TOPIC LOCATION:     `Detail Editor`;    `Object Menu (Detail)`

PRECEDING TOPIC:    `Mold`
FOLLOWING TOPIC:    `Mold (Replicate)`

VISUAL DEMONSTRATIONS AVAILABLE:   `(D)_Normal_Extrude.demo`

                                   `(D)_Path_Extrude.demo`        
Extrude
Extrude adds thickness to a simple outline shape.  This is done by
specifying a length value (or thickness) or by specifying a`path`that the
outline will follow for extrusion.  The extrude data requester will be
displayed:

To Length
To Length selects the simplest form of`extrusion`.  This allows you to
simply enter a value that represents the final thickness or depth of the
extruded object.

Length
Length is the Y value used for extrusion and relates to the final thickness
or depth of the object.
 
Along Path
Along Path lets you`extrude`an object by following a defined path.  This
lets you create such things as curving tubes (by extruding a circular
outline).

NOTE:  THE PATH REQUIRED FOR EXTRUSION IS NOT A STANDARD PATH OBJECT!(the
kind made with Make Path or Make Closed Path). Instead, it is an outline
shape composed of an axis and edges. To create this pseudo "path", add an
axis, pick it, and use ADD LINES to define the outline. The order that you
place the points determines the path's direction. If you want smooth
curves, use the Magnetism function along with DRAG POINTS. Once the path is
defined, make sure you name it using the ATTRIBUTES requester.

Path
Path specifies the name of the existing path object that the outline will
follow during its`extrusion`. This name can be found or changed by picking
the path and selecting Attributes. The name will be displayed in the
Attributes requester.

Align Y to Path
Align Y to Path makes the outline follow the path's curves by rotating
along the Z`axis`.  This creates smoothly curved extrusions.

Keep X Horizontal 
Keep X Horizontal prevents rotation along the X`axis`(tilting forward or
backward) during extrusion along inclined paths. Align Y to Path should be
turned off for this to work properly.

Y Rotation
Y Rotation allows you to rotate the outline along the Y`axis`as it is
being extruded.  This lets you create`corkscrew`or spiral shapes. The value
you set will be the amount, in degrees, that each section is rotated.

X and Z Scaling
X and Z Scaling lets you taper the end of an object as it is being
extruded.  The value entered in this field represents a scaling factor
where 1 represents no scaling, 2 doubles an objects size, and .5 reduces
the size by half.

X and Z Translate
Normally, the object's axis stays on the path during extrusion.  X and Z
Translate lets you move the object in the X`axis`(left to right), or
Z`axis`(up or down) during extrusion.

Sections
Normally an extruded object is composed of one section.  If your planning
on having an object with multi-colored segments you can have multiple
sections created during the extrusion. If you are extruding along a path,
the number of sections should be set to 1 less than the total number of
points in the path (i.e. if the path has 9 points, set Sections = 8 ).

Mirror Ends
When extruding along a path, if you want the extrusion to be symmetrical at
both ends select this option. The two ends of the extrusion will be "mirror
images" of each other.


