to an editable mesh, right-click Box on the Modify tab of the Command Panel and select Convert To: Editable Mesh as depicted in Picture-2e below:

Picture 2e

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