Visualizing Index on Screen in Blender

Jul 4, 2024

Visualizing Index on Screen in Blender

Introduction

  • Topic: How to visualize an index on screen using Blender.
  • Viewer suggestion: Use repeat zones.
  • Goal: Show how to set this up.

Steps to Set Up Geometry Nodes

  1. Initial Setup: Geometry Nodes Workspace
  • Click the tab at the top and click the plus sign for new geometry nodes.
  • Use A to select all and scale the geometry apart.
  • Delete only the faces to see the wireframe better.
  1. String to Curves Node
  • Use the String to Curves node to convert text into geometry.
  • Add a Join Geometry node to merge this with existing geometry.
  • Input some text to see it represented as geometry.
  • Explain the significance of the single input circle (blue dot) vs. the field (diamond value).

Using Repeat Zone

  • Concept: Similar to a for loop in programming.
    • One repeat of the loop: Step.
    • Number of times steps repeat: Iterations.
  • Goal: Display text at every point of the geometry (displaying iterations).
  • Domain Size Node: Get the point count as the number of iterations.

Creating Text for Each Point

  1. Group Output: Ensure geometry within the repeat zone goes to group output.
  2. Existing Geometry: Alt drag to join existing geometry to the created text.
  3. Setting Position: Define positions using the Sample Index Node.
  4. Geometry Input: Connect initial geometry input to the repeat zone.
  5. Positioning Text: Using offset instead to avoid squashing the text.

Initializing and Incrementing Index

  1. Initial Values: Define starting index (I) at zero.
  2. Repeat Zone: Ensure the index (I) increments by one every step using an integer.

Displaying Correct Values

  • Value to String Node: Convert index value (I) to string to display numbers rather than the word "text".
  • Optional: Rotate instances for desired visualization using the Rotate Instances node.
  • Final Check: Ensure the geometry doesn't double vertices.

Creating a Reusable Node Group

  • Steps:
    1. Select all relevant nodes and dissolve unnecessary connections to avoid doubling vertices.
    2. Press Ctrl+G to group the nodes into a custom node group.
  • Result: A reusable node group named Visualize Indices.
  • Example Usage:
    • Add a grid.
    • Set up a new geometry node setup.
    • Call the custom node group using Shift+A.

Conclusion

  • Recap on how to visualize indices in geometry nodes.
  • Encourage feedback and subscriptions.