Selecting edge loops

In the top view, the rows of edges immediately above and below the X-axis, and the row to the right of the Z-axis are not straight. You’ll want to align the edges in these rows (referred to as edge loops) by snapping them to the grid using the Move Tool. An edge loop is a path of polygon edges that are connected in sequence by their shared vertices. Edge loop selections are very useful when you model using polygons.

To align edges on the helmet mesh

1. Change to the Select Tool.
2. Right-click the mesh and select Edge from the marking menu that appears.

   Maya’s component selection mode is set to edges.

3. Double-click one edge in the edge-loop directly below the X-axis.

   The edge loop is selected.

4. On the Status Line, turn on the Snap to Grids feature by clicking the icon.
   

   Snap to Grids lets you move selected components to the closest grid line or grid intersection point. When many components are selected, you can align them to each other via the grid simultaneously.

5. In the Toolbox, double-click the Move Tool to display its tool settings.
6. In the Move Snap Settings, turn off the Retain component spacing setting.

   Close the Tool Settings window.

7. In the top view, click-drag the blue arrow on the Move Tool manipulator downwards a small distance.

   The edge loop immediately snaps to a lower grid line. It is not positioned at the location you want, but all of the edges in the loop you selected are now aligned to each other.

8. On the Status Line, turn off the Snap to Grids feature by clicking its icon.
9. With the Move Tool still active in the top view, drag the manipulator arrow upwards a short distance so the edge loop is positioned roughly at its original location (which should be at the second grid line below the X-axis).
10. Using the steps described above, align the other edge loop that appears above the X-axis and then align the edge loop directly to the right of the Z-axis.

    When you have finished, the edge loops nearest the X and Z axes are aligned. (see image below)

    

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