In this section we will explain the purpose and use of the tools available for the creation of surfaces.
Unlike curves, that have only one dimension (conventionally called U) in space, surfaces have an extra dimension called V. Any point on a surface can be identified by specifying U and V values. If we thought about a sphere, we could say that U and V directions are very similar to latitude and longitude. UV parameters are extremely important when you have to position textures onto a surface: mapping will be performed according to the UV orientation.
Once you have created a new surface, any surface creation tool offers you a number of options to modify parameters and/or apply new commands.
Each parameter/command can be modified/applied by working in the views only, in the Modeling Tool panel, or both in Views and Modeling Tool panel.
Below is a description of all the possibilities for each parameter/command:
Views: steps to follow that allow you to work in the views only;
Modeling Tool panel: steps to follow that allow you to work in the Modeling Tool panel only;
Views / Modeling Tool panel: steps to follow that require you to work in both views and Modeling Tool panel.