This
method of creating satin columns creates the shape and the incline lines at the
same time. Selecting this mode also forces you into the Point mode for entry,
because the only way to create alternating points on the sides of the satin is
by clicking.
What you’ll do is create the outline by clicking a point on the ‘left’ side of the satin column, then a point on the ‘right’ side. You keep going, left, right, left, right until you have completed the shape. It will look like you have drawn a ladder.
As you make each pair of left and right points, you are not only defining the shape of the column, but also adding incline lines across each pair of points at the same time.
As with Point Input mode, you can create curves by left-clicking, lines by ctrl-left-clicking and cusps by shift-left-clicking.
When your shape is complete, right-click to end the input and generate the object. The shape can now be edited if necessary. Note the inclines here can be manipulated as if you drew them individually. There is no difference in this style of input from any other, other than how it is drawn. One benefit though is that the inclines at the ends will line up to make a straight edge which goes all the way across the shape.
When entering a curve, as you click along try to imagine the curve as going around a center – as you click, each pair of points should point toward that center.
