To ensure the lesson works 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. Select File > Set Project and set the GettingStartedMaya2012LessonData\UVMapping directory as your Maya project. For more information, see Downloading the lesson files and setting the Maya project.
3. Select File > New Scene to create a new scene.
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 Polygons menu set. Unless otherwise noted, the directions in this chapter for making menu selections assume you’ve already selected the Polygons menu set.
6. Make sure Display > UI Elements > Help Line is turned on. You will use the Help Line while modeling.
7. Ensure that the interactive creation option for primitives is turned off by selecting Create > Polygon Primitives > Interactive Creation. The option is off when a check mark does not display beside the item’s name in the menu.
8. Make sure that Soft Selection is turned off by opening the Attribute Editor with the Select Tool active and unchecking the box marked Soft Select.