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Workflow Tips

Maximize your productivity with DAMTools! These techniques will speed up your modeling workflow and help you work more efficiently.

Essential Hotkeys

Pie Menu Mastery

  • Shift + W: Open DAMTools pie menu (default)
  • Hold and drag: Navigate to sections faster
  • Release on category: Access sub-menus quickly
  • Escape: Close menu without action
  • Tab: Switch between modes in interactive tools
  • Shift + Click: Multi-select in face/edge selection tools
  • Ctrl + Z: Undo works with all DAMTools operations
  • Spacebar/Enter: Confirm most modal operations
  • ESC: Cancel and restore original state

Modeling Efficiency

Start with Primitives

  1. Use damPrimitives for basic shapes instead of Add Menu
  2. Combine primitive shapes with Internal Union for complex forms
  3. Use Array 3D for repetitive patterns early in design

Smart Selection Workflows

  • Extract Faces Interactive: Isolate complex geometry for detailed work
  • Random Selector: Quickly vary materials or properties
  • Connect Vertices Smart: Clean up topology automatically

Organization Strategies

  • Batch Rename Spatial: Name objects by position for easy selection
  • Arrange X/Y: Keep scenes organized during iteration
  • Layer Selector: Group related objects for complex scenes

Time-Saving Combinations

Architectural Modeling

  1. damPrimitives → Create base shapes
  2. Array 3D/Array At Face → Repeat elements
  3. Paneling → Add surface details
  4. Bolting → Add mechanical details
  5. Internal Union → Merge for final form

Asset Preparation

  1. Topo Cleaner → Clean imported models
  2. Apply Origin Bottom → Standardize pivot points
  3. Batch Export → Export variants quickly
  4. Model Replace → Swap LOD versions

Complex Selections

  1. Face Grid → Create regular patterns
  2. Random Selector → Add variation
  3. Extract N Expand → Work on selections
  4. Connect Vertices Smart → Clean up results

Advanced Techniques

  • Complete one modal tool, immediately start another
  • Use Extract Faces Interactive → Paneling → Bolting sequences
  • Chain Array 3D → Random Selector → Temp Rotate for variations

Viewport Optimization

  • Use Bounding Wireframe for complex scene navigation
  • Cross Connector before detail work on imported meshes
  • Split Loose Parts to separate complex imports

Batch Operations

  • Select similar objects, use batch tools for consistency
  • Join Nearby before Arrange X for grouped organization
  • Batch Rename Spatial → Batch Export for asset libraries

Productivity Settings

Blender Integration

  • Assign DAMTools pie menu to comfortable hotkey
  • Use KeyCast to learn tool shortcuts while recording
  • Enable Snap for precision work

Performance Tips

  • Use Topo Cleaner on high-poly imports first
  • Array 3D wireframe mode for large arrays
  • Extract Selected for working on heavy scene portions

Common Workflows

Hard Surface Modeling

1. damPrimitives (base shape)
2. Beveled Extrude (add details)
3. Face Grid (create patterns)
4. Paneling (surface details)
5. Internal Union (merge components)

Architectural Visualization

1. Batch Import (CAD files)
2. Topo Cleaner (optimize geometry)
3. Array At Face (windows, details)
4. Bolting (mechanical elements)
5. Batch Export (final assets)

Game Asset Pipeline

1. damPrimitives (blockout)
2. Extract Faces Interactive (detail areas)
3. Connect Vertices Smart (clean topology)
4. Apply Origin Bottom (standardize)
5. Model Replace (LOD swapping)

Tips for Beginners

  1. Start small: Master 3-4 core tools before exploring advanced features
  2. Use visual feedback: Modal tools show real-time previews - use them!
  3. Combine tools: DAMTools are designed to work together
  4. Practice modal controls: Most power comes from modal tool mastery
  5. Organize early: Use naming and arrangement tools from the start

See Also