In C 1.1, I create a new spline object, draw an oval cross-section, then set the method as translation (or pipeline, same end result) and the envelope as free.

Then I select one envelope: the upper one when viewing from the left. When I try to import an Illustrator file (filename.ai) as an envelope, it draws the file on both the upper and lower envelope, and resets the envelope to symmetrical.

Is there some trick to importing Illustrator files to make free (asymmetrical) envelopes?

Hi MS, No trick. It can't currently be done. However, you can get some pretty good results another way. I usually create a side view sweep path for pipline extrusion objects as you've described. Following that, I'll choose 'Free' in the extrusion envelope option. Finally, I'll create some custom cross sections to handle any assymetry in the object and go and adjust the envelope path as required. Final adjustments can be made to object by (this is for safety's sake) duplicating the object and converting it to a vertex model. This way you can go in and adjust individual vertices to your liking. Sorry for the cheesy example but it's all I have time for this morning. Good luck! Mark www.markbremmer.com

O.K., thanks, Mark. I had a feeling it was not going to work. Doing it your way is good, but if we could import different top, bottom, right and left envelopes, it might be a time-saver. Maybe in C2.2 or 2.3.

Mark:
Could you put out a tutorial on using spline envelopes? I always leave the spline modeller a bit confused and mucho frustrated. (Have read & re-read the manual.
...deedub

We'll do. I'll be posting some tutorials on my site which relaunches in a couple of days. (it was supposed to be today but you know how that goes...) Mark

Thanks, Mark. I'll look forward to it. ...deedub