====== Absolute Steps ======
The Absolute Steps mode generates a fixed number of groups (or steps) for each parent.  Steps are generated at regular intervals such that the specified number fits between "Shared:First" and "Shared:Last."

>**Note:** [[genmode_interval|"Interval"]] mode is almost always a better choice than "Absolute Steps" mode.

Each of this generation mode's properties is described below.

== Steps ==
The number of steps created.

== Per Step ==
The properties in this group control the nodes at each step.

==Number==
Sets the number of nodes in a step.

==Spread==
Use this value to apply a random up or down offset to the nodes in each step.  A value of 0.0 means each node in the group is placed at the same position along the parent. A value of 1.0 means each node might spread out as far as the next or previous step.

==Roll==
Each node is rotated this amount from its initially computed angle.

== Jumble ==
A variance is placed on each node's orientation in order to achieve a more natural and random appearance. 

== Sweep ==
Specifies an arc around the parent node where nodes are eligible to be generated.

== Roll ==
Each node is rotated this absolute amount from its initially computed angle.

== Align Style ==
When "Align" is enabled, generated nodes attempt to roll their initial orientation skyward as much as they can, according to the following options:

^Individual|Each node rolls skyward independently.|
^Group|All of the nodes in the group roll skyward together.|

== Align ==
This option toggles the skyward rolling behavior described above.

==== Shared ====
The "Shared" properties are common to all generation modes and are documented [[generation_properties#Shared|here]].