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+ | =====Chapter 1: Getting Started - Overview===== | ||
+ | ----- | ||
+ | Welcome to the SpeedTree Modeler. This page is an overview of the fundamentals you will need to be able to model trees accurately. Please keep reading for more info. | ||
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+ | ==== Modeling with SpeedTree ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | === Understanding " | ||
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+ | SpeedTree models consist primarily of two types of objects: generators and nodes. | ||
+ | Generators can be thought of as rule sets that define how a certain part of the tree grows. There are generators that describe branches, fronds, batched leaves, leaf meshes, caps, zones, and < | ||
+ | Nodes are the actual components of a specific tree model. Generators create the nodes based on property values < | ||
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+ | === Linking Generators === | ||
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+ | Tree models are created by first setting up the generators. For example, to create a new tree with a trunk and twenty branches growing off of the trunk would require three generators – a Tree generator (every tree has one), a Branch generator for the trunk, and another Branch generator for the branches growing off of the trunk. The trunk would be a child of the Tree generator with a frequency value of 1. The branches generator would be a child of the trunk with a frequency value of 20. This can all be accomplished by linking generators together in the Generation window (pictured above) by dragging the generator icons on top of other icons. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Generator Templates === | ||
+ | An easy way to get a basic tree going (similar to the one described above) is to simply add " | ||
+ | - Right-click on the 'Tree Generator' | ||
+ | - Right-click on the " | ||
+ | |||
+ | Notice that the " | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Editing Properties === | ||
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+ | The length, radii, angles, and other properties of the trunk and branches are edited by modifying the corresponding values for each on the Property Editor. | ||
+ | |||
+ | For example, to make the trunk longer you would increase the Length property of the " | ||
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+ | The 'Tree Generator' | ||
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+ | |||
+ | === Controlling Properties with Curves === | ||
+ | |||
+ | To vary the computed values of nodes based on their positions in the tree, edit the green " | ||
+ | With the cyan " | ||
+ | (Note: Within the Property Editor, the Parent Curve is always to the left of the Profile Curve.) | ||
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+ | {{ : | ||
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+ | **Randomizing Seeds** | ||
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+ | Once you have made a tree, new variations can be created by simply changing any of the generators' | ||
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+ | {{ : | ||
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+ | **Using Forces to Shape the Model** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Use a " | ||
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+ | {{ : | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Hand Draw Precise Branches === | ||
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+ | |||
+ | We've incorporated the ability to hand draw tree elements with a tablet device (or with only a mouse). Hand drawn branches can be crafted into any shape you can imagine, and they can be linked seamlessly with procedural content. Not only that, but they are constructed from Bézier spline control points that are easy to manipulate in world space while in node editing mode (see next sub-topic). | ||
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+ | {{ : | ||
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+ | === Get It Perfect with Node Editing === | ||
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+ | |||
+ | Once the tree is reasonably close to what you're looking for individual nodes can be selected and edited explicitly. Don't like where a branch is? Select it and move it. Is a leaf is sticking out too far? Select it and delete it. Need more segments on a low branch? Select it and increase the polygonal resolution. It is this type of editing that gives artists much more control over the modeling process than exists with typical procedural modeling approaches. Any node edited in this manner can still be modified by its associated generator since node edits are really offsets of computed values. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In order to be able to select individual nodes, you must select the Generator Button within the Tree Window Toolbar so it switches to Node Mode. | ||
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+ | **Add Your Own Textures or Custom Meshes** | ||
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+ | Use any of the textures or mesh assets that ship with the SpeedTree Model Library, or use your own! SpeedTree supports the importing of a wide variety of image and 3D mesh formats, allowing you to import your own art for use with your tree models. | ||
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