To ensure the lessons work as described, do these steps before beginning:

1. If you have not already done so, download the lesson files from http://www.autodesk.com/maya-tutorials. Copy the Getting Started 2012 Lesson Files zip file to your local drive and unzip the folder.
2. Create a new project as follows:
   • Select File > Project Window and click the New button.
   • Click the folder icon in the Location field to navigate to the GettingStartedMaya2012LessonData folder so that the project you create will be saved within this folder.
   • Enter NURBS under Current Project.
   • Click Accept.

   The NURBS project has now been created.

3. Select File > New Scene to create a new scene before starting each lesson.
4. Make sure the Construction History icon (below the menu bar) is on: . (If it is turned off, it has a large X across it.)
5. Select the Surfaces menu set. Unless otherwise noted, the directions in this chapter for making menu selections assume you’ve already selected the Surfaces menu set.
   Note

   Before you perform the lessons in this book, ensure that the Interactive Creation option for primitives is turned off by selecting Create > NURBS Primitives > Interactive Creation. That is, ensure a check mark does not appear beside the menu item.

6. Make sure that Soft Selection is turned off by opening the Tool Settings Editor with the Select Tool active and unchecking the box marked Soft Select.