Converting to Mesh
format
If your model is still based on construction curves, some of the tools
for warping such as these Warp smooth and Warp noise tools won't be
able to proceed, unless you first convert the model to a mesh format.
We strongly recommend that you first save your original model to keep
it in curve format as well in case you need to get back to that
original. You could also at least make a duplicate copy of it before
continuing with the conversion to mesh format. Use Control+C and Control+V to copy and paste the
currently selected object, and shortcut H to hide it, then select the
original again and proceed.
Warp Size
When
you use a warp tool, they will associate a sphere of 'influence' with
it, attached to the cursor. The size of the sphere of influence can be
set with the first tool in the row:
Warp
Size
After selecting
this option, click and drag somewhere in the view, anywhere, to resize
the sphere.
Be sure to switch back to the desired tool: Warp Smooth, or Warp Noise,
or whichever. Otherwise you'll still be in the Warp Size tool. There is
a better way, a faster way: using keyboard shortcuts that act as
temporary modifiers of the tool in use.
Usign Modifier Shortcut Keys
Like with many other tools, while you have a tool selected, some of its
closest relatives, i.e. counterparts and ad-hoc helper tools are easily
selectable with modifier keyboard shortcuts, such as the SHIFT or the
CONTROL key, in some cases even with both together. It's a temorary
toggle to switch to another useful tool in the current context, and
automagically switch back to the prior tool thereafter. While you press
and hold a modifier, such as the Control key, or the Shift key, the
cursor will temporarily change to that of another tool, and the Tools
panel also shows a different icon as active, until you release the
modifier key.
For example, select the Warp Noise tool, and press and hold Shift, then
Control:
Current Tool: Warp
Noise - cursor: 
With Shift Key: Warp Smooth -
cursor: 
With Control key: Warp Size -
cursor: 
Here's another look at it. Notice how the Tools panel shows a different
icon as the active tool while pressing the Shift or Control key.
No key down: Warp
Noise (current tool)
SHIFT key down: Warp
Smooth
CONTROL key down:
Warp Size
In some other cases you might even see yet another temporary tool
accessible by combining more than one modifier keys, such as Shift and
Control keys held down at the same time.
So here's a general recommendation: while you're new to Curvy 3D and
you're learning and exploring its tools and interface options,
experiment with any new tool and try the modifier keys, to see what
comes up. You may be surprised how these little secrets will speed up
your workflow! Many of the Warp tools use Warp-smooth with the Shift
modifier, so that if you overdo the intended effect of the current
tool, you can fine tune and correct it easily without another roundtrip
to the interface in the Tools panel.
Alright, now let's get back to what these tools do. Here's a short
animation of using Warp Noise.
One brush stroke with
Warp Noise:
Here's another example, for Warp Smooth.
Brushing over the
mesh with Warp Smooth:
And here's yet another, using a combination of them all.
It's both fun and amazing what you can create with just these two
tools: Warp smooth and warp noise.
