Patches don't have the overhead of NURBS objects and are better optimized than mesh objects. Editable Patch objects include a huge list of tools that you can use to edit and modify them. In addition to Patches, NURBS are an ideal method for modeling if you require free-flowing models. This chapter covered the following topics:
Creating Quad and Tri Patch grids
Discovering the features of an Editable Patch object
Working with the Editable Patch subobjects
Working with patch-specific modifiers such as the surface tools
Creating CV and point curves
Discovering how to convert primitives to NURBS objects
Creating NURBS surfaces from curves
Learning to edit NURBS curves and surfaces
Using NURBS subobject tools
Lofting surfaces from point and CV curves
Creating NURBS surfaces by lathing and sweeping
The next chapter focuses on working with a miscellaneous group of mutant objects called compound objects. These objects are unique and used for special purposes.