Line Pattern
Creates parallel raised lines or rings with adjustable width, sharpness, and optional depth variation. Direction selects between vertical lines (grooves along the height) and horizontal lines (rings around the circumference).
This is a versatile effect for producing fluted columns, ribbed containers, corrugated surfaces, or decorative banding.
Parameters
Amplitude- Ridge height in mm (0–10). Controls how far the lines protrude from the surface.
Count- Number of lines (1–40). More lines create a denser pattern.
Rows- Number of rows used for depth variation along the perpendicular axis (1–50). Only meaningful when Depth Variation is above 0.
Width- Width of each ridge as a fraction of the spacing (0.05–0.95). Lower values produce thin fins with wide gaps; higher values produce wide plateaus with narrow grooves.
Sharpness- Edge sharpness of the ridges (0–1). At 0, ridges have soft, rounded profiles. At 1, ridges have crisp vertical walls.
Direction- 0 = vertical lines running along the height. 1 = horizontal rings running around the circumference.
Depth Variation- Modulates ridge heights for a less uniform look (0–1). At 0, all ridges are the same height. At 1, ridges vary maximally.
Variation Mode- 0 = sine variation (smooth wave). 1 = alternating (every other ridge). 2 = noise-like (pseudo-random heights).
How It Works
Line Pattern evaluates a periodic pulse function at each vertex position. The pulse width and sharpness control the profile of each ridge: narrow pulses with high sharpness create sharp blade-like fins, while wide pulses with low sharpness create broad, gently rounded humps.
When Depth Variation is above zero, the amplitude of each line is modulated by a secondary function selected by Variation Mode. This breaks up the uniformity and adds visual interest.