# 2d reference images for modeling Maya lets you insert flat 2d images directly into your modeling space to use as direct references while building your model. ![[Pasted image 20221003151740.png]] ## basic workflow 1. Save your reference images into the **sourceimages** subfolder of your Maya project folder 2. Create a front view 1. **Create > Free Image Plane** 2. In the **Attribute Editor** scroll down to **Image Plane Attributes** and find the **Image Name** option. Click the folder icon 3. Select image and it will appear in your modeling space 4. Lower opacity of image by dialing down **Alpha Gain** 5. Move plane to have behind model 6. Open **Channel Box/Layer Editor** and scroll down to **Display** tab. 7. Select **Image Plane** and then choose to **Create New Layer From Selected** 8. In the layer list, click the third box on the left of the name until it has an **R**. this locks the layer from being selected 9. Clicking the **V** will turn the layer visibility on and off 3. Repeat process for a side view 1. **Create > Free Image Plane** 2. In the **Attribute Editor** scroll down to **Image Plane Attributes** and find the **Image Name** option. Click the folder icon 3. Select image and it will appear in your modeling space 4. Lower opacity of image by dialing down **Alpha Gain** 5. Rotate Image Plane 90 degrees 6. Move plane to have behind model 7. Open **Channel Box/Layer Editor** and scroll down to **Display** tab. 8. Select **Image Plane** and then choose to **Create New Layer From Selected** 9. In the layer list, click the third box on the left of the name until it has an **R**. this locks the layer from being selected. 10. Clicking the **V** will turn the layer visibility on and off 4. Create mesh primitive as a base for your model 5. Adjust the transparency of the mesh material to make it translucent 6. Use **Side** and **Front** panel views to adjust size and position to fit the reference images 7. Adjust edges and vertex elements as needed to fit the model to the reference images. ![[Pasted image 20221003152837.png]] The images from my demonstration: - [[2dfront.png]] - [[2dside.png]] - [[2dback.png]] --- Learn more: - [Set up 3d reference images for modeling from Maya Support and Learning](https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/Maya-GettingStarted/files/GUID-297946F9-44E6-4FA8-B47D-7C6066C8F272-htm.html) - [set up reference images for modeling in this youtube video from What Make Art](https://youtu.be/tXJFJa-nsAA) --- tags: #3d #maya #resources home: [[! 3d modeling- maya]]