Using Twist Deformer

1. Select the object you wish to Twist-Deform.
   If you wish to deform multiple objects, first nest them in a new part in the Browser. Twist Deformer will apply to all child objects, but cannot be used with multiple sibling objects. Twist Deformer cannot be applied to the Root Part.
   
   Twist Deformer can deform line objects, curved surfaces, and polygon meshes. It does not work on extruded or revolved solids.
   

   Note When a closed line is deformed, the points may no longer lie on the same plane. In this case, the closed line object will not render properly.

2. Select Twist Deformer from the Modify tool in the Toolbox.
   
   

   Tip The Twist Deformer plug-in can also be invoked from the Modify submenu in the Tools menu or the Figure window contextual menu.

3. The Twist Deformer Settings opens.
   

   Twist Deformer Settings

   
   You can specify options for the deformation. Refer to the Reference section below for more information on the options.
4. When you click the OK button in the settings window, several objects are automatically created, and the preparation for deformation is completed.
   

   Twist Deformer Settings

   
   The vertical red line is the Axis of Twist for Twist deformation, the red crossed lines with an arrow are the Twist Amount Controller, and the white crossed lines with an arrow are the Fixed Guide.
   

   Tip To enable coloring of the Twist Amount Controller and Fixed Guide, you must select the On option from the Colored Wireframe pull-down menu in the Colors tab of the Preferences window. This window opens when you select the Preferences... option from the Edit menu (Win) or the Shade menu (Mac).

   In the Browser, a number of parts or shapes are created. When the preparation for Twist deformation is finished, the parts are automatically displayed in the Browser in their collapsed view and the Twist Amount Controller (TwistDeformer...) is selected.
   
   While the Twist Amount Controller is selected, the joint value slider in the Object Info Window is active.
   When you manipulate the joint value slider, the Twist Amount Controller in the Figure Window is rotated.
5. When you adjust the joint value slider of the Twist Amount Controller, or change the value entered in the joint value text box, the Twist deformation process automatically starts.
   
   The Twist deformation process is performed.
   
   If the process takes more than a moment, a progress bar will be displayed.
   If you click the Cancel button before the process is finished, the object will be partially twisted.
   To deform the object again, manipulate the joint value slider, or select the Twist Deformer option from the Modify tool in the Toolbox again.