To ensure the lesson works as described, do these steps before beginning:

1. Select File > New Scene.
2. Make sure Construction History (below the menu bar) is on: . (If it is turned off, the icon has a large X across it).
3. 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.

4. Make sure Display > UI Elements > Help Line is turned on.

   You will use the Help Line while modeling.

5. If you have not already done so, copy the GettingStarted folder from its installation location to your projects directory. Then, set the GettingStarted directory as your Maya project. For more information, see Copying and setting the Maya project.
6. As you work through these lessons, remember to save your work frequently and increment the name of the file every so often (filename1, filename2, and so on).

   In this way you’ll have earlier versions of your work to return to should the need arise.

7. 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.