Lattices

The lattice is one of Maya's most useful deformers. It surrounds an object with a box-like wireframe structure; this is the lattice the deformer is named for. The points of this structure can be selected and transformed, which also transforms the portion of the surface they enclose. Unlike the handles used to control most deformers, a lattice is itself a deformable object, which means you can modify it using any of Maya's deformers.

Unlike most Maya objects, a lattice deformer's options can be found in its Shape node in the Channel Box. These options are the S, T, and U Divisions, which control the resolution of the lattice. The minimum value for each Divisions setting is 2; increasing this number adds lines across the corresponding faces of the lattice. Where these lines cross, lattice points are created. A higher resolution lattice provides more precise control, whereas a lower resolution lattice is simpler, with fewer points to move.

To use a lattice to deform a surface:

1.	Select the surface to be deformed.
2.	Choose Deform > Create Lattice. A lattice deformer is added to the selected surface (Figure 13.29). Figure 13.29. A newly created lattice is automatically sized to fit the object it deforms.
3.	Switch to component mode by pressing . The points of the lattice become visible.
4.	Select one or more lattice point(s) (Figure 13.30). Figure 13.30. To deform an object using a lattice, switch to component mode and transform the lattice's points.
5.	Move the selected lattice point(s). The original surface is deformed by the change in the lattice shape (Figure 13.31). Figure 13.31. Moving the points of a lattice affects the object the lattice deforms.