My LightWave [7] Menu system
versión en español
Note: This Configuration files are set up with a minimum resolution
of 1152 x 864 in mind, in lower ones it won't look as good (i.e. The top
Tabs won't be completely shown, etc.). You can still use it, or perhaps
take it as a basis for your own arrangement). I've only tested the
menus with version 7.0(b) of LW, but they should still work with 6.5 I
think. Please before trying this config files backup your previous configs,
so if anything strange happens you can just go back to your usual ones.
This config files are not meant for novices, because it asumes knowledge
about shortcuts of some functions (Undo/Redo and other basic ones).
Some Screen Shots.
Download it here.
Since LW 6.5 went out I've never felt totally comfortable
with the new menus in both Layout and Modeler for different reasons, so
I decided to play with them to see if I could arrange the options and commands
in a way that better fitted my working stile. At last I've come up with
a satisfactory menu set. Following I'll try to explain what are the changes
from the standard menus and the reasons behind them:
LAYOUT
-
In Layout I've never liked the trend of putting those Objects,
Lights
and Camera tabs filled with the same options already present in
the Property panels, specially since I always leave this panel open.
So I've removed these three tabs completely.
-
I've also added a Plugins tab and reorganized some
options, removing almost all of what is already accessible from the Display
and Options panels, easily accessed from their 'd' and 'o' shortcuts.
-
Coordinate options and Parent in Place toggle
are now inside the Top Menu Group thus being clearly visible and accessible
all the time.
-
All in all it's not a great reorganization indeed, but just
a good cleanup of the interface.
MODELER
-
With respect to Modeler I never fully understood nor liked
the Construct and
Detail tab organization scheme and I've
also found that several related functions were spread through out the interface.
I'm more the type of guy who likes to have at hand the tools for the kind
of work doing at a certain moment, not minding if they are "creating" or
"modifying" tools.
So I've done a major reorganization of tabs, only preserving
intact the
Modify and Multiply ones and most of the Map
and Display (renamed Tools) ones too. Of course I've completely
removed both the
Construct and Detail tabs :) replacing them
for the more appropriate ones: Points, Polygon, Curves
and Organic.
-
So, what's the big deal with this menu system? Well... first
predictability: If you want to do something with polygons, then the tool
needed must be in the Polygons tab, with points or curves... you
guess!
The other benefit I see is just derived from that one.
If you rarely work with Curves, then the curves tools won't get
in your way, because they will be all "hidden" inside that unopened tab
forever! :)
-
I've also fired the Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo and Redo options
out from their bottom places to where they will be more effective... nowhere!
:) Just hit their 'x', 'c', 'v', 'u', 'U' shortcuts and you will be working
a lot faster!
So... with all that free space now, I've decided to give
it to the Texture Guide, and Pivot Point tools and also to
the Action Center options (Mouse, Origin, Pivot and
Selection),
all of which are now always accessible no matter what tab you're in. Cool!,
isn't it?
-
There are also some more goodies that I'll let it up to you
to find them (but they are minor ones: shortcuts, etc.)
Well, I know you'll probably hate this menus,
but don't blame me, just blame NewTek for giving us the freedom to destroy
what they have so wisely created! :) :) :)
I hope you find this useful, and if you really do please
tell me I'm not alone in this world! ;)
Gabriel Gazzán
ggabriel@internet.com.uy
last updated: 22-Dec-2001