Pattern Offset (Angle, Z)
Pattern Offset lets you reposition an effect in vase-mode space without changing the base geometry or duplicating profiles. Instead of “making the effect stronger,” it changes where the effect is sampled, which is ideal for alignment, layering, and controlled asymmetry.
The Mathematics
In vase mode, every point is evaluated in (θ, Z) space:
- θ (theta) — Angular position around the circumference (0° to 360°)
- Z — Vertical height position (0mm to total height)
Pattern Offset transforms these coordinates before the effect calculates its result:
θ' = θ + θOffset
z' = z + zOffsetParameters
Angle Offset (°)- Rotates the effect around the circumference. 0° = no change, 180° = opposite side, 360° = full rotation (same as 0°). Angular wrapping is continuous.
Z Offset (mm)- Shifts the effect up or down vertically. Positive values move the effect upward, negative values move it downward. Clamped to valid height range (0 to total height).
Pattern Offset vs Phase (and Twist)
- Pattern Offset: moves the entire effect in \((θ, Z)\) space before evaluation.
- Phase: shifts the effect’s internal waveform/pattern, but doesn’t “move the effect” globally.
- Twist (where available): changes how the pattern rotates as Z increases (a progressive rotation), not a fixed placement.
Use Cases
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Controlled Asymmetry | Position decorative elements at specific angles. Stack two identical effects with different angle offsets to create mirrored or opposing patterns. |
| Staggered Effects | Use Z offset to create effects that start/end at different heights. Perfect for graduated textures or tiered decorations. |
| Pattern Alignment | Align multiple effects precisely. Use angle offset to rotate patterns to face specific directions (front, back, sides). |
| Layered Compositions | Duplicate an effect and offset each copy to build complex layered results that would be impossible with a single instance. |
Quick Recipes
Mirror an effect front/back
- Duplicate the effect
- Set the duplicate to Angle Offset (°) = 180
Create a “band” that starts later
- Set Z Offset (mm) so the effect moves upward
- Combine with envelope-style parameters (if the effect has them) for a clean fade-in/out