Although the locator in the scene gives you the position of your referenced asset, it doesn’t accurately convey the size or shape of the object it represents. You can modify the proxy file to give the proxy asset a more useful shape.

To modify the proxy asset

1. Save your current scene file.
2. Select File > Open Scene.

   A file browser appears.

3. Navigate to GettingStartedMaya2012LessonData\Assets and select flame_proxy.ma.
4. Click Open.

   Maya opens the proxy file.

   The proxy file consists of a single locator at the same position as the fire in your city scene.

5. Select Create > Polygon Primitives > Cube >.
   Note

   Make sure Interactive Creation is turned off in the Create > Polygon Primitives menu.

   The Create Polygon Cube window appears.

6. Select Edit > Reset Settings.
7. Set the following attributes:
   • Width: 10.5
   • Height: 16.5
   • Length: 6.5
8. Click Create.

   A polygon cube appears in the scene.

9. Select the cube and open the Channel Box.
10. Set Translate to 400.581, 84.139, -90.849.
11. Set Rotate X to 15.
12. Open the Outliner (Window > Outliner).
13. Expand flame_AST.
14. Select pCube1 and middle-mouse drag it onto the locator node (Flame_GRPProxy) inside flame_AST.

    Performing this step allows you to move the cube and locator together.

    

You can add vertices and model the cube to shape it more like fire if you choose. You can find polygon modeling tips in the Polygonal Modeling guide..

Now save this file and return to your original scene file. The proxy that was once a single locator has now changed to a cube that is roughly the size of the referenced fire effect.

You can switch back to the the fluid effect by -clicking the proxy and selecting Reload Proxy As > original from the marking menu.