Maybe it is time for the Array 2.0?
Since some movement in the modifier area has been started, I have a suggestion for the new cloner/array modifier.
Luckily most of the functions are here and just need to be assembled. And yes, I understand that these functions probably will need to be written from scratch but at least ideas and the logic are here.
What’s need to be done:
A) Several clone matrices types:
- 3d Grid
2) Radial
3) Linear
(Current array function)
4) Object
(former Dupliverts / currently instancing)
5) Clone on a curve.
B) Falloff types
- Effecting the clones with falloffs (similar to “Proportional editing” mode)
2) Object falloff
(we have similar function with dynamic paint where one object can affect other)
3) Vertex weight falloff
(again dynamic paint)
C) Randomize clones
- We already have the “randomize transform” operator so it should be enough for the start.
2) Randomize with noise texture as with displacement modifier.
D) Clone group
- Duplicate group of clones with the proportion sliders for the amount of each in the grid
(we have this function in particle modifier)
.
I believe that good cloner is bread & butter for a lot of workflows and will help blender to start its way in areas like motion graphics.
Thank you Blender community!
15 Comments
It is probably not a time for new array modifier. And cloner/instancer is not even modifier (end result of modifier is single mesh).
All those features and even more will probably be available via geometry and object nodes that will come in 2.9x. So making array modifier now that have less possilities than near future features would be waste of time.
At least the radial mode should be already there...
Regarding this I always miss Modo's way of duplicating mesh selections. It's not a modifier version in this case but destructive. Still it's super intuitive because you can actually SEE what you are doing in the viewport and manipulate the items directly to drag/snap them where you need them to be instead of just modifying numerical values:
Of course you still can manipulate values numerically or even switch the number or modes etc. For example you can switch ehwther you want to drag the last item in the array and distribute the amount between evenly or drag the first to set the distance.
And before someone immediately answers that it's already doable in Blender with an Empty in the modifier: Yes, I know. That's not the point. The modifier has to be set up very lengthy and still does not support a real end-point drag. The curve modification by rotation is not really intuitive.
I think at least, the modifier could be expanded by a "Add Empty (At cursor/ObjectOrigin)" quick button under the picer object:
So yeah - what I'm saying is: I am also very much in favor of easier Array modification and creation and would like to add into consideration how much direct feedback - meaning editing in the editor without a long winded setup - i important for good workflow. :)
* @motionblur.of.doom * Huh, i just realized that there is no array tool
its funny cause every other modifier (that makes sense) have corresponding tool in edit mode but not array :d
good one as separate proposal
Oh Yeah a Must Be! A modifier like than will give some candy option for non destructive workflow. Even if it will come with Nodes i think it have is place in the modifier stack.
Yesssssssss
I think we could consider this to be done in blender 5.0
With Geometry Nodes this could be closed.
This should be moved to Done. Everything here is doable with Geometry Nodes now.
youtu.be/dgCewpx2qD8
There may be a record macro button to completely define array function.
Yes! Please! There is nothing less intuitive than making clones in Blender. The fact that it can be done from the instances as properties of an object or with a modifier is already cumbersome and not very intuitive. Maybe an Array Object, everything inside it will be cloned.
Falloff and randomised looks dope.
also the array could have an rotation option to array and rotate each object it creates
Array is not cloner, it is duplicator. Reason — ability to bend and merge.