Creating Compound Objects using Boolean Operations
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For creating a 3D model, we may require many standard primitive, like Sphere, Box, Cylinder, Cone, Tube, Torus, Pyramid etc.

If our 3D model is complex, only standard primitive may not be sufficient.

In such situation we require to create Compound Objects combining two or more existing objects into a single object.
 

Boolean object

A Boolean object combines two objects by performing a Boolean operation on them.
In 3ds max, a Boolean object is made
from two overlapping objects.
 

 

The original two objects are the operands
(A and B) and the Boolean object itself is the result of the operation.

Creating Boolean Object

  • Create one box and one sphere. Move sphere, so that both objects overlap.

  • Click on Select object tool on the main toolbar, and then click on the box to select it. This object will work as operand A.

 

  
 

 

Click on Create Panel > Click on Geometry
> Compound Objects
 

Click on Boolean button, then bring mouse on an empty area, mouse cursor changes to Hand shape, now press mouse button and drag up to move panel upward.
 

Now some portion of the panel, which was hidden earlier is also visible.

Select suitable Boolean Operation.
For this exercise, we will click on
Subtraction (A-B) radio button.

 
 

Click on the Pick Operand B button on the panel and bring mouse in any viewport.
  Click on Sphere, this object will work as operand B.
 

Boolean operation will be performed between two objects, and a new Compound Object will be created.

Here Subtract Boolean Operation took place, and as result - a new compound object was created.
     
  • Using similar steps, create another boolean object. This time use Union Operation between two objects and observe the result.
  
     
  • As another exercise, create one more boolean object. This time use Intersection Operation between two objects and observe the result.
  
     
 
 
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