Merge allows you to merge 2 objects together, not much more to say!
Category: Object Manipulation
Useful when creating against a reference image, you’ll only need to model half of the object (assuming it has symmetry)
The extrude tool is considered one of the most powerful tools in Maya, Can be used to extrude faces, edges and vertices (Best used on faces).
Edge loops allow you to add details to your object at points you choose.
Boolean tools provide a way of intersecting or joining objects into shapes that would otherwise be impossible, or very difficult to model.
Combine multiple objects into a single object. Then pull them apart again:
How to apply symmetry when creating or manipulating an object.
Sometimes you will want to deform and object (by selecting faces, vertices or edges), this can be problematic if you also want the surrounding vertices to be effected by this move, making the deform action more organic. This is done using “Soft Selection”
When you start to model in Maya, you start with a basic shape and model into the shape or object that you want. This can often be done by adding more detail to our models.