NVil Forum
General Category => NVILL Discussion => Topic started by: IStonia on July 06, 2017, 09:32:12 am
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Can any one test this new streamline tool?
Draw Mesh
Draw grid lines to create polygons of 4 or 3 edges. Use LMB to draw lines. To straighten line, tap Space key. To close line, tap Caps-Lock key. To draw horizontal/vertical lines, press down Shift key. To remove a line, right click at it. The line will be drawn on reference object or on viewport plane depending on retopo mode enabled or not. The mesh will be created on tool exit. The grid lines should be in a shape close to flat, not too much 3D, or the result may not be as expected.
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-06-17.rar
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Hi Istonia,
When using for retopo, if option "Close line" is used, the line does not draw on reference object, it simply creates straight line between endpoints. Is that correct function?
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Hi Istonia,
When using for retopo, if option "Close line" is used, the line does not draw on reference object, it simply creates straight line between endpoints. Is that correct function?
Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-07-17.rar
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Hi Istonia.
I'm testing your latest build.
Could you tell me how to use this new tool ? I tried to run the command but nothing happens when drag the mouse with LMB pressed.
NVIL always performs a selection.
What I have to do to test this new tool ?
Thanks.
Marco (mdkm)
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Hi IStonia,
Appears to be working as described.
Have checked:
Projection to workgrid
Projection to viewport
Projection to workplane
Projection to reference mesh(retopo)
There can be some issues while working to reference mesh, but it depends on angle of mesh and if drawn lines do not always create quad/tri (so a limitation?)
Would it be possible to have function similar to "Retopo >> X" where cross section of reference mesh can be created? or would that be too much of a pain/problem to impliment?
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Would it be possible to have function similar to "Retopo >> X" where cross section of reference mesh can be created? or would that be too much of a pain/problem to impliment?
Do you mean 45 degrees line?
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Do you mean 45 degrees line?
No.
See:- Help >> Contents >> Modeling >> Edge Selection >> Retopo >> "By Connecting Splines"
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Works great! Thanks, its only tool that was missing from already superb retopology toolset that Nvil has. I have small request though. Would it be possible to add ability of drawing the line from already existing vertices, as the continuation of the edges. so when the mesh is created, its already connected to the adjecant geometry. Hope it makes sense.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-08-17.rar
New tool tips
Draw grid lines to create polygons. The mesh will be created on tool exit. The line will be drawn on reference object or on viewport plane depending on retopo mode enabled or not. The grid lines should be in a shape close to flat, not too much 3D, or the result may not be as expected. Use LMB to draw lines. To straighten line, tap Space key. To close line, tap Caps-Lock key. To draw horizontal/vertical lines, press down Shift key. To draw diagonal lines, press down Ctrl key. To remove a line, right click at it. To create lines between two specified lines, MMB-click or LMB-click+Shift/Ctrl to select the first line, then LMB-Click the second line and drag to adjust the number of lines to be created. To import lines from scene splines, Caps-Lock+RMB.
Works great! Thanks, its only tool that was missing from already superb retopology toolset that Nvil has. I have small request though. Would it be possible to add ability of drawing the line from already existing vertices, as the continuation of the edges. so when the mesh is created, its already connected to the adjecant geometry. Hope it makes sense.
It is done.
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I've done some testing on the new features, and to be honest I love where it's going. However I encountered some issues during the tests.
1.When connecting closed circles it gives unpredictable results.
(https://content-na.drive.amazonaws.com/cdproxy/templink/rcZ7LR-DL9WkgUQlgTEUnqdo61ea3XZvFarid2uIJbcpX92IB?viewBox=378%2C292)(https://content-na.drive.amazonaws.com/cdproxy/templink/GuAbvdHo-rv3jMrm6py8-UN9DCK58ZbB8XPNc8QtjAopX92IB?viewBox=253%2C241)
It would be better when connecting closed shapes to create only one line, exactly between first and second click, and then add other ones according to its positions.
(https://content-na.drive.amazonaws.com/cdproxy/templink/pxGlycwIuGHirY0ixOmcRCMO50aIY5hDC9oc55yuMzYpX92IB?viewBox=317%2C294)
2.When connecting two lines and adding devisions, it works great, but when I try to connect perpendicular lines as well, to create a polygon grid, it becomes a bit messy.
(https://content-na.drive.amazonaws.com/cdproxy/templink/WP-IoygazuRXJ28UOtrtaKLNWOKMGydqeaTy9YMli7ApX92IB?viewBox=373%2C322)(https://content-na.drive.amazonaws.com/cdproxy/templink/tMbdm92_QYHEQZiymYBN64y_vmc5pQpzSkOF8152QqspX92IB?viewBox=300%2C286)
My solution to that would be to have the ability to convert the connected shape to patch first, the add spans/divisions along both U and V by dragging up-down, and left-right. And then after that convert it back to lines, or make a geo from it. To illustrate that:
(https://content-na.drive.amazonaws.com/cdproxy/templink/othhjJ-IYUuy2il8O0OPft2eQZqa4-tgW_XdA8m03C8pX92IB?viewBox=951%2C294)
I don't think its a perfect solution though, it's hard to tell how it should behave when having more then one possible patches.
It would be also nice for the in between lines to have some kind of interpolation relatively to the first and the last line, opposite to being straight, to prevent uwnanted intersections.
3.In both cases it almost always, if not always, fails to create one of the polygons, leaving an empty space (on the two of above screenshots).
All in all, all those issues are not game breakers for me, as I can quickle fix everything post mesh creation, but this make the tool less efficient I guess.
Hope I didn't make it confusing, and thanks again for an awesome update:)
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Hey guys.
This StreamLine tool looks really good, but I have some trouble accessing it. I have assigned a hotkey to it and from what I understand the tool requires retopo mode to be enabled. When I hold the hotkey and try to draw over my reference mesh, NVil enters a rectangular selection mode. In fact, I don't even see the tool's name appearing in the top section of the viewport when I press the hotkey.
Any tips on how to use the tool?
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Okay, never mind. I was in object mode instead of component. It works. :)
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Hi everyone.
I'm sorry but...I'm the only one who is having trouble to understand how this new tool works ?
Please, Istonia or anyone else, can you tell me how to use this new tool ?
What is its workflow ?
Thanks.
Marco (mdkm)
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Draw Mesh
The line will be drawn on reference object or on viewport plane depending on retopo mode enabled or not. The mesh will be created on tool exit. The grid lines should be in a shape close to flat, not too much 3D, or the result may not be as expected.
Hi Istonia, I really like where you are heading with this tool
Like others I was confused how the tool works when drawing on the viewport plane. I have to open the retopo dialog box and then close it again for the tool to work. I figured it out but it is confusing.
It would also be great if the tool allowed you to join onto existing mesh, if that is possible.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-10-17.rar
New tool tips
* A new streamline tool added, Draw Mesh. Draw grid lines to create polygons. The mesh will be created on tool exit. The line will be drawn on reference object or on viewport plane depending on retopo mode enabled or not. The grid lines should be in a shape close to flat, not too much 3D, or the result may not be as expected. WAYS: 1** Use LMB to draw lines. To straighten line, tap Space key. To close line, tap Caps-Lock key. To draw horizontal/vertical lines, press down Shift key. To draw diagonal lines, press down Ctrl key. 2** To remove a line, right click at it. 3** To create lines between two specified lines, MMB-click or LMB-click+Shift/Ctrl to select the first line, then LMB-Click the second line and drag, or Shift/Ctrl+drag, to adjust the segments. If the order incorrect, tap Space key to fix. 4** To create lines inside a rectangle formed by 4 lines, Caps-Lock+LMB and drag, or Shift/Ctrl+drag, to adjust the segments. 5** To import lines from scene splines, Caps-Lock+RMB and drag over 400 pixels.
Draw Mesh
The line will be drawn on reference object or on viewport plane depending on retopo mode enabled or not. The mesh will be created on tool exit. The grid lines should be in a shape close to flat, not too much 3D, or the result may not be as expected.
Hi Istonia, I really like where you are heading with this tool
Like others I was confused how the tool works when drawing on the viewport plane. I have to open the retopo dialog box and then close it again for the tool to work. I figured it out but it is confusing.
It would also be great if the tool allowed you to join onto existing mesh, if that is possible.
You can create a streamline tool and check its option to allow the streamline tool to be opened while a visual tool like the Retopo tool is opened.
I can't see a way to join it to existing mesh.
Hi everyone.
I'm sorry but...I'm the only one who is having trouble to understand how this new tool works ?
Please, Istonia or anyone else, can you tell me how to use this new tool ?
What is its workflow ?
Thanks.
Marco (mdkm)
Do you have problem to activate the tool?
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You can create a streamline tool and check its option to allow the streamline tool to be opened while a visual tool like the Retopo tool is opened.
This is what is confusing everyone, that you have to open the retopo tool for Draw Mesh to work on the view plane.
Could the tool be programmed so it works without having to open retopo tool ?
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You can create a streamline tool and check its option to allow the streamline tool to be opened while a visual tool like the Retopo tool is opened.
This is what is confusing everyone, that you have to open the retopo tool for Draw Mesh to work on the view plane.
Could the tool be programmed so it works without having to open retopo tool ?
It is only a basic streamline tool. You don't have to open the Retopo tool to access it.
As what I stated before, you can include this tool into a streamline tool. If you want it to be able to be opened while the Retopo tool is open, you can set the related options. Otherwise just use it in the normal way as other streamline tools.
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Like others I was confused how the tool works when drawing on the viewport plane. I have to open the retopo dialog box and then close it again for the tool to work. I figured it out but it is confusing.
Looks like I may not understand what you meant. What is this "dialog box" you talk about? Is it the Retopo visual tool or the Retopo Reference window? And why you have to open it for the tool to work?
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This is relevant to drawing on the workplane or viewplane. I have assigned the D key to Draw Mesh
What is this "dialog box" you talk about? Is it the Retopo visual tool or the Retopo Reference window?
Retopo visual tool.
If I do not open the retopo visual tool and close it again Draw mesh will only create selections and not draw lines. This only happens when I first open Nvil.
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That is strange. When I implement and test this tool, I never open the Retopo tool and I never have this problem. But if retopo mode is enabled, you can not draw lines in viewport plane, you can only draw lines on reference object.
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Reading back through the thread, Marco is having the same issue as myself.
Perhaps others can confirm.
It only happens when you first start Nvil. After that it is Ok.
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Does it still happen when you close and open NVill again.
It is a subobject tool so it won't work in object mode.
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Does it still happen when you close and open NVill again.
It is a subobject tool so it won't work in object mode.
Hi Istonia.
@You : "Do you have problem to activate the tool?"
Yes. I'm sorry but I don't understand the way this tool works.
Could you please write the steps I need to follow to use this tool from scratch after first launching of Nvil and without any object present in scene ?
Maybe you could create a very little video tutorial (with Monosnap it's very easy).
Thanks.
Marco (mkdm)
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Hi Kevin, try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-11-17.rar
The tool now works in all modes. You have to reassign you streamline tool.
I think that's the problem. When you first open the program, it is object mode. Then when you open the retopo tool, it changes to subobject mode.
Marco, all you need to do is drawing some lines which will cross each other and the program will use this intersecting points to create polygons.
If you still have problem, you can create a video to explain it. I am no good at making video.
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Does it still happen when you close and open NVill again.
Yes
It is a subobject tool so it won't work in object mode.
I have been trying to use the tool on the view plane in a new scene with no objects. I was in object mode.
If I start Nvil again (blank scene) and switch to subobject mode it works. Thanks for the tip !
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Hi Kevin, try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-11-17.rar
Beautiful thanks, working nicely in object mode now !
I think this simple change will avoid a lot of the confusion that people are experiencing on how the tool works. They must have all been in object mode also.
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Can you redownload again?
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Thanks Istonia, I got confused with all the versions, I've modified my post above.
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Hi Istonia.
Thanks for the info.
I downloaded latest version and in object mode all works fine.
This new tool now works only in object mode and no retopo enabled ?
What if I have retopo mode enabled ?
In that case how "draw lines" works ?
Thanks.
Marco (mkdm)
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It is only a basic streamline tool.
It is not. You added the function as an hard_coded "streamline engine tool".
As what I stated before, you can include this tool into a streamline tool.
You cannot directly add a "Streamlne engine tool" into a "Steamline engine tool", you have made it that way.
If you want it to be able to be opened while the Retopo tool is open, you can set the related options.
I have never been able to find a way to use a "streamline engine tool" while a "visual tool" is enable. The options do not work, or at least have never worked for me.
With current "Streamline engine tool" options:-
""can be activated when visual tool is on": While "Retopo" tool enabled, Steamline tool will not function
"Can be activated only when Retopo tool is on": Streamline tool only works while retopo mode is off.
Please test the functions.
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It is only a basic streamline tool.
It is not. You added the function as an hard_coded "streamline engine tool".
As what I stated before, you can include this tool into a streamline tool.
You cannot directly add a "Streamlne engine tool" into a "Steamline engine tool", you have made it that way.
If you want it to be able to be opened while the Retopo tool is open, you can set the related options.
I have never been able to find a way to use a "streamline engine tool" while a "visual tool" is enable. The options do not work, or at least have never worked for me.
With current "Streamline engine tool" options:-
""can be activated when visual tool is on": While "Retopo" tool enabled, Steamline tool will not function
"Can be activated only when Retopo tool is on": Streamline tool only works while retopo mode is off.
Please test the functions.
You are right, it is a hard coded streamline tool.
Try this and see if the options work properly or not.
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-12-17.rar
Hi Istonia.
Thanks for the info.
I downloaded latest version and in object mode all works fine.
This new tool now works only in object mode and no retopo enabled ?
What if I have retopo mode enabled ?
In that case how "draw lines" works ?
Thanks.
Marco (mkdm)
The tool works in all modes. If retopo mode is enabled, you can only draw lines on the surface of retopo reference objects. Otherwise you can only draw lines inside viewport plane.
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Works like a charm.
Is there a way to continue the stroke after its drawn?
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I don't know what you mean. Can you explain?
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After spending some time with Draw Mesh tool I can say its a lovely addition to NVil's toolset.
I've noticed two problems though:
- If Allow tapped to stay alive is enabled (required for being able to rotate the viewport with the tool activated) then if space key is pressed when Draw Mesh tool is enabled, it will invoke whatever is bound to that key (Mini/Maximize Viewport in my case).
- It looks like it is not currently possible to create vertices that have valence greater than four. To solve it, you could introduce a distance threshold setting that would allow Draw Mesh to fuse (weld) all vertices that are within a given customizable radius. 3D Coat has the same problem with its Strokes retopo tool and a cleanup is required each time after E-pole is drawn.
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I mean after I did a stroke ,can I continue the line by adding another, starting from the end of previous one. So the single line is composed of two continous strokes. That could be useful when drawing long continous lines when its imposiible to do so, due to reference mesh cuvature. Thanks to that I could just rotate the model and continue from where I ended.
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Try this and see if the options work properly or not.
Now appears to be working, thanks.
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I mean after I did a stroke ,can I continue the line by adding another, starting from the end of previous one. So the single line is composed of two continous strokes. That could be useful when drawing long continous lines when its imposiible to do so, due to reference mesh cuvature. Thanks to that I could just rotate the model and continue from where I ended.
Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-13-17.rar
To resume the drawing of a drawn line, Caps-Lock+RMB-Click the line at any of its two ends. Then continue its drawing.
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To resume the drawing of a drawn line, Caps-Lock+RMB-Click the line at any of its two ends. Then continue its drawing.
Resumimg(extening) a line, the line does not [while in "Retopo" mode] project to "Retopo reference object".
The line being extended cannot be closed (tap caps_lock key).
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..........you could introduce a distance threshold setting that would allow Draw Mesh to fuse (weld) all vertices that are within a given customizable radius.
I suggest you create a composite tool to either P_Weld(vertex) and/or collapse short edges on the mesh, that is called from the "Draw mesh" streamline_tool on exit.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-14-17.rar
New tooltips
Draw grid lines to create polygons. The mesh will be created on tool exit. The line will be drawn on reference object or on viewport plane depending on retopo mode enabled or not. The grid lines should be in a shape close to flat, not too much 3D, or the result may not be as expected. WAYS: 1** Use LMB to draw lines. To straighten line, tap Space key. To close line, tap Caps-Lock key. To draw horizontal/vertical lines, press down Shift key. To draw diagonal lines, press down Ctrl key. To allow the line to be drawn through the end of another line, enable spline snapping. 2** To resume the drawing of a drawn line, Caps-Lock+RMB-Click the line at any of its two ends. Then continue its drawing. 3** To remove a line, right click at it. 4** To create lines between two specified lines, MMB-click or LMB-click+Shift/Ctrl to select the first line, then LMB-Click the second line and drag, or Shift/Ctrl+drag, to adjust the segments. If the order incorrect, tap Space key to fix. 5** To create lines inside a rectangle enclosed by 4 lines, Caps-Lock+LMB and drag, or Shift/Ctrl+drag, to adjust the segments. 6** To import lines from scene splines, Caps-Lock+RMB and drag over 400 pixels.
To resume the drawing of a drawn line, Caps-Lock+RMB-Click the line at any of its two ends. Then continue its drawing.
Resumimg(extening) a line, the line does not [while in "Retopo" mode] project to "Retopo reference object".
The line being extended cannot be closed (tap caps_lock key).
Fixed.
After spending some time with Draw Mesh tool I can say its a lovely addition to NVil's toolset.
I've noticed two problems though:
- If Allow tapped to stay alive is enabled (required for being able to rotate the viewport with the tool activated) then if space key is pressed when Draw Mesh tool is enabled, it will invoke whatever is bound to that key (Mini/Maximize Viewport in my case).
- It looks like it is not currently possible to create vertices that have valence greater than four. To solve it, you could introduce a distance threshold setting that would allow Draw Mesh to fuse (weld) all vertices that are within a given customizable radius. 3D Coat has the same problem with its Strokes retopo tool and a cleanup is required each time after E-pole is drawn.
* In this tool, when the Space key is required there is a mouse button must be pressed. This can avoid the invoking of the command assigned to Space key.
* You can use snapping. For example, draw a line starting from the pole point. Enable spline snapping. Then draw the other lines and make sure they run through the pole point by snapping through the first spline's starting point.
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* You can use snapping. For example, draw a line starting from the pole point. Enable spline snapping. Then draw the other lines and make sure they run through the pole point by snapping through the first spline's starting point.
I can't make it to work. The mesh does not appear at all when I snap splines to a pole.
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Can you show how you did it in a video?
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I attached an animated gif to my last post.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-14-17.rar
One more new function. When extending a line, you can right click another line to join them together.
* You can use snapping. For example, draw a line starting from the pole point. Enable spline snapping. Then draw the other lines and make sure they run through the pole point by snapping through the first spline's starting point.
I can't make it to work. The mesh does not appear at all when I snap splines to a pole.
Fixed.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-14-17.rar (http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-14-17.rar)
IStonia, this file doesn't exist (404).
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This one
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-15-17.rar
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Ho ho, it works. :)
But my main problem is that I can't get used to workflow in which you need to plan ahead the position of poles first (= begin drawing from a spline that is connected to a pole), and then draw the rest of the edeges. For many years I've been doing the the exact opposite. Place main loops first, then think about where would the best position of poles be. :)
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https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvTFdRNEp6bmhjRVk (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvTFdRNEp6bmhjRVk)
Perhaps a post operation of vertex welding could be automated with a composite tool? But is it possible to apply global distance welding (within the current object) only to vertices of a mesh that was generated by the most recent Draw Mesh call? Otherwise, if there is already other geometry present in the current object, it could weld its vertices too, and this could easily turn into a disaster in production environment because there's a high chance the unwanted welding wouldn't be immediately noticed.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-16-17.rar
* To break a line, press RMB at the line then tap Space key.
* Edit > Preference > Draw Mesh auto weld threshold. It can be used to weld the generated vertices within new mesh and to the existing mesh.
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Please rethink snapping option.
For splines:- we have "Spline Snap" that snaps along length of spline, "Vertex snap" snaps to endpoints of spline.
With "Draw mesh", "Spline snap" is snapping to endpoints of [Draw mesh]Spline with no snapping to spline length.
It may appear small matter, but it is another inconsistancy.
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* Edit > Preference > Draw Mesh auto weld threshold. It can be used to weld the generated vertices within new mesh and to the existing mesh.
Thanks, welding works like a charm. I can't figure out how to connect the drawn mesh with the existing one though. I'm using vertex snapping and draw lines from existing vertices, but the mesh won't generate.
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* Edit > Preference > Draw Mesh auto weld threshold. It can be used to weld the generated vertices within new mesh and to the existing mesh.
Thanks, welding works like a charm. I can't figure out how to connect the drawn mesh with the existing one though. I'm using vertex snapping and draw lines from existing vertices, but the mesh won't generate.
Once the mesh is generated, the new vertices will be checked against the existing vertices. If close within auto weld threshold, weld.
Please rethink snapping option.
For splines:- we have "Spline Snap" that snaps along length of spline, "Vertex snap" snaps to endpoints of spline.
With "Draw mesh", "Spline snap" is snapping to endpoints of [Draw mesh]Spline with no snapping to spline length.
It may appear small matter, but it is another inconsistancy.
What I considered is that the reference object vertices may do harm to the snapping in vertex mode. But I will make it also available in vertex mode so you can have a choice.
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* Edit > Preference > Draw Mesh auto weld threshold. It can be used to weld the generated vertices within new mesh and to the existing mesh.
Thanks, welding works like a charm. I can't figure out how to connect the drawn mesh with the existing one though. I'm using vertex snapping and draw lines from existing vertices, but the mesh won't generate.
Once the mesh is generated, the new vertices will be checked against the existing vertices. If close within auto weld threshold, weld.
Ah, I see now. We need to draw lines over existing edges we are connecting to. This feels like a superfluous step. Do you think you could change it so it would work in cases similar to the following (see attachment)?
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-17-17.rar
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-17-17.rar (http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-17-17.rar)
I was trying to do the same thing that I did on the gif. NVil threw an exception and then crashed:
************** Exception Text **************
System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.Strln_DrawRetopo.CreateMesh(ArrayList polyHolders, ArrayList finalPts, Single scale)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.Strln_DrawRetopo.CreateGeometry(CharacterHolder hintObj)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.Strln_DrawRetopo.Exit()
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.StreamLineEngine.ActivateToolCore(StreamLineTool strlTool, Boolean enviromentCheckRequired, Boolean activatingByMouseButton)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.StreamLineEngine.set_activatedStrlTool(StreamLineTool value)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.StreamLineEngine.OnAppFormKeyUp(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.OnAppFormKeyUp(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.AnimationDesignGraphicWindow.OnAppFormKeyUp(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.AnimationDesignForm.OnFormKeyUp(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.KeyboardControler.Form_KeyUp(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.KeyEventHandler.Invoke(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.OnKeyUp(KeyEventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ProcessKeyEventArgs(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.ProcessKeyPreview(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ProcessKeyMessage(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmKeyChar(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)
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Any steps that can recreate the bug?
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Any steps that can recreate the bug?
100% reproducible on my end:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvUFJMNlh6YW1sOXc
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-18-17.rar
Still crash?
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-18-17.rar (http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-18-17.rar)
Still crash?
Unfortunately, yes. :(
The same exception is thrown.
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Test this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-18-17Test1.rar
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Looks like it depends on topology. Take a look:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvcDZXeV9pZy1STlE
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-19-17.rar
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I think you fixed it. :)
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Some observations from a little bit of further testing:
- 'Escape' key applies changes instead of canceling them.
- Individual strokes are not placed on Undo stack. I assume this is by design. It's fine with me (though I'd rather prefer each stroke to be put on the stack because we could always bulk undo using Show Undo Stack), but I do have one request. Please let it NOT undo last operation that was called before we entered the Draw Mesh mode. Just make it abort the drawing or clear all strokes. Currently hitting undo while in Draw Mesh mode will quit the mode and undo that last operation, whatever it was. So that undone operation needs to be redone again. A small detail, but a frustrating one. ;)
- Can Caps-Lock for closing splines be externalized for customization, so we could choose a different hotkey for it?
- I find it difficult to set proper welding radius without some form of a visual hint. Could you perhaps make it work in the same way that changing Soft Selection radius does? Tweaking soft selection radius requires a combination of CTRL+Mouse Wheel (I believe these are the default hotkeys for it?), and displays the radius as a sphere attached to cursor.
There were also a couple situations in which drawn splines that were connected to the existing geometry didn't generate polygons, but I'll have to record a video of that. Hopefully tomorrow evening.
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I just encountered what it seems to be an infinite loop of unhandled exceptions (object reference not set to an instance of an object) just after starting a new scene. In the previous one I was doing some mesh drawing.
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I just encountered what it seems to be an infinite loop of unhandled exceptions (object reference not set to an instance of an object) just after starting a new scene. In the previous one I was doing some mesh drawing.
Can you repeat it?
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Hopefully I can. I'll try tomorrow.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-20-17.rar
Some observations from a little bit of further testing:
- 'Escape' key applies changes instead of canceling them.
- Individual strokes are not placed on Undo stack. I assume this is by design. It's fine with me (though I'd rather prefer each stroke to be put on the stack because we could always bulk undo using Show Undo Stack), but I do have one request. Please let it NOT undo last operation that was called before we entered the Draw Mesh mode. Just make it abort the drawing or clear all strokes. Currently hitting undo while in Draw Mesh mode will quit the mode and undo that last operation, whatever it was. So that undone operation needs to be redone again. A small detail, but a frustrating one. ;)
- Can Caps-Lock for closing splines be externalized for customization, so we could choose a different hotkey for it?
- I find it difficult to set proper welding radius without some form of a visual hint. Could you perhaps make it work in the same way that changing Soft Selection radius does? Tweaking soft selection radius requires a combination of CTRL+Mouse Wheel (I believe these are the default hotkeys for it?), and displays the radius as a sphere attached to cursor.
There were also a couple situations in which drawn splines that were connected to the existing geometry didn't generate polygons, but I'll have to record a video of that. Hopefully tomorrow evening.
* Fixed.
* Done.
* What is the reason? I have changed it to Caps-Lock+Space.
* Done.
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* What is the reason? I have changed it to Caps-Lock+Space.
Yeah, I know. It was mostly a personal request. I use a system-wide program launcher (Humanized Enso) that uses CapsLock key to allow to type-in name of a program I want to launch or switch to. It's actually very convenient.
NVil is the only program that I use which makes utilizes CapsLock, so nothing else conflicts with Enso. I would change this shortcut in Enso itself if it was possible, but the program was discontinued some time ago and there's no chance that its devs will implement a feature for customizing this hotkey.
If it's too much of a trouble then it's not really a problem, I will just kill Enso process whenever I need to perform some retopo in NVil. :) But if one day you will be bored, with nothing important to do, etc., think about this request. ;)
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I find it difficult to set proper welding radius without some form of a visual hint. Could you perhaps make it work in the same way that changing Soft Selection radius does? Tweaking soft selection radius requires a combination of CTRL+Mouse Wheel (I believe these are the default hotkeys for it?), and displays the radius as a sphere attached to cursor.
* Done.
I noticed two problems with this:
- If something is bound to CTRL (like a Tweak (All Modes) tool on my end), then using CTRL+MouseWheel in Draw Mode to modify the welding distance will make NVil exit from Draw Mesh mode (it enters Tweak mode). This is not the case when modifying soft selection radius as it does not invoke whatever is bound to CTRL.
- The radius doesn't have to be displayed all the time. Only when user is changing it will do just fine.
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This is a newly loaded scene containing a single, frozen reference mesh. Retopo mode is enabled.
I lay down some strokes, but then press and hold CTRL (the first step to undo -> CTRL+Z). NVil registers CTRL as an attempt to invoke Tweak tool (which I have bound to that key, as I have mentioned earlier) and tries to generate the mesh (of course nothing is generated because I merely drew just a bunch of horizontal, non-crossing splines). When I hit the Z key while still holding CTRL, Undo is invoked and this clears the scene from all objects(!). What happens here is that NVil undoes Load File.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvQnFYVGg4QU93ODA (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvQnFYVGg4QU93ODA)
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Jul-30-17.rar
Edit: previous file deleted. Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Aug-04-17.rar
New tooltips
Draw grid lines to create polygons. The mesh will be created on tool exit, the auto weld threshold in preference setting(which can also be adjusted by [Ctrl|Shif|Caps-Lock|Tab]+WMB, or Caps-Lock+LMB+drag) can be used to weld the generated vertices within new mesh. To extend the existing mesh, use vertex snapping to draw lines from the existing mesh. If a line is drawn from an existing mesh vertex, the open edges of this vertex will be treated as lines by the program when generating new mesh. lines will be drawn on reference object or on viewport plane depending on retopo mode enabled or not. The grid lines should be in a shape close to flat, not too much 3D, or the result may not be as expected. WAYS: 1-- Use LMB to draw lines. To straighten line, tap Space key. To close line, tap Caps-Lock+Space key. To draw horizontal/vertical lines, press down Shift key. To draw diagonal lines, press down Ctrl key. To allow the line to be drawn through the end of another line, enable vertex/spline snapping. 2-- To resume the drawing of a drawn line, Caps-Lock+RMB-Click the line at any of its two ends. Then continue its drawing or right click another line to connect. 3-- To break a line, press RMB at the line then tap Space key. 4-- To remove a line, right click at it. 5-- To create lines between two specified lines, MMB-click or LMB-click+Shift/Ctrl to select the first line, then LMB-Click the second line and drag, or Shift/Ctrl+drag, to adjust the segments. If the order incorrect, tap Space key to fix. 6-- To create lines inside a rectangle enclosed by 4 lines, Caps-Lock+LMB and drag, or Shift/Ctrl+drag, to adjust the segments. 7-- To import lines from scene splines, Caps-Lock+RMB and drag over 400 pixels.
Also some new stuff to check
* It is possible to assign the same hotkey combination to different tools and the program will use the order in which hotkeys are pressed down to fire the right tool. For example, Undo: Ctrl+Z, Redo: Z+ctrl. If only one tool is assigned to the hotkey combination, the tool will be fired regardless the hotkey pressing order.
* Two new streamline basic tools, Polygon Tools > Subdivide_Normal/Smooth. Subdivide selected polygons.
* If a streamline-tool/visual-tool/radial-menu/hot-window is activated in a composite tool, the program will wait for its close before executing the following commands. Inother words they become sticky. If the composite tool is activated by hotkey or the composite tool is activated by a radial menu which is activated by hotkey, the same hotkey can be used to colse those sticky tools. This can be used to make the whole operation simple.
* Composite tool editing UI is updated.
I noticed two problems with this:
- If something is bound to CTRL (like a Tweak (All Modes) tool on my end), then using CTRL+MouseWheel in Draw Mode to modify the welding distance will make NVil exit from Draw Mesh mode (it enters Tweak mode). This is not the case when modifying soft selection radius as it does not invoke whatever is bound to CTRL.
- The radius doesn't have to be displayed all the time. Only when user is changing it will do just fine.
See if fixed.
The Caps-Lock key is customizable, together with the Space key. They are the hotkeys for "Redirect Modifier" and "StreamLine Tool Option Cycler" tools. If you have a look at the descriptions of some of the basic streamline tools, you will find these two hotkeys are used widely.
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The last version of the tool seems to be very solid. No problems so far. :)
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Two issues:
- It is difficult to retopo curved surfaces like ear's pinna. The process must be divided into several steps because if I draw the lines around the pinna and apply, it will result in vertices snapping to wrong surfaces. But this is already mentioned in the tooltip ("The grid lines should be in a shape close to flat, not too much 3D, or the result may not be as expected"), so it must be a technical limitation.
- Vertex snapping in Draw Mesh tool snaps to vertices of backfacing polygons. To counter this I enable Backface Culling, but it noticeably slows down the viewport.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Aug-06-17.rar
* Can't fix.
* Fixed.
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* Can't fix.
No problemo.
* Fixed.
While the spline does not physically snap to vertices of backfacing polygons now, it is still pulled towards them (though it remains on a reference surface).
There is also a new issue - vertices obscured by another geometry object are now highlighted when cursor hovers over them. You can see on a video that I hover my cursor over a mirrored part of my retopo mesh and vertices from the other side get preselected. (00:40+).
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvUkktZGhRWG1UOFk
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Aug-07-17.rar
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Problem with snapping is gone.
Problem with preselection and selection of obscured geometry is still present. Is it by design?
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Problem with preselection and selection of obscured geometry is still present. Is it by design?
I don't understand what it means. Can you explain?
When an object is frozen. It can't obscure the selection unless this option is enabled.
Edit > Preference > Options 2 > Modeling > Snap to frozen object enabled.
But when this option is on, you can also snap to the reference object's subjects which you may not want in retopo mode, and the viewport performance will downgrade if the reference object is heavy in geometry.
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I think I've got it. Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Aug-08-17.rar
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I think I've got it. Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Aug-08-17.rar (http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Aug-08-17.rar)
Perfect.
The problem with this was that we could unwillingly tweak retopo components on the other side of the reference mesh (obscured by it) without even knowing it, just because they happened to be under the cursor.
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The snapping problem is back in the latest version. Additionally, frozen objects are now selectable in the viewport when I'm in retopo mode.
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Here's a video: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvUUZiT19hNGgwLU0
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Aug-09-17.rar
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All of the issues that I mentioned are gone. Everything is working perfectly fine in the latest version (Aug 10).
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Can you make an animated gif to show off the features of this tool? So I can release the new version with the gif.
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Sure, just give me a day or two. Those GIF recording programs are always on the clunky side.
What features do you need recorded? I assume all that are listed in the tooltip?
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Don't have to show all the features otherwise the gif may confuse people. Just those ones you think are the most practically useful.
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IStonia, I have a problem with Draw Mesh in NVil 2017-Aug-10. It doesn't generate mesh correctly. Take a look at the video:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvZzdPenFBRzN1NlE
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Looks like your auto weld threshold is too big.
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Damn, I should have thought of that. It was set to one million meters...
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2-- To resume the drawing of a drawn line, Caps-Lock+RMB-Click the line at any of its two ends. Then continue its drawing or right click another line to connect.
IStonia, a resumed curve snaps to vertices of a reference mesh if vertex snapping is enabled.
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6-- To create lines inside a rectangle enclosed by 4 lines, Caps-Lock+LMB and drag, or Shift/Ctrl+drag, to adjust the segments.
Do you think you could expand this feature, so that number of loops is "borrowed" from the existing mesh (if it is present)?
The number of rings could be left to users to increase/decrease by dragging.
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2-- To resume the drawing of a drawn line, Caps-Lock+RMB-Click the line at any of its two ends. Then continue its drawing or right click another line to connect.
IStonia, a resumed curve snaps to vertices of a reference mesh if vertex snapping is enabled.
How does it happen?
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Here's what is happening:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvQldsN3ZxUm1SSFE
After I resume drawing the curve with snapping active, the new stroke keeps snapping to vertices of the reference mesh.
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It actually does not snap to reference object vertex. It snaps to the spline end. I will fix it.
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System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.OnLoopTimerClick()
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.AnimationDesignGraphicWindow.OnLoopTimerClick()
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.AnimationDesignForm.OnLoopTimerClick()
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.StartForm.loopTimer_Tick(Object sender, EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Timer.OnTick(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Timer.TimerNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)
Happens when starting a new scene after using Draw Mesh tool. I already mentioned it before, but forgot to record a video.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvNldGTlZ0T0ZlaGM
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Another problem regarding retopo geometry is that when you start tweaking components with soft selection enabled, groups of vertices will go in opposite directions.
It's simple to reproduce. Create a sphere as a reference mesh, create a relatively dense retopo geometry over it so soft selection has something to work with, enable soft selection and start tweaking.
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I don't know what the problem is.
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Another problem regarding retopo geometry is that when you start tweaking components with soft selection enabled, groups of vertices will go in opposite directions.
It's simple to reproduce. Create a sphere as a reference mesh, create a relatively dense retopo geometry over it so soft selection has something to work with, enable soft selection and start tweaking.
Okay, this wasn't a bug. I just noticed I had a strange Soft Selection profile selected.
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Is surface from the video too curved or too small for Draw Mesh to generate the mesh correctly? Initially I thought that I set welding radius too high again, but it turned out it was okay. Maybe some other setting?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvMkVwb3FXSkR6S0U (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvMkVwb3FXSkR6S0U)
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Aug-14-17.rar
To create lines from existing open edges, enable edge snapping, LMB drag from the edge. To create from multiple edges, LMB click the first edge then move over to the second edge and LMB drag, if the second edge is the same as the first edge, the whole open edge loop will be used. Once lines drawn out, WMB or Ctrl+LMB-Drag to adjust segments. To bridge, drag the cursor to the opposite side edge. To change line moving direction, tap Space key.
Is surface from the video too curved or too small for Draw Mesh to generate the mesh correctly? Initially I thought that I set welding radius too high again, but it turned out it was okay. Maybe some other setting?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvMkVwb3FXSkR6S0U (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvMkVwb3FXSkR6S0U)
Previously projection direction was computed by program according to drawn lines. This method does not look reliable. Now I have changed it to use viewport camera direction. So before generating the mesh, make sure the lines lay out is looking good in viewport.
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:) Almost perfect, but I ran into two problems.
The first one, is that splines which are drawn from corners of the existing mesh are always longer than the others.
The second, is System.NullReferenceException during mesh generation:
System.AggregateException: One or more errors occurred. ---> System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at DigitalFossil.BaseComponent.BuildMeshStandard_2(VertexAttachingSmoothGroup& vasg, Int32 vertex, Boolean meshTextured, Single u, Single v, Int32 vertexColor, Int32 vertexAttachingGroupIndex, Int32 uvCount, VertexMeshVerticesIndexInfo& vertexMeshVerticesIndexInfo, PositionNormalTextured[] vertsPositionNormalTextured, PositionNormal[] vertsPositionNormal, PositionNormalColored[] vertsPositionNormalColored, PositionNormalColoredTextured[] vertsPositionNormalColoredTextured)
at DigitalFossil.BaseComponent.BuildMeshStandard_2(VertexAttachingGroup& vag, Int32 vertex, Boolean meshTextured, Int32 vertexColor, Int32 vertexAttachingGroupIndex, Int32 uvCount, VertexMeshVerticesIndexInfo& vertexMeshVerticesIndexInfo, PositionNormalTextured[] vertsPositionNormalTextured, PositionNormal[] vertsPositionNormal, PositionNormalColored[] vertsPositionNormalColored, PositionNormalColoredTextured[] vertsPositionNormalColoredTextured)
at DigitalFossil.BaseComponent.BuildMeshStandard_2(Int32 vertex, Boolean meshTextured, Int32 vertexColor, VertexMeshVerticesIndexInfo& vertexMeshVerticesIndexInfo, PositionNormalTextured[] vertsPositionNormalTextured, PositionNormal[] vertsPositionNormal, PositionNormalColored[] vertsPositionNormalColored, PositionNormalColoredTextured[] vertsPositionNormalColoredTextured)
at DigitalFossil.BaseComponent.<>c__DisplayClass12.<BuildMesh>b__e(Tuple`2 range, ParallelLoopState loopState)
at System.Threading.Tasks.Parallel.<>c__DisplayClass42_0`2.<PartitionerForEachWorker>b__1()
at System.Threading.Tasks.Task.InnerInvokeWithArg(Task childTask)
at System.Threading.Tasks.Task.<>c__DisplayClass176_0.<ExecuteSelfReplicating>b__0(Object )
--- End of inner exception stack trace ---
at DigitalFossil.BaseComponent.BuildMesh(AbstractGraphicWindow graphicWindow, Int32[]& adjOut)
at DigitalFossil.BaseComponent.UpdateMesh(AbstractGraphicWindow graphicWindow)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.Component.UpdateMesh()
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.Strln_DrawRetopo.CreateMesh(ArrayList polyHolders, ArrayList finalPts, Single scale)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.Strln_DrawRetopo.CreateGeometry(CharacterHolder hintObj)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.Strln_DrawRetopo.Exit()
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.StreamLineEngine.ActivateToolCore(StreamLineTool strlTool, Boolean enviromentCheckRequired, Boolean activatingByMouseButton)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.StreamLineEngine.set_activatedStrlTool(StreamLineTool value)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.StreamLineEngine.OnAppFormKeyUp(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.OnAppFormKeyUp(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.AnimationDesignGraphicWindow.OnAppFormKeyUp(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.AnimationDesignForm.OnFormKeyUp(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.KeyboardControler.Form_KeyUp(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.KeyEventHandler.Invoke(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.OnKeyUp(KeyEventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ProcessKeyEventArgs(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Form.ProcessKeyPreview(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ProcessKeyMessage(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmKeyChar(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)
---> (Inner Exception #0) System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at DigitalFossil.BaseComponent.BuildMeshStandard_2(VertexAttachingSmoothGroup& vasg, Int32 vertex, Boolean meshTextured, Single u, Single v, Int32 vertexColor, Int32 vertexAttachingGroupIndex, Int32 uvCount, VertexMeshVerticesIndexInfo& vertexMeshVerticesIndexInfo, PositionNormalTextured[] vertsPositionNormalTextured, PositionNormal[] vertsPositionNormal, PositionNormalColored[] vertsPositionNormalColored, PositionNormalColoredTextured[] vertsPositionNormalColoredTextured)
at DigitalFossil.BaseComponent.BuildMeshStandard_2(VertexAttachingGroup& vag, Int32 vertex, Boolean meshTextured, Int32 vertexColor, Int32 vertexAttachingGroupIndex, Int32 uvCount, VertexMeshVerticesIndexInfo& vertexMeshVerticesIndexInfo, PositionNormalTextured[] vertsPositionNormalTextured, PositionNormal[] vertsPositionNormal, PositionNormalColored[] vertsPositionNormalColored, PositionNormalColoredTextured[] vertsPositionNormalColoredTextured)
at DigitalFossil.BaseComponent.BuildMeshStandard_2(Int32 vertex, Boolean meshTextured, Int32 vertexColor, VertexMeshVerticesIndexInfo& vertexMeshVerticesIndexInfo, PositionNormalTextured[] vertsPositionNormalTextured, PositionNormal[] vertsPositionNormal, PositionNormalColored[] vertsPositionNormalColored, PositionNormalColoredTextured[] vertsPositionNormalColoredTextured)
at DigitalFossil.BaseComponent.<>c__DisplayClass12.<BuildMesh>b__e(Tuple`2 range, ParallelLoopState loopState)
at System.Threading.Tasks.Parallel.<>c__DisplayClass42_0`2.<PartitionerForEachWorker>b__1()
at System.Threading.Tasks.Task.InnerInvokeWithArg(Task childTask)
at System.Threading.Tasks.Task.<>c__DisplayClass176_0.<ExecuteSelfReplicating>b__0(Object )<---
Video: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvUWgwZkUxRmtZSnc
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(...) before generating the mesh, make sure the lines lay out is looking good in viewport.
Okay. In this case it would help a lot if after generating the mesh, we could bring back the splines with Undo operation, so we could tweak them or realign the view properly without having to redraw the lines. What do you think?
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To break a line, press RMB at the line then tap Space key.
Can I suggest a reverse operation? If two lines share an endpoint, RMB and Space on that spline vertex would join those two lines together.
During my tests, there were times when this feature would come in handy.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Aug-15-17.rar
* To join two lines sharing the same end point, press RMB at the line then tap Space key.
* To break a line, press RMB at the line then tap Alt+Space key.
* To import lines from lines-of-last-run/scene-splines, Caps-Lock+RMB and drag over 400 pixels horizotally/vertically.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Aug-15-17.rar (http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Aug-15-17.rar)
* To join two lines sharing the same end point, press RMB at the line then tap Space key.
* To break a line, press RMB at the line then tap Alt+Space key.
* To import lines from lines-of-last-run/scene-splines, Caps-Lock+RMB and drag over 400 pixels horizotally/vertically.
Works like a charm. :)
What options do I have to quickly fill area from the image with lines equal to those of the existing geometry?
- LMB-dragging the edges and setting spans would then require manual welding of vertices outside of Draw Mesh tool.
- Manually drawing those lines is OK in this particular example, but if there were more lines to be drawn, then it might be problematic due to their numbers and proximity.
- Finally, Caps+LMB won't work here.
Of course the perfect tool for this is Fill Jagged Border Edges, but you need to quit Draw Mesh to use it. And the trick is not to leave it as it breaks the Zen of drawing. :)
By the way IStonia, did you receive my PMessage?
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Finally, Caps+LMB won't work here.
What is this for? Caps+RMB?
I have read your message, I preferred the B one.
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Finally, Caps+LMB won't work here.
What is this for? Caps+RMB?
It's for:
To create lines inside a rectangle enclosed by 4 lines, Caps-Lock+LMB and drag, or Shift/Ctrl+drag, to adjust the segments.
But there are only two lines, plus the existing geometry, so it won't work in this particular example. I wish it would though.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Aug-16-17.rar
* To fill hole or jagged border of existing mesh, enable edge snapping, RMB click the first edge then move over to the second edge and LMB drag. If the second edge is the same as the first edge, the whole open edge loop will be used.
* Edit > Preference > Options 2 > Selection > Include retopo reference objects in selection and snapping occlusion.
* A new basic streamline tool, Retopo Z Offset. Drag cursor horizontally or vertically to adjust retopo z offset value.
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* To fill hole or jagged border of existing mesh, enable edge snapping, RMB click the first edge then move over to the second edge and LMB drag. If the second edge is the same as the first edge, the whole open edge loop will be used.
Wow, this is awesome! It even follows the cursor in an elastic fashion. :D
But what if I need to generate a patch where both: existing geometry and existing lines are already present (like on the image)? It would be fantastic to have it working here too.
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Another production case.
There a two patches present, which I quickly created with:
To create lines inside a rectangle enclosed by 4 lines, Caps-Lock+LMB and drag, or Shift/Ctrl+drag, to adjust the segments.
Then I drew three new lines (the bottom rectangle) and now wish to quickly generate lines that would fill this new patch and connect to already drawn patches.
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* To fill hole or jagged border of existing mesh, enable edge snapping, RMB click the first edge then move over to the second edge and LMB drag. If the second edge is the same as the first edge, the whole open edge loop will be used.
Did I already mention that I love it? :)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvOEN2eUttdXAzWnc
I could fiddle with it for hours and hours. :D
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Aug-22-17.rar
* CUT. To cut line from retopo reference object, LMB + Alt and drag. Horizontal: Shift. Vertical: Ctrl. Cross: Shift+Ctrl.
* EDGE. To create lines from existing open edges, enable edge snapping, LMB drag from the edge. To create from multiple edges, LMB click the first edge then move over to the second edge and LMB drag. If the second edge is the same as the first edge, the whole open edge loop will be used. Once lines drawn out, WMB or Ctrl+LMB-Drag to adjust segments. To bridge, drag the cursor to the opposite side edge. To change line moving direction, tap Space key. To generate mesh without projection for shapes like cylinder, while the mouse button is still being pressed, tap Enter key.
* BRIDGE. To create lines between two specified lines, MMB-click or LMB-click+Shift/Ctrl to select the first line, then LMB-Click the second line and drag, or Shift/Ctrl+drag, to adjust the segments. If the order incorrect, tap Space key to fix. To generate mesh without projection for shapes like cylinder, while the mouse button is still being pressed, tap Enter key.
* PATCH. To create lines inside a rectangle enclosed by 4 sides of lines or mesh edges, at least one side must be line, Caps-Lock+LMB and drag at one of the lines. Once activated, Shift/Ctrl+drag to adjust individual segments. If the lines are created on the wrong side, tap Space key to switch over.
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Hi
This new tool is amazing, although i have not try all the features. I wonder if can you do something like retopoflow from blender where a line will be converted to an smooth set of polygons and it updates dynamically while you move them, also it can patch sets of polygons of different edge number and it will adjust automatically to fit.
Here are some demos of this retopoflow tool made by the one of the creators (i assume)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rX0tLpTkzU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qidVmJjtBA
Thanks
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Try this one. Some bug fixings.
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Aug-23-17.rar
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OK, I'm back.
I spent a couple of hours on initial testing and those new additions are looking really, really good!
* CUT. To cut line from retopo reference object, LMB + Alt and drag. Horizontal: Shift. Vertical: Ctrl. Cross: Shift+Ctrl.
I think different hotkeys for horizontal and vertical lines are superfluous. In Photoshop for example, with brush tool selected you press and hold LMB, then you press and hold SHIFT and depending on the direction in which you move your mouse, you will draw either a straight horizontal or vertical line. No need for additional keys (CTRL). You could make it work with diagonal lines too, which currently require a combination of LMB+ALT+SHIFT+CTRL - that's overkill - especially when the order of hotkeys is important (LMB first, then ALT).
For some reason spline vertices are appearing on CUT lines, even with snapping turned off. Is this intentional?
Creating cylindrical shapes with a combination of CUT and EDGE (CTRL for divisions, Enter for disabling camera projection) took me some time to get used to, but it works and that's the most important thing.
In fact, you have implemented the next feature I was about to ask for. ;D
* PATCH. To create lines inside a rectangle enclosed by 4 sides of lines or mesh edges, at least one side must be line, Caps-Lock+LMB and drag at one of the lines. Once activated, Shift/Ctrl+drag to adjust individual segments. If the lines are created on the wrong side, tap Space key to switch over.
This one is absolutely F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C! :) I can't believe how much it shortens the time required to retopo a model. Those "fill patches" that go in-between the main poly loops were always time consuming. Not anymore!
I need to learn all of those shortcuts now and give full character retopo a try in one go, with just the Draw Mesh tool. I sense it will be a very relaxing experience. :)
Oh, I almost forgot. The Aug-23 version seems to freeze randomly (for a limited time at first) when I'm working with Draw Mesh. After it happens for the first time, all rectangular selections will cause another long freeze and even crash-to-desktop with no errors. I'm not sure after which action it happens yet. I'll have to record a video to see what I'm doing before it starts to occur.
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I just experienced another freeze right after performing this action:
* To fill hole or jagged border of existing mesh, enable edge snapping, RMB click the first edge then move over to the second edge and LMB drag. If the second edge is the same as the first edge, the whole open edge loop will be used.
However the occurrence of those freezes appear to be totally random, but at the same more frequent when working with Draw Mesh tool.
In fact, I was able to model a simple object without any problems, but later when I tried to retopo another one (with Draw Mesh) - it happened.
IStonia, have you been able to pinpoint the source of the problem by any chance?
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-05-17.rar
New tooltips. Quite some changes.
1-- DRAW. Use LMB to draw lines. To straighten line, tap Space key. To close line, tap Caps-Lock+Space key. To draw horizontal/vertical lines, press down Shift key. To draw diagonal lines, press down Ctrl key. To allow the line to be drawn through the end of another line, enable vertex/spline snapping.
2-- RESUME. To resume the drawing of a drawn line, Caps-Lock+RMB-Click the line at any of its two ends. Then continue its drawing or right click another line to connect.
3-- JOIN. To join two lines sharing the same end point, press RMB at the line then tap Space key.
4-- BREAK. To break a line, press RMB at the line then tap Alt+Space key.
5-- CUT. To cut line from retopo reference object, LMB + Alt and drag. To cut horizontal/vertical/cross lines, press down Shift key.
6-- REMOVE. To remove a line, right click at it.
7-- EXTRUDE. To extrude lines from existing open edges or line edges, enable edge snapping, LMB drag from the edge. To create from multiple edges, LMB click the first edge then move over to the second edge and LMB drag. If the second edge is the same as the first edge, the whole open edge loop will be used. Once lines drawn out, WMB or Ctrl+LMB-Drag to adjust segments, Ctrl+Shift+LMB-Drag for rotation, Ctrl+Alt+LMB-Drag for Scaling. To bridge, drag the cursor to the opposite side edge or line, tap Space key to correct order if wrong. To change line moving direction, tap Caps-Lock key. To generate mesh without view projection Process, while the mouse button is still being pressed, tap Enter key(Useful for creating cylinder like shapes). To stop current extrusion and sart a new one without releasing mouse button, tap Shift key. If wanted, keep shift key pressed and continue dragging to create a series of extrusion.
8-- FILL. To fill hole or jagged border of existing mesh, enable edge snapping, RMB click the first edge then move over to the second edge and LMB drag. If the second edge is the same as the first edge, the whole open edge loop will be used.
9-- BRIDGE. To create lines between two specified lines, MMB-click or LMB-click+Shift/Ctrl to select the first line, then LMB-Click the second line and drag, or Shift/Ctrl+drag, to adjust the segments. If the order incorrect, tap Space key to fix. To generate mesh in without view projection Process, while the mouse button is still being pressed, tap Enter key(Useful for creating cylinder like shapes).
10-- PATCH. To create lines inside a rectangle enclosed by 4 sides of lines or mesh edges, at least one side must be line, Caps-Lock+LMB and drag at one of the lines. Once activated, Shift/Ctrl+drag to adjust individual segments. If the lines are created on the wrong side, tap Space key to switch over. To generate mesh in without view projection Process, while the mouse button is still being pressed, tap Enter key.
11-- IMPORT. To import lines from lines-of-last-run/scene-splines, Caps-Lock+RMB and drag over 400 pixels horizontally/vertically.
12-- Tweak. To enable the using of the assigned basic streamline tools to tweak generated mesh. To switch it on/off, Caps-Lock+Space key.
A gui is added to ease the tension on hotkeys. It can be turned on/off by Home key.
The behavior in non-retopo mode is changed. See if it is useful for plane modeling with background images. Check the result when drawing a line snapping to other geometries or drawing the line over other lines.
----------
I just experienced another freeze right after performing this action:
* To fill hole or jagged border of existing mesh, enable edge snapping, RMB click the first edge then move over to the second edge and LMB drag. If the second edge is the same as the first edge, the whole open edge loop will be used.
However the occurrence of those freezes appear to be totally random, but at the same more frequent when working with Draw Mesh tool.
In fact, I was able to model a simple object without any problems, but later when I tried to retopo another one (with Draw Mesh) - it happened.
IStonia, have you been able to pinpoint the source of the problem by any chance?
See if it's still there. There was a bug on polygon group handling.
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All right. So far I didn't notice any freezes. :)
What is the hotkey for closing an existing line (both of its endpoints are in the same location)? Hovering over a curve and pressing CAPS+SPACE doesn't work, but Close from the new interface does.
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Drawing strokes fails on random occasions. When it happens, usually toggling snapping on and off helps (ALT+S in my config).
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvVWdFU09iYy1qSTA (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvVWdFU09iYy1qSTA)
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-07-17.rar
5-- Close. To close an open line, press RMB at the line then tap Caps-Lock+Space key.
7-- MOVE. To move a line, LMB+Alt then drag.
Drawing strokes fails on random occasions. When it happens, usually toggling snapping on and off helps (ALT+S in my config).
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvVWdFU09iYy1qSTA (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvVWdFU09iYy1qSTA)
It always works fine on me. I just make some changes. Hopefully that will fix it.
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I have a problem with "Create lines inside rectangle" (CAPS+LMB drag). In some areas it fails and I'm not sure why. Could it be because of the position of several existing edges I'm trying to generate a patch from?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvRGVPOHZ5WGd5cDg (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvRGVPOHZ5WGd5cDg)
EDIT: Hm, must be the camera projection thingy, because it works in some viewport angles.
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Working near the symmetry plane is a little bit problematic. Sometimes vertices of generated mesh are welded, sometimes edges are not generated. In general, areas near the symmetry plane require some further manual cleanup. Not always, but most of the time. Could you please look into it?
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I have a problem with "Create lines inside rectangle" (CAPS+LMB drag). In some areas it fails and I'm not sure why. Could it be because of the position of several existing edges I'm trying to generate a patch from?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvRGVPOHZ5WGd5cDg (https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvRGVPOHZ5WGd5cDg)
EDIT: Hm, must be the camera projection thingy, because it works in some viewport angles.
Can you chop that piece of geometry out and send me so I can test on my side?
Working near the symmetry plane is a little bit problematic. Sometimes vertices of generated mesh are welded, sometimes edges are not generated. In general, areas near the symmetry plane require some further manual cleanup. Not always, but most of the time. Could you please look into it?
Can you show the problem in a video?
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Can you chop that piece of geometry out and send me so I can test on my side?
Link to scene file sent via PM.
Patch will be generated when you rotate the viewport near the side view. In bottom view nothing will happen after CAPS+LMB drag.
Working near the symmetry plane is a little bit problematic. Sometimes vertices of generated mesh are welded, sometimes edges are not generated. In general, areas near the symmetry plane require some further manual cleanup. Not always, but most of the time. Could you please look into it?
Can you show the problem in a video?
Okay, I'll record one.
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Another example regarding the inability to create patches with CAPS+LMB on some surfaces at standard viewport angles.
The camera angle required to generate the lines is very sharp here.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-08-17.rar
Patch is improved.
Also see if this new feature helps on symmetry issues.
7-- MOVE. To move a line, LMB+Alt then drag. While the line is being captured, tap Space key to snap it to symmetry plane.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-08-17.rar
Patch is significantly improved and it shows. Great job!
Also see if this new feature helps on symmetry issues.
7-- MOVE. To move a line, LMB+Alt then drag. While the line is being captured, tap Space key to snap it to symmetry plane.
When I ran it for the first time, it threw an exception. However it didn't crash NVil, so I was able to continue. Consequent invocations of the tool didn't throw further exceptions and the tool worked as it is supposed to (it straightens the line and snaps it to symmetry plane, although preceeded by a short delay which freezes NVil's interface for a couple of seconds).
************** Exception Text **************
System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.Strln_DrawRetopo.OnMouseUp(Object sender, MouseEventArgs e, Boolean isTrueMouseUp)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.StreamLineTool.OnMouseUpCall(Object sender, MouseEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.StreamLineEngine.OnMouseUp(Object sender, MouseEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.OnMouseUp(Object sender, MouseEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.AnimationDesignGraphicWindow.OnMouseUp(Object sender, MouseEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AbstractGraphicWindow.CursorClerk.OnMouseUp(Object sender, MouseEventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.OnMouseUp(MouseEventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmMouseUp(Message& m, MouseButtons button, Int32 clicks)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)
Anyway, I'm still experiencing problems with mesh generated near symmetry plane. Here are two examples in the same region.
I'm using bridge to automatically create lines between two pairs of existing edges.
On the first video, NVil takes several generated vertices, snaps them to symmetry plane and welds them together. As a result, I get triangles and topology that requires manual correction.
On the second video, a non-manifold geometry is created.
1: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvM1EwQTR2eHFHUjg
2: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvRDg5Z0lMaWZiczA
I also have a problem with how spline vertex snapping works in Draw Mesh tool. It makes the mouse cursor jump to vertex position, which is a completely different behaviour than what we can observe outside of the tool where it's only the crosshair that jumps to nearby vertex, and cursor still follows mouse movement (see the third video for a demo).
Because of this jumping cursor I keep overshooting the target and need to redraw the lines multiple times. It is quite annoying.
3: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIva0tDOU1VUkRJNzA
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When you did the symmetry cut, those vertices in the symmetry line does not snap to reference object's surface. That's why you have problem near the symmetry line. You can select those center lines and move it a little to let those vertices adjust themselves. I will fix the symmetry cut tool.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-09-17.rar
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Thanks for fixing the jumping cursor. :)
Unfortunately I still keep running into problems when I'm operating near symmetry plane.
Also, NVil crashes every time when I'm trying to bridge a round mesh which is cut in half with a symmetry plane.
Both issues are shown on the video:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvaXdqd01CeW11ekk
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-10-17.rar
7-- TRANSFORM. To transform a line, LMB+Alt to capture it then drag. Rotate: Shift+Ctrl. Circularize: Caps-Lock. Scale: Shift/Ctrl/Caps-Lock. Snap to symmetry plane : Space.
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2-- To resume the drawing of a drawn line, Caps-Lock+RMB-Click the line at any of its two ends. Then continue its drawing or right click another line to connect.
IStonia, a resumed curve snaps to vertices of a reference mesh if vertex snapping is enabled.
It actually does not snap to reference object vertex. It snaps to the spline end. I will fix it.
I have the impression that this showed up again in the most recent build.
Also, NVil crashes every time when I'm trying to bridge a round mesh which is cut in half with a symmetry plane.
Okay, no more crashes here. :)
Circularize and line transforms are very helpful.
I didn't notice any improvements regarding working near a symmetry plane. Were there any in the last build?
For now I'm drawing my strokes off-symmetry and manually welding vertices to their mirrored counterparts after the mesh is generated.
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I didn't notice any improvements regarding working near a symmetry plane. Were there any in the last build?
For now I'm drawing my strokes off-symmetry and manually welding vertices to their mirrored counterparts after the mesh is generated.
Have you snapped the center line to symmetry plane by Space key?
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Yes, I did snap it.
But NVil sometimes generates clean geometry near the symmetry plane, and sometimes not.
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https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvU0hqVm5fNktmbTg
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I was trying to retopo a cylindrical shape using cut and bridge and then generating the mesh with Enter key in order to disable camera projection. When the symmetry was on, NVil threw some errors. Without symmetry enabled, the mesh generates perfectly fine:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvMm5hbU1yemRqQms
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-11-17.rar
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Last build seem to be very solid.
There was only one hard-to-explain situation, where I couldn't cut through the reference mesh (even with cut action selected in the Draw Mesh UI) because NVil kept extruding an existing edge (extrude as in Draw Mesh terminology). Upon starting a completely new and blank scene, NVil continued to extrude some invisible edge (probably located where my old geometry from the previous scene used to be) whenever I tried to draw a line.
That I loaded up that previous scene (without restarting the program) and the bug was gone.
Really hard to explain. I'd have to catch it on a video but because it felt random, it will be hard.
It's incredible how fast it is to retopo a model with Draw Mesh. :D
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When snapping is enabled, lines have a tendency of overshooting the snapping target:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvN2d2ZC1zcWFkanc
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Try this and see if fixed.
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-12-17.rar
When you draw a line across the symmetry plane, you will see a cross point at where the line intersects with symmetry plane. If you draw a line which goes through those points, the line will be marked as symmetry center line when generating mesh.
Also symmetry center line handling is done for extrude and bridge(between closed lines) operations.
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Lines still overshoot snap targets sometimes, but the issue with symmetry... is completely gone! Phenomenal work IStonia. ;D
Not a single error related to symmetry plane during my last retopo session.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-13-17.rar
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I just began testing the last build and immediately noticed that the bridge action stopped working for multiple existing edges. I can LMB+drag a single edge, but I can't pick start and end edges.
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I have renewed the file.
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-13-17.rar
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When snapping is enabled, lines have a tendency of overshooting the snapping target
Fixed.
I just began testing the last build and immediately noticed that the bridge action stopped working for multiple existing edges. I can LMB+drag a single edge, but I can't pick start and end edges.
Fixed.
Thanks! :)
While I'm testing further, I thought I'd file a feature request.
Can you let us drop primitives on frozen reference objects when retopo mode is enabled?
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I don't understand what you mean?
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Well you know - primitives, like sphere, cube, and so on have a little "Drop" checkbox in their settings window. By enabling it we can drop the primitive directly on a surface of another object. It will also change its orientation according to that object's surface normal.
We can't however drop primitives on frozen reference objects, and this is why I asked about this feature.
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Some weird random bug. Disappears after NVil is restarted:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvYzhVTDFJNWprVzA
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I have no clue how that can happen. Can you reproduce it?
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Well you know - primitives, like sphere, cube, and so on have a little "Drop" checkbox in their settings window. By enabling it we can drop the primitive directly on a surface of another object. It will also change its orientation according to that object's surface normal.
We can't however drop primitives on frozen reference objects, and this is why I asked about this feature.
It is possible already as long as you have this option on, Edit > Preference > Options 2 > Selection > Include retopo objects in selection and snapping occlusion. Also you can use this option, Modeling Snap to frozen object enabled. But it may cause performance issue.
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I have no clue how that can happen. Can you reproduce it?
It happens on random basis. I can't reproduce it.
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It is possible already as long as you have this option on, Edit > Preference > Options 2 > Selection > Include retopo objects in selection and snapping occlusion. Also you can use this option, Modeling Snap to frozen object enabled. But it may cause performance issue.
Include retopo objects in selection and snapping occlusion doesn't have any impact on "Drop", however Snap to frozen object did the trick. Thanks.
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Creating patches with CTRL+LMB will not work sometimes at all when I'm trying to generate one which would sit inside an area surrounded by open edges. I don't think that this is actually a bug, because the algorithm would probably need to decide which half of the area divided by the draw mesh line we intend to generate the patch in. And I can only imagine it might be difficult to adapt it to such decision.
However, if you could make it work in similar cases (like letting the user decide on which side NVil should place construction lines), it would be great, but if it is too complicated, then it is no big deal. Draw Mesh is already a fantastic tool which, combined with StreamLine tools, I greatly prefer over retopo solutions available in other programs that I use on daily basis.
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Creating patches with CTRL+LMB will not work sometimes at all when I'm trying to generate one which would sit inside an area surrounded by open edges. I don't think that this is actually a bug, because the algorithm would probably need to decide which half of the area divided by the draw mesh line we intend to generate the patch in. And I can only imagine it might be difficult to adapt it to such decision.
However, if you could make it work in similar cases (like letting the user decide on which side NVil should place construction lines), it would be great, but if it is too complicated, then it is no big deal. Draw Mesh is already a fantastic tool which, combined with StreamLine tools, I greatly prefer over retopo solutions available in other programs that I use on daily basis.
Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-15-17.rar
If both sides are valid for patching, tap Space key to switch the side.
Some weird random bug. Disappears after NVil is restarted:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvYzhVTDFJNWprVzA
You may have a faulty mouse. In the video, when mouse is pressed down, Nvil always receives the wrong cursor location which always the same point regardless where the actual cursor is. But when drag happened, Nvil receives the correct information.
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You may have a faulty mouse. In the video, when mouse is pressed down, Nvil always receives the wrong cursor location which always the same point regardless where the actual cursor is. But when drag happened, Nvil receives the correct information.
Hi IStonia,
It's hard for me to believe that it could be the mouse. For three reasons:
1. Screen recording software registers (and visualizes) mouse clicks in correct cursor locations.
2. It isn't shown on the video, but when It was rotating the view, it didn't affect the position of this "attracting point". I was always the same 3D coordinate in the scene. New strokes drawn from different camera angles kept snapping to this "attractor" (I couldn't find a more suitable name for this phenomenon).
If it was a faulty mouse, the attractor would probably be located at the same point in 2D screen space. This would place new attractor points in different coordinates in 3D space after each attempt of drawing splines from different camera angles.
3. I only saw this happening in Draw Mesh.
New problem encountered during retopo of concave object.
Splines keep snapping to reference surface located behind the camera:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvNElyNFhqbElyQ3c
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-15-17.rar (http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-15-17.rar)
If both sides are valid for patching, tap Space key to switch the side.
Hm, it doesn't work. :-\
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIveTRQTW9lQnBTX1U
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Allrighty!
I retopologized one of my older real-time hero models. I used Draw Mesh for everything except of the chimney and satchel buttons, which were reconstructed from subdivision surfaces. The model consists of 17.190 triangles in total.
The retopo process was very pleasant and automatic patch generation was a huge time saver. :)
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-15-17.rar (http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-15-17.rar)
If both sides are valid for patching, tap Space key to switch the side.
Hm, it doesn't work. :-\
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIveTRQTW9lQnBTX1U
Can you send me this scene file so I can check why it doesn't work?
Edit: Don't need to send the file. I have solved the problem.
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Allrighty!
I retopologized one of my older real-time hero models. I used Draw Mesh for everything except of the chimney and satchel buttons, which were reconstructed from subdivision surfaces. The model consists of 17.190 triangles in total.
The retopo process was very pleasant and automatic patch generation was a huge time saver. :)
Looks good! Do you have a video?
Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-15-17.rar (http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-15-17.rar)
If both sides are valid for patching, tap Space key to switch the side.
Hm, it doesn't work. :-\
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIveTRQTW9lQnBTX1U
Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-16-17.rar
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I wasn't recording it because I was retopologizing the snail while still testing the tool, so bugs were coming out from time to time. But I can redo the retopo if you want. It shouldn't take much time with Draw Mesh. ;)
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I wasn't recording it because I was retopologizing the snail while still testing the tool, so bugs were coming out from time to time. But I can redo the retopo if you want. It shouldn't take much time with Draw Mesh. ;)
It would be great to see how you used draw mesh to obtain such an outstanding result.
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You may have a faulty mouse. In the video, when mouse is pressed down, Nvil always receives the wrong cursor location which always the same point regardless where the actual cursor is. But when drag happened, Nvil receives the correct information.
Hi IStonia,
It's hard for me to believe that it could be the mouse. For three reasons:
1. Screen recording software registers (and visualizes) mouse clicks in correct cursor locations.
2. It isn't shown on the video, but when It was rotating the view, it didn't affect the position of this "attracting point". I was always the same 3D coordinate in the scene. New strokes drawn from different camera angles kept snapping to this "attractor" (I couldn't find a more suitable name for this phenomenon).
If it was a faulty mouse, the attractor would probably be located at the same point in 2D screen space. This would place new attractor points in different coordinates in 3D space after each attempt of drawing splines from different camera angles.
3. I only saw this happening in Draw Mesh.
New problem encountered during retopo of concave object.
Splines keep snapping to reference surface located behind the camera:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvNElyNFhqbElyQ3c
Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-16-17Test.rar
You will see a string of Xs representing the cursor positions Nvil received. If the bug appears, take a snap shot of the whole viewport so I can check.
I wasn't recording it because I was retopologizing the snail while still testing the tool, so bugs were coming out from time to time. But I can redo the retopo if you want. It shouldn't take much time with Draw Mesh. ;)
It would be great to see how you used draw mesh to obtain such an outstanding result.
Please show us the magic.
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I have just done a fixing so it won't snap to the point behind camera. So when you see this post, please redownload the file.
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-16-17Test.rar
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Thanks for the fix. Downloading it now.
I'll restart retopo of the snail and record the process.
Meanwhile, baked normal and occlusion maps:
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Thanks for the fix. Downloading it now.
I'll restart retopo of the snail and record the process.
Meanwhile, baked normal and occlusion maps:
Hi Rubberduck!
Thanks for sharing. Very funny character!
Bye.
Marco (mkdm)
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Thanks, Marco.
IStonia,
Do you think you could add a (temporary!) option to toggle rendering of those Xs so I can record the video without them, but at the same time be able to re-enable them if this bug shows up?
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-17-17Test.rar
The hotkey for testing is Ctrl+End
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Break line (RMB+ALT+SPACE) throws NullReferenceException and removes the other half of the line:
************** Exception Text **************
System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.Strln_DrawRetopo.BreakLine()
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.Strln_DrawRetopo.OnAppFormKeyDown(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.StreamLineEngine.OnAppFormKeyDown(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.ModelDesigner.OnAppFormKeyDown(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.AnimationDesignGraphicWindow.OnAppFormKeyDown(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.AnimationDesignForm.OnKeyDown(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.KeyboardControler.OnKeyDown(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.KeyboardControler.Form_KeyDown(Object sender, KeyEventArgs e)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.AnimationDesignForm.OnDisableKeyCapturedDown(Keys key)
at DigitalFossil.AnimationDesign.StartForm.loopTimer_Tick(Object sender, EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Timer.OnTick(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Timer.TimerNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)
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I caught that bug with Xs!
Right before it crawled out from under the rock, I had NVil window running non-maximized (but in the foreground), I moved my cursor up to my Windows taskbar and launched Task Manager to check some stuff. When I returned to NVil, the bug was already running loose.
Maybe there's a connection between the bug and NVil loosing window focus when Draw Mesh is active? I tried to reproduce it multiple times after restarting NVil, but to no avail.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvZGVtM01VVEEtTHc
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The Break bug fixed.
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-17-17Test.rar
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I caught that bug with Xs!
Right before it crawled out from under the rock, I had NVil window running non-maximized (but in the foreground), I moved my cursor up to my Windows taskbar and launched Task Manager to check some stuff. When I returned to NVil, the bug was already running loose.
Maybe there's a connection between the bug and NVil loosing window focus when Draw Mesh is active? I tried to reproduce it multiple times after restarting NVil, but to no avail.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvZGVtM01VVEEtTHc
Did the strange straight line appeared just right after you pressed mouse button but before you dragged?
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Good question. I think right after LMB-down, but I'm not 100% sure. I'll have to verify this next time this bug shows up.
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Ok, depressing LMB and holding the mouse completely still doesn't generate this straight line. It only appears after I drag the mouse.
I have this bug currently active again.
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https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvSmZfc1JCTHJRZVU
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Try turning snapping on/off and see if that can get rid of it.
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Yes, if I toggle snapping then this problem disappears. :)
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The file renewed. Hopefully you won't see that bug again.
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-17-17Test.rar
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File renewed again.
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-17-17Test.rar
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This is such a fantastic tool with lots of possible uses.
Istonia
When retopo patching hard surface objects it would be great if there was an option to draw a curved spline ?
In the image below I had to manually tweak each vert to get the curvature at the bottom of the aircraft but if spline option was available in draw mesh it be brilliant.
I don't know if it is possible but would be really useful to have for drawing or retopologising hard surface objects.
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w158/kevjon_2007/Posts/Draw%20Mesh%20Retopo_zpss1mjngxs.png) (http://s175.photobucket.com/user/kevjon_2007/media/Posts/Draw%20Mesh%20Retopo_zpss1mjngxs.png.html)
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You can create splines with the spline tools then when the Draw Mesh tool is active, Caps-Lock+RMB drag to import the visible splines.
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You can create splines with the spline tools then when the Draw Mesh tool is active, Caps-Lock+RMB drag to import the visible splines.
That does not appear to work in the latest release (in new default config)
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I tested with this update and it works.
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-17-17Test.rar
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There is also a possible issue. When creating mesh, you build part of the mesh. You exit tool to create splines to add. You restart draw mesh, use cap-lock+rmb+drag to convert splines to mesh lines, but that will also bring in the lines drawn in last session. It can then cause co-planer polygons to be created if you do not delete the lines imported from last session.
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They are separate imports. Caps-Lock+RMB-verticalDrag = import from scene. Caps-Lock+RMB-horizontalDrag= import last session splines.
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Istonia
Its great the funcitionality is there but I'm getting strange results.
CAPS Lock + RMB and dragging up and down on the screen is working for me Ok.
Do the splines need to be retopo onto the base mesh first ?
If so I don't know how to do that. I end up with quite a wobbly spline when retopo its verts onto the base mesh.
It would be better if Draw Mesh projected the splines onto the base mesh.
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Are you working in retopo mode? You can use the TransForm tool, either check it in the UI or use hotkey LMB down and hold the line then tap Alt key. Once in TransForm mode, you can move/rotate/scale the spline, check the tooltip. When you finish the transform action by releasing LMB, the spline will be projected onto the reference object.
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I turned on retopo mode
Selected all the vertices of the spline
Then used the transform tool to move them ever so slightly so they project on the surface. I couldn't see any difference tapping the Alt key. What does that do ?
The spline projected Ok but doesn't have enough vertices so weaves in an out of the base mesh.
Then when I use patch I get strange results.
I've sent sample files in the mail for you to trial.
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Hi Kevin, you did it in the incorrect way. It should be done inside Draw Mesh tool.
Base on you file, do this.
1. Open the Draw Mesh tool.
2. Caps-Lock + RMB-Drag vertically to import the two splines.
3. Open the Draw Mesh interface if it is not visible by tapping Home key. Check the "Transform" option.
4. Make sure you have Retopo mode enabled.
5. LMB drag your spline slightly then release LMB. Now you should have a nice projected spline.
The Alt key is a hotkey for "Transform" operation. It is an alternative way if you don't want to use the interface. Have you read the tooltip?
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Thanks Istonia
I get it now !
I didn't realise you meant the transform inside draw mesh. I was using the normal move transform on the verts of the spline.
I'm still getting a bad result on the rear end of the aircraft but much improved over my earlier attempts. Try it on the sample I sent to you in the mail.
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I think it might be a better way to use Cut, Bridge and Extrude tools Draw Mesh provides for your plane model. Because most of it is cylinder shape.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-18-17.rar
Two more features, Refine and copy inside Transform tool.
5-- REFINE. To refine a line, one level subdivision, press RMB at the line then tap Alt+Caps-Lock key. It only works in retopo mode. The refined line will be projected onto the reference object.
8-- TRANSFORM. To transform a line, LMB down at the line then tap Alt to capture it then drag. Rotate: Shift+Ctrl. Circularize: Caps-Lock. Scale: Shift/Ctrl/Caps-Lock. Snap to symmetry plane : Space. To create a copy of the captured line, Alt+Space. The copy must be then transformed to different location or shape before mouse button is released, otherwise it will be discarded.
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I'm still getting a bad result on the rear end of the aircraft but much improved over my earlier attempts. Try it on the sample I sent to you in the mail.
You can use the new Refine tool to fix it.
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Two more features, Refine and copy inside Transform tool.
I'm still getting a bad result on the rear end of the aircraft but much improved over my earlier attempts. Try it on the sample I sent to you in the mail.
You can use the new Refine tool to fix it.
Works beautifully now, refine is a great addition for projecting splines !
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Kevin, can you try to use the Draw Mesh tool in non-retopo mode when you make models from background images? In non-retopo mode, if you draw a line which goes through snapping points or across other existing lines, the program will know how to put the line in camera depth.
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So far I have recorded three hours of video material (I'm halfway through retopo process, object-wise. No audio - mind you). Do you guys want this as multiple (probably more than 25) video clips or as a one huge and long, long, and even longer video?
This huge, consolidated video takes (obviously) a long time to set up in Fusion properly (trimming, transitions, alignment, etc.), and by a magnitude longer to render (on my six-core). Especially with a slight time acceleration of 1.5x or 2x which I intended to apply on the final video to shorten its length.
If you guys are can promise me that you will sit in your sofas with a pack of beer, and watch some random guy retopologizing a snail for five hours, I'll do the long video. Otherwise, you'll gonna get a series of short videos, one for each object that constitutes this one-tooth mollusk. ;D
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So far I have recorded three hours of video material (I'm halfway through retopo process, object-wise. No audio - mind you). Do you guys want this as multiple (probably more than 25) video clips or as a one huge and long, long, and even longer video?
This huge, consolidated video takes (obviously) a long time to set up in Fusion properly (trimming, transitions, alignment, etc.), and by a magnitude longer to render (on my six-core). Especially with a slight time acceleration of 1.5x or 2x which I intended to apply on the final video to shorten its length.
If you guys are can promise me that you will sit in your sofas with a pack of beer, and watch some random guy retopologizing a snail for five hours, I'll do the long video. Otherwise, you'll gonna get a series of short videos, one for each object that constitutes this one-tooth mollusk. ;D
Hi rubberDuck!
Thanks a lot for your efforts!
I would say to go for a series of short videos.
Thanks again and have a nice day.
Marco (mkdm)
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So far I have recorded three hours of video material (I'm halfway through retopo process, object-wise. No audio - mind you). Do you guys want this as multiple (probably more than 25) video clips or as a one huge and long, long, and even longer video?
If you guys are can promise me that you will sit in your sofas with a pack of beer, and watch some random guy retopologizing a snail for five hours, I'll do the long video. Otherwise, you'll gonna get a series of short videos, one for each object that constitutes this one-tooth mollusk. ;D
RubberDuck, thanks for going to so much effort on this, much appreciated !
I think 1 video that just shows short segments (a couple of minutes each) of the different draw mesh tools you used to tackle certain parts of the model would be the way to go. So kind of a highlights video. I would keep it 20 minutes or less. If that is a lot of work to put together then a series of short videos would be great.
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Kevin, can you try to use the Draw Mesh tool in non-retopo mode when you make models from background images? In non-retopo mode, if you draw a line which goes through snapping points or across other existing lines, the program will know how to put the line in camera depth.
Thanks Istonia, I'm looking forward to using Draw Mesh for a lot of modelling other than just retopo.
I just tried it with patch with retopo turned off and instead of using splines I used draw mesh and got bizarre results ?
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w158/kevjon_2007/Posts/Draw%20Mesh%20Patch_zps9npknyh0.png) (http://s175.photobucket.com/user/kevjon_2007/media/Posts/Draw%20Mesh%20Patch_zps9npknyh0.png.html)
Note the last image shows the mesh looking at it from another view which is different than the first two images.
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Did you use the Patch tool for this?
By default, the program will use viewport camera projection to process the mesh forming. So if you have those lines overlaps each other in the view, you won't get a good result. But if you are using Patch, Bridge or Extrude, the program has enough information to form the mesh without projection process. To achieve this, before you release mouse button, hit Enter key. These tips are described in the tooltips.
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I used the patch tool of draw mesh for this.
I also tried rotating the view to more or less a top view so lines didn't overlap and got a better result. The yellow wireframe view of the patch looked good but after hitting the ENTER key to generate the mesh it had lots of errors where the polygons are close to 90° to the view.
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Did you hit the Enter key before mouse button released? If not try again.
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Thanks working perfect now as long as no lines overlap in the view.
I was previously releasing the mouse and then hitting ENTER.
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If you hit Enter before mouse button releasing, it doesn't matter what view angle is. It is not view dependent.
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Thanks working perfect now as long as no lines overlap in the view.
I was previously releasing the mouse and then hitting ENTER.
I know what you meant now. You were talking about the 4 border lines.
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IStonia, please check your PM inbox.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-21-17.rar
One new feature. MASK. Mask provides the way to ignore some line intersection points in line intersecting testing. To create a mask, press down LMB then tap Alt key. A mask can be moved by dragging it. To remove, RMB. The size is customizable, Edit > Preference > General > Draw mesh mask size.
Kevin, can you try to use the Draw Mesh tool in non-retopo mode when you make models from background images? In non-retopo mode, if you draw a line which goes through snapping points or across other existing lines, the program will know how to put the line in camera depth.
Thanks Istonia, I'm looking forward to using Draw Mesh for a lot of modelling other than just retopo.
I just tried it with patch with retopo turned off and instead of using splines I used draw mesh and got bizarre results ?
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w158/kevjon_2007/Posts/Draw%20Mesh%20Patch_zps9npknyh0.png) (http://s175.photobucket.com/user/kevjon_2007/media/Posts/Draw%20Mesh%20Patch_zps9npknyh0.png.html)
Note the last image shows the mesh looking at it from another view which is different than the first two images.
You can now use the Mask tool to fixe the problem.
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Hi Istonia
I created a mask and made it big enough in preferences to cover the area of the intersecting lines. But CAPS LOCK no longer works to create the patch with the mask in place.
I assume the red box of mask should cover the area where the intersecting lines are ?
Having to change the size of the mask in preference is not very intuitive to use. It would be better if the user could drag out the size of the mask on screen.
Its a great addition to the draw mesh toolset but I'm not really sure how this tool works ?
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Can you show where you placed the mask in a pic.
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(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w158/kevjon_2007/Posts/Mask%20DrawMesh_zpsuwyb7ak6.png) (http://s175.photobucket.com/user/kevjon_2007/media/Posts/Mask%20DrawMesh_zpsuwyb7ak6.png.html)
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You don't have to have that mask that big.
You have masked two intersection points. You only need to mask the one where the bottom line intersects with the left line between the two ends of the left line. That is the one which confused the program.
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I assume the red box of mask should cover the area where the intersecting lines are ?
It is to cover the "Apparent Intersection" (Apparent intersections are those that appear to be intersections from viewpoint, but are not actually intersections).
From your pic, I have marked the apparent intersection to show.
But as mentioned, for a patch with 4 control splines/lines, you should not need to mask out the apparent intersection. While creating the patch, once you have the number of cuts required, tap "Enter", it will produce patch based on splines rather than controlled via view direction.
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Thanks Steve
I was actually putting the mask over the vertex in the bottom left corner, so I get it now, where the lines cross each other (or the apparent intersection)
With regard to patching it does not work for me on Sept 21 (if there is an apparent intersection) unless I apply the mask.
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Thinking about this some more Istonia
Patching is very useful for retopo work where draw mesh is already working really well especially with the ability to import splines & refine them.
Because Nvil already has great spline tools which allow you to model & patch with precision, I don't know if there is really a need to use the patch function in Draw Mesh for non-retopo work so may not be worth doing a lot of work on it ?
Would others agree or disagree ?
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Hi Kevin, I just want to see if the Draw Mesh tool can be used to speed up in some non-retopo modeling process. It doesn't have to be precision wise. For example if you have a background image, you can draw out some boundary lines then use these lines to generate meshes by using tools in Draw Mesh tool, patch is only one of them. Then you can tweak the mesh to its final shape. Just a thought. If you don't find it particularly useful in non-retopo mode, don't use it then.
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I think I will use draw mesh a lot of non-retopo work. I believe it will speed up the modelling process of non retopo work. In fact I may find I end up using it for the majority of my normal modelling work. Being able to patch in 2d is a real time saver too.
But draw mesh and 3d patching is problematical. Aside from the issue of having to create masks when you are drawing freehand curves that intersect other existing lines or curves, it loses its camera depth and ends up all over the place when you draw new curves that cross over existing lines or curves. Anyway I'll watch with interest if you are able to solve these issues.
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...when you are drawing freehand curves that intersect other existing lines or curves, it loses its camera depth and ends up all over the place when you draw new curves that cross over existing lines or curves...
There are 3 ways to tackle this.
1. When finishing line drawing, before you release mouse button, press down Alt key and the program will not check line crossing.
2. Put masks in where you don't want crossing to be checked before starting line drawing.
3. This method is not described in tooltips because I am not sure how it may work. It requires you the enable/disable snapping through hotkeys. During the drawing of the line, you need to enable Spline snapping at least once to tell the program that you are using this method. When you draw the line across other lines, you can enable or disable spline snapping to tell the program you want crossing to be checked or not.
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Thanks for the tip, I didn't realise snapping was causing the problem when crossing over other lines.
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I uploaded first batch of Draw Mesh videos.
http://samardac.com/nvil-forum//index.php/topic,4393.0.html
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I uploaded first batch of Draw Mesh videos.
http://samardac.com/nvil-forum//index.php/topic,4393.0.html
Hi rubberDuck.
Thank you very much for sharing your efforts with this new tool (draw mesh).
I think that also could be very useful for the rest of us to see a basic tutorial on how to manage this very complex tool.
Thanks again.
Marco (mkmdm)
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Yes, I can do that. But it may take a while.
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Thanks RD for putting this together ! I've so far watched the first and third videos.
It was inspiring to watch and fascinating to see how you used patching of the draw mesh tool to quickly retopologise the snails body and how quickly you were able to achieve such a great result. Istonia's efforts in creating a such a awesome tool has really paid off .
I also picked up a few tips
- How to retopo the tops of circular areas (like the head, rear end and bump on the body)
- How to use relax vertices (which is a tool in Nvil that I didn't know existed)
- Soft selection
- Your use of customised toolbars that kind of act like radial menus.
Did you use a tablet and pen to work with draw mesh for the retopo ?
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Thanks RD for putting this together ! I've so far watched the first and third videos.
It was inspiring to watch and fascinating to see how you used patching of the draw mesh tool to quickly retopologise the snails body and how quickly you were able to achieve such a great result. Istonia's efforts in creating a such a awesome tool has really paid off .
Thanks for the feedback.
Most definitely paid off, because the tool is fabulous. :)
- How to use relax vertices (which is a tool in Nvil that I didn't know existed)
Loop Tidy is also a very useful relaxing tool, if you haven't tried it.
Did you use a tablet and pen to work with draw mesh for the retopo ?
I tried, but I returned to mouse eventually. I'm so used to using mouse in NVil that it felt awkward to use a pen. I leave it for sculpting and painting. :)
Lines may be wonky sometimes when drawn with a mouse, but they are discretized later anyway (when polygons are generated out of them), so it's no big deal. Sometimes I take advantage of resume (CAPS+RMB), which allows for drawing a sequence of straight lines from an existing line.
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...when you are drawing freehand curves that intersect other existing lines or curves, it loses its camera depth and ends up all over the place when you draw new curves that cross over existing lines or curves...
There are 3 ways to tackle this.
1. When finishing line drawing, before you release mouse button, press down Alt key and the program will not check line crossing.
2. Put masks in where you don't want crossing to be checked before starting line drawing.
3. This method is not described in tooltips because I am not sure how it may work. It requires you the enable/disable snapping through hotkeys. During the drawing of the line, you need to enable Spline snapping at least once to tell the program that you are using this method. When you draw the line across other lines, you can enable or disable spline snapping to tell the program you want crossing to be checked or not.
Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-24-17.rar
Method 3 is removed.
Method 2 still stands.
Method 1 is improved. Whenever you want to avoid the crossing checking, press down alt key (or ctrl+alt if alt alone triggers the view naviation), when drawing that portion of line. The line color will change to indicate that.
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Hi Istonia
Method 1 is still not working for me when snapping is left on. When using the Alt key I get the result in this image.
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w158/kevjon_2007/Posts/Draw%20Mesh%20Sept24_zpsexib1q5j.png) (http://s175.photobucket.com/user/kevjon_2007/media/Posts/Draw%20Mesh%20Sept24_zpsexib1q5j.png.html)
I'm finding it hard to draw a curve, hold the Alt key when crossing a line and enable temporary snapping all at the same time. But when I do that does work Ok.
From a user point of view it would be best to leave snapping on. When they press the Alt key it temporarily disables snapping when crossing another line.
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I works fine on me. Have you assigned any snapping options to Alt key?
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Doh, I had both vertex & spline snap turned on so that is why it didn't work !
If I just have vertex snap on it works good ! All sorted now.
Mask and patching is working well also on this simple example.
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Hi Istonia
You asked in another thread if I had been doing any more trials of Draw Mesh in non-retopo mode.
I have lots of suggestions how to improve it so the tool can be used for this purpose. But maybe just work through it bit by bit.
I just tried it on a simple 2d mesh with Sept 27 and got the following result. All other trials I have done that are similar to this also failed.
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w158/kevjon_2007/Posts/DrawMesh01_zpsiokqmswi.png) (http://s175.photobucket.com/user/kevjon_2007/media/Posts/DrawMesh01_zpsiokqmswi.png.html)
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One addition to the tool that is really required is being able to draw straight lines at any angle.
I envisage such a tool working this way.
- Hold SHIFT & Click on screen when you would like to start the line
- release SHIFT and click on a point on screen where you would like to end the line.
It would be nice if you could create a draw mesh spline by a series of clicks and the spline would go through each point clicked.
I think these would be a really nice addition to the tool for those of us who need to model hard surface objects. Freehand lines are fine for organic modelling purposes.
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Hi Istonia
You asked in another thread if I had been doing any more trials of Draw Mesh in non-retopo mode.
I have lots of suggestions how to improve it so the tool can be used for this purpose. But maybe just work through it bit by bit.
I just tried it on a simple 2d mesh with Sept 27 and got the following result. All other trials I have done that are similar to this also failed.
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w158/kevjon_2007/Posts/DrawMesh01_zpsiokqmswi.png) (http://s175.photobucket.com/user/kevjon_2007/media/Posts/DrawMesh01_zpsiokqmswi.png.html)
I can't reproduce the problem. What is you auto weld threshold value?
One addition to the tool that is really required is being able to draw straight lines at any angle.
I envisage such a tool working this way.
- Click on screen when you would like to start the line
- Hold shift and click on a point on screen where you would like to end the line.
It would be nice if you could create a draw mesh spline by a series of clicks and the spline would go through each point clicked.
I think these would be a really nice addition to the tool for those of us who need to model hard surface objects. Freehand lines are fine for organic modelling purposes.
Can you show what those line look like in a pic?
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I think you can ignore my image post above about draw mesh not working everytime I try it in non-retopo mode.
I reset the view and it works everytime now.
I don't know if this is normal behaviour or not. But in the viewport when I set it to top ortho view and then go to view menu > reset view it rotates the viewport 90° ?
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It doesn't happen to me.
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It doesn't happen to me.
Weird, must be something about my NVidia video driver. It happens in all viewports.
My scene was set to meters and the autoweld threshold was 0.97435870m. I don't know why that is as I never set it to that but that looks like the culprit. When I zoomed out in the viewport I obviously created a larger mesh and autoweld never kicked in.
Here is a pic of the spline and Straight line at any angle suggestion. It will help with generating meshes more precisely with draw mesh when you are modelling hard surface objects.
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w158/kevjon_2007/Posts/DrawMesh02_zps1ue7ntlg.png) (http://s175.photobucket.com/user/kevjon_2007/media/Posts/DrawMesh02_zps1ue7ntlg.png.html)
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Sorry drawing straight lines at any angle by tapping the SPACEBAR is already implemented so that works fine.
The spline option would be nice though.
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Sorry drawing straight lines at any angle by tapping the SPACEBAR is already implemented so that works fine.
Or draw a very short curve, then resume it, which will allow you to continue with a continuous sequence of lines (if you LMB-click instead of drag).
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Or draw a very short curve, then resume it, which will allow you to continue with a continuous sequence of lines (if you LMB-click instead of drag).
That's a great tip, thanks, I didn't realise you can do that but it works nice.
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IStonia I have a suggestion for this SPACEBAR mode for drawing straight line. It could look like this:
LMB+SPACEBAR - enables drawing of line sequences. After the first line is drawn (you need to keep LMB depressed to lay down the first line), tool starts to behave in the same way as in Resume mode (with the very same sticky dashed line attached to cursor; LMB can be released). So for example you could create a sequence of lines by LMB-clicking or a stroke by LMB-dragging, interchangeably and without leaving this mode. RMB to quit.
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IStonia I have a suggestion for this SPACEBAR mode for drawing straight line. It could look like this:
LMB+SPACEBAR - enables drawing of line sequences. After the first line is drawn (you need to keep LMB depressed to lay down the first line), tool starts to behave in the same way as in Resume mode (with the very same sticky dashed line attached to cursor; LMB can be released). So for example you could create a sequence of lines by LMB-clicking or a stroke by LMB-dragging, interchangeably and without leaving this mode. RMB to quit.
I really like this suggestion for drawing out polygons more precisely for hard surface objects.
The spline curves I mentioned above would really come in useful for patching more precisely.
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What does Refine do? I tried it a couple of times on Draw Mesh curves, but it didn't seem to affect them in any way.
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What does Refine do? I tried it a couple of times on Draw Mesh curves, but it didn't seem to affect them in any way.
See page 13 of this thread.
If you draw a normal spline and Import it with Draw Mesh you then use Refine to project that spline with 1 level of subd onto a retopo surface. It is a way of creating a Draw Mesh spline in retopo mode rather than just a wobbly freehand line. It is really handy tool for retopo patching organic type hard surface meshes like aircraft fuselages or car bodies.
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Thanks Kevjon!
This non-retopo drawing is pretty cool.
One problem though. I can't snap to vertices that lie on backfaces, which would be pretty handy here. Does anyone remember which option is responsible for it?
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Thanks Kevjon!
This non-retopo drawing is pretty cool.
One problem though. I can't snap to vertices that lie on backfaces, which would be pretty handy here. Does anyone remember which option is responsible for it?
I can draw a normal spline and snap to back faces but cannot do it with draw mesh. I agree this would be very handy when using draw mesh. Hopefully Istonia can add the feature.
With regard to Import splines and refine. I hope both those tools can be replaced in the future by a Draw Mesh spline option, fingers crossed.
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Thanks Kevjon!
This non-retopo drawing is pretty cool.
One problem though. I can't snap to vertices that lie on backfaces, which would be pretty handy here. Does anyone remember which option is responsible for it?
Can you show what kind of snapping it is in a pic?
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I'd like to snap to vertices lying on open edges.
If they are on backfaces, they cannot be snapped to, and I need to rotate the camera first, which isn't good for draw mesh line I'm drawing.
I'm fairly sure it's a matter of toggling some option in NVil, I just don't recall which one.
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It doesn't happen to me.
Weird, must be something about my NVidia video driver. It happens in all viewports.
My scene was set to meters and the autoweld threshold was 0.97435870m. I don't know why that is as I never set it to that but that looks like the culprit. When I zoomed out in the viewport I obviously created a larger mesh and autoweld never kicked in.
Here is a pic of the spline and Straight line at any angle suggestion. It will help with generating meshes more precisely with draw mesh when you are modelling hard surface objects.
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w158/kevjon_2007/Posts/DrawMesh02_zps1ue7ntlg.png) (http://s175.photobucket.com/user/kevjon_2007/media/Posts/DrawMesh02_zps1ue7ntlg.png.html)
Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Sep-29-17.rar
1-- DRAW. Use LMB to draw lines. To straighten line, tap Space key, and while the line is in straight style, tap Caps-Lock key will finish the current line and start another straight line which shares the same start point. To close line, tap Caps-Lock+Space key. To draw horizontal/vertical lines, press down Shift key. To draw diagonal lines, press down Ctrl key. To allow the line to be drawn through the end of another line, enable vertex/spline snapping. If retopo mode is not enabled, the program will use snappings and line crossings to set the drawn line's position in viewport camera depth. If want to disable line crossing checking, when drawing that portion of line, have Alt pressed down(a comination hotkeys including Alt when no mouse button is pressed), or use masks. To create spline, LMB click without drag at starting point, Ctrl change style, Shift constrain, RMB finish.
2-- RESUME. To resume the drawing of a drawn line, Caps-Lock+RMB-Click the line at any of its two ends. Then continue its drawing or right click another line to connect. When extending a line, tap Caps-Lock key will terminate current extending and create a new line starting from the last point of the last extending line, the new line will be in extending mode. To exit extending mode, RMB click.
I'd like to snap to vertices lying on open edges.
If they are on backfaces, they cannot be snapped to, and I need to rotate the camera first, which isn't good for draw mesh line I'm drawing.
I'm fairly sure it's a matter of toggling some option in NVil, I just don't recall which one.
There is no option. It is hard coded. You should be able to do it now.
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1-- DRAW. Use LMB to draw lines. To straighten line, tap Space key, and while the line is in straight style, tap Caps-Lock key will finish the current line and start another straight line which shares the same start point. To close line, tap Caps-Lock+Space key. To draw horizontal/vertical lines, press down Shift key. To draw diagonal lines, press down Ctrl key. To allow the line to be drawn through the end of another line, enable vertex/spline snapping. If retopo mode is not enabled, the program will use snappings and line crossings to set the drawn line's position in viewport camera depth. If want to disable line crossing checking, when drawing that portion of line, have Alt pressed down(a comination hotkeys including Alt when no mouse button is pressed), or use masks. To create spline, LMB click without drag at starting point, Ctrl change style, Shift constrain, RMB finish.
2-- RESUME. To resume the drawing of a drawn line, Caps-Lock+RMB-Click the line at any of its two ends. Then continue its drawing or right click another line to connect. When extending a line, tap Caps-Lock key will terminate current extending and create a new line starting from the last point of the last extending line, the new line will be in extending mode. To exit extending mode, RMB click.
Something from the recent changes interferes with Closing splines.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5_r9d5SdkIvT3ZNdy1rZldsWDA
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Oct-01-17.rar
The related hotkey is changed to Ctrl from Caps-Lock.
1-- DRAW. Use LMB to draw lines. To straighten line, tap Space key, and while the line is in straight style, tap Ctrl key will finish the current line and start another straight line which shares the same start point. To close line, tap Caps-Lock+Space key. To draw horizontal/vertical lines, press down Shift key. To draw diagonal lines, press down Ctrl key. To allow the line to be drawn through the end of another line, enable vertex/spline snapping. If retopo mode is not enabled, the program will use snappings and line crossings to set the drawn line's position in viewport camera depth. If want to disable line crossing checking, when drawing that portion of line, have Alt pressed down(a comination hotkeys including Alt when no mouse button is pressed), or use masks. To create spline, LMB click without drag at starting point, Ctrl change style, Shift constrain, RMB finish.
2-- RESUME. To resume the drawing of a drawn line, Caps-Lock+RMB-Click the line at any of its two ends. Then continue its drawing or right click another line to connect. To exit extending mode, RMB click. When extending a line, tap Ctrl key will terminate current extending and create a new line starting from the last point of the last extending line, the new line will be in extending mode.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Oct-02-17.rar
Axis constraint is added to Extrude tool
10-- EXTRUDE. To extrude lines from existing open edges or line edges, enable edge snapping, LMB drag from the edge. To create from multiple edges, LMB click the first edge then move over to the second edge and LMB drag. If the second edge is the same as the first edge, the whole open edge loop will be used. Once lines drawn out, WMB or Ctrl+LMB-Drag to adjust segments, Ctrl+Shift+LMB-Drag for rotation, Ctrl+Alt+LMB-Drag for Scaling. Axis constraint, 1/2/3. To bridge, drag the cursor to the opposite side edge or line, tap Space key to correct order if wrong. To change line moving direction, tap Caps-Lock key. To generate mesh without view projection Process, while the mouse button is still being pressed, tap Enter key(Useful for creating cylinder like shapes). To stop current extrusion and start a new one without releasing mouse button, tap Shift key. If wanted, keep shift key pressed and continue dragging to create a series of extrusion.
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All good with curve closing now. Thanks.
I don't understand the purpose of the Tweak mode. Its tooltip states that:
To enable the using of the assigned basic streamline tools to tweak generated mesh. To switch it on/off, Caps-Lock+Space key
But I can't use any streamline tools nor other tools while I'm in this mode. So, what it's for?
I constantly end up in situations in which I hover over a curve and press CAPS+Space to close it, forgetting the fact that this shortcut works only in Draw and Resume modes. So it always takes me several seconds to realize that I can't draw more curves because I entered Tweak mode. :P
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If you open the Draw Mesh tool in streamline tool customizing window, you will see three basic streamline tool are assigned to the LMB/MMB/RMB. When you are in tweak mode, you can use these tools to tweak the mesh and the undo/redo will work on the changes made by these tools.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Oct-02-17.rar
Axis constraint is added to Extrude tool
10-- EXTRUDE. To extrude lines from existing open edges or line edges, enable edge snapping, LMB drag from the edge. To create from multiple edges, LMB click the first edge then move over to the second edge and LMB drag. If the second edge is the same as the first edge, the whole open edge loop will be used. Once lines drawn out, WMB or Ctrl+LMB-Drag to adjust segments, Ctrl+Shift+LMB-Drag for rotation, Ctrl+Alt+LMB-Drag for Scaling. Axis constraint, 1/2/3. To bridge, drag the cursor to the opposite side edge or line, tap Space key to correct order if wrong. To change line moving direction, tap Caps-Lock key. To generate mesh without view projection Process, while the mouse button is still being pressed, tap Enter key(Useful for creating cylinder like shapes). To stop current extrusion and start a new one without releasing mouse button, tap Shift key. If wanted, keep shift key pressed and continue dragging to create a series of extrusion.
I tried most of them out and they work well. Takes a bit of getting used to but an impressive array of tools, thanks !
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Kevin, can't wait to see what you can do with those tools.
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Hi Istonia,
In order to get used to the draw mesh tools, I've started to use it on a real project.
I came across this issue.
In ortho right view, I used draw mesh in non-retopo mode to create the two simple planes.
I was drawing in world space.
I would expect they would draw on the world XYZ axis in world space but both objects ended up a long way a way from the model both at a random distance.
It would be good if it drew on the XYZ plane in world space or on the workplane if that is active when using ortho views ?
(http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w158/kevjon_2007/Posts/Draw%20Mesh%201_zpsojptwsif.jpg) (http://s175.photobucket.com/user/kevjon_2007/media/Posts/Draw%20Mesh%201_zpsojptwsif.jpg.html)
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Oct-03-17.rar
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Oct-03-17.rar
I tried Draw Mesh on World Grid , Top, Front, Right
I also tested it on Workplane Grid, Top, Front, Right
In all instances it worked really nicely. Thanks !
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Oct-01-17.rar (http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Oct-01-17.rar)
The related hotkey is changed to Ctrl from Caps-Lock.
Thanks, but now I can't undo the segments that I lay down while I'm in LMB+SPACEBAR mode because I have Undo under CTRL+Z. :-\
So the only option is to remove the whole curve and restart drawing.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Oct-05-17.rar
The hotkey is changed from Ctrl to Ctrl+Caps-Lock.
1-- DRAW. Use LMB to draw lines. To straighten line, tap Space key, and while the line is in straight style, tap Ctrl+Caps-Lock key will finish the current line and start another straight line which shares the same start point. To close line, tap Caps-Lock+Space key. To draw horizontal/vertical lines, press down Shift key. To draw diagonal lines, press down Ctrl key. To allow the line to be drawn through the end of another line, enable vertex/spline snapping. If retopo mode is not enabled, the program will use snappings and line crossings to set the drawn line's position in viewport camera depth. If want to disable line crossing checking, when drawing that portion of line, have Alt pressed down(a comination hotkeys including Alt when no mouse button is pressed), or use masks. To create spline, LMB click without drag at starting point, Caps-Lock change style, Shift constrain, RMB finish.
2-- RESUME. To resume the drawing of a drawn line, Caps-Lock+RMB-Click the line at any of its two ends. Then continue its drawing or right click another line to connect. To exit extending mode, RMB click. When extending a line, tap Ctrl+Caps-Lock key will terminate current extending and create a new line starting from the last point of the last extending line, the new line will be in extending mode.
Also undo/redo is improved. It can be performed during Spline and Extending modes.
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http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Oct-06-17.rar
Some minor changes.
- Spline style change hotkey is changed from Caps-Lock to Ctrl+Caps-Lock.
- Spline can also be close by Caps-Lock-Space.
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Thanks IStonia. :)
Do you think you can put horizontal and vertical scaling in Transform mode under one hotkey, instead of the current separate keys (SHIFT+drag for vertical scaling and CTRL+drag for horizontal scaling)?
For example:
SHIFT+drag vertically - to scale vertically (scale up by dragging up),
SHIFT+drag horizontally - to scale horizontally (scale up by dragging right)
(or under CTRL, whatever key you think would fit the best).
I think this would make scaling slightly more streamlined. And it would free the other key for rotation (instead of CTRL+SHIFT+drag).
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Oct-07-17.rar
Shift for Scale, Ctrl for rotation.
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Thanks! This makes it much easier to remember the transform keys, and more intuitive to scale.
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Hay I enable Retopo and can not draw, what it can be? When Retopo is off I can draw on the floor...
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In retopo mode, you can only draw on retopo reference object. It is described in the tooltips.
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In retopo mode, you can only draw on retopo reference object. It is described in the tooltips.
Have you added your reference geometry to retopo reference list?
Oops sorry, I thought I was quoting Samardac. Damn mobile devices and their tiny screens. :)
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I do everything right, but it dose not work. check this video:
https://monosnap.com/file/OSUtVZNZ2moSywmmwq8xbFtLrqSlkb
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Don't keep the reference object selected when you are drawing over it.
It's also best to freeze it.
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Hm, ok, got it. But why it dose not work when it is selected?
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Hm, ok, got it. But why it dose not work when it is selected?
But why would you want to have the reference object selected in order to retopo it with Draw Mesh (or any other tool, in any other program existing on the market)? What would be the point of this?
The only purpose of a reference mesh is to just be there - in the background. As a non-selectable snapping target for newly laid points of retopo geometry. :)
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I do everything right, but it dose not work. check this video:
https://monosnap.com/file/OSUtVZNZ2moSywmmwq8xbFtLrqSlkb
Hi Samardac!
I'm glad to see you here again working on R3F!!
I see that you are integrating the new command "Draw Mesh".
This is great. A very powerful tool!
Will be available only for Pro version of R3F or for everyone ?
Thanks.
Marco (mkdm)
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Oct-12-17.rar
One more new option
1/2/3 keys for x/y/z constraint for straight line draw in non-retopo mode.
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Kevin, how's your progress in non-retopo mode?
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One more new option
1/2/3 keys for x/y/z constraint for straight line draw in non-retopo mode.
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Kevin, how's your progress in non-retopo mode?
Thanks Istonia for the extra functionality, that will be very useful.
In the past 2 weeks I haven't had a lot of time to do 3D work.
I don't mean this in any negative way but there is a lot of new commands & sub commands in Draw Mesh for me to learn, which is going to take some time to commit those commands to muscle memory.
I'm so used to working with conventional modelling tools (which are wonderful in Nvil) where I kind of need to tweak the shapes to match my reference images and then tweak some more to match my photo references. I don't find draw mesh as tweakable in this regard before you commit to a mesh. I am finding draw mesh much quicker though for getting down the basic shape of a 2d mesh. Once I have more time to get used to draw mesh I may find a quick accurate way to lay down a 3d mesh with it and use it more and more for all my work. Certainly for creating new patches from existing patched mesh, draw mesh is awesome.
Are you looking for feedback on workflow issues & any bugs with Draw Mesh in non-retopo ?
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Yes, I am looking for feedbacks. That's ok if you don't have much time. I have had some valuable feedback from you already.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Nov-17-17.rar
The bridge tool is improved. It is now possible to bridge a cross multiple selected lines. It can be useful for long tail like shapes. For detail see the tool tips.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Nov-19-17.rar
The bridge tool is improved again. It can generate mesh connecting to existing mesh on both ends.
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I have an idea for another useful feature, something rather sketchy and I think it may be rather hard to implement, but it coud become really handy in some situation. To be more precise. I'm thinking about another kind of curve, the one that would give the ability to change the edge flow inside of the patches. To explain it more throughly, here is the pic:
(https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=1secaM0wUk50ID74LqdvUkJ_EBfnna2xh)
In my opinion it could be useful in many instances, like generating holes, insets, bevels and it could save quite some time by reducing amount of steps required to reproduce this effects by other means.
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I can't see any possible way it can be implemented.
xenoox, can you make a short video to show off you workflow between Retopo and Draw-Mesh tools?
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No worries, I understand. I can live without this.
Actually I was thinking about something akin of Data-Driven Interactive Quadrangulation (http://igl.ethz.ch/projects/ddq/), albeit simpler and less automated. 3d coat has this feature already implemented (Quad Paint), but in my opinion it doesn't give results as clean, and well flowing as manual retopolgy. Thats why I was thinking it would be nice to have ability to generate something other than than plain grid when using patches, thus making it easier to retopoligse more complex objects, with least amount of strokes and good edge flow.
About recording the video. If this going to help you, I will record one when I have more time. Although Im quite sure my workflow is nothing special.
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Thanks for the info. I still don't know how to implement it.
As for the video, it is not about personnel workflow, it is about the workflow you can achieve in Nvil. It can let others know what the two tools, Retopo and Draw Mesh, can do and the convenience of navigation between the two.
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A bug fixing in the bridge tool
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Nov-23-17.rar
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I ran into a problem. When I draw a curve over my current reference mesh, it looks smooth... until I rotate the view which reveals how jagged it is. It's the first time I'm seeing this happening:
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Dec-07-17.rar
When finishing spline, the spline will be fully projected onto reference object is Ctrl key is depressed. This is the problem you came across. But maybe sometimes it can be useful, so I added this option. The Draw tooltip is updated.
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I see. So the full projection was the default operation for splines in the previous version? Now I'm getting jagged curves only when drawing strokes, but it's limited to areas where the surface has some details.
I have noticed that curves (splines and strokes) are offset a bit from the reference surface in those detailed areas. The more detailed and curved the surface is, the greater the offset. On relatively flat surfaces the offset disappears. Is this normal?
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I see. So the full projection was the default operation for splines in the previous version? Now I'm getting jagged curves only when drawing strokes, but it's limited to areas where the surface has some details.
Yes.
I have noticed that curves (splines and strokes) are offset a bit from the reference surface in those detailed areas. The more detailed and curved the surface is, the greater the offset. On relatively flat surfaces the offset disappears. Is this normal?
It is normal. If you want to draw in very detailed area with smooth but small offset lines, Use spline and control the distance between click points depending on the underlying geometry.
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I'm sorry IStonia, but this offset is definitely not something one can work with. Take a look at the screenshot #1. It's really huge and the roughness of the stroke is striking. However I did some investigating and it seems that that scaling the imported reference geometry down (and transforming it into position) is the cause of the problem. The greater the scale factor, the bigger the offset between the reference surface and the Draw Mesh curves will be.
To fix it I had to export the scaled-down and properly positioned version of my reference mesh back to .obj file and reimport it (see screenshot #2).
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Okay, Common Modeling Shortcut Tools→Freeze Object Scale fixes this too, so no need to reimport the model. :)
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Can you show the result screen shot after scaling frozen? There might be a bug here. What was the value of the scale of the reference object?
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Can you show the result screen shot after scaling frozen? There might be a bug here. What was the value of the scale of the reference object?
The result after freezing the scale was the same like of the reimported rescaled model. Meaning no offset and bumps, thankfully. :)
The scale of the object after I scaled it down and before I froze its scale was something very small, like 0.003 or 0.0003. The object was huge when I first imported it.
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Looks like it is computer computation error causes it.
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Looks like it is computer computation error causes it.
IStonia, so now that we know that this offset issue doesn't have anything to do with:
When finishing spline, the spline will be fully projected onto reference object is Ctrl key is depressed. This is the problem you came across. But maybe sometimes it can be useful, so I added this option. The Draw tooltip is updated.
maybe it's best to revert back to how this tool previously worked? Meaning - fully project the spline without having to press CTRL. I have observed that sometimes when the spline intersects with the reference geometry (due to having too few control points), some vertices of the generated retopo mesh might end up being snapped to some distant reference geometry parts. With spline being fully projected, it is usually not the case, hence I ended up using full projection most of the time.
What do you think?
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Dec-09-17.rar
If Ctrl down, no projection.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Dec-09-17.rar (http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Dec-09-17.rar)
If Ctrl down, no projection.
Thanks!
Is it possible to resume a curve with smooth splines? All I can do in resume mode is to either draw strokes or create a sequence of straight lines.
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IStonia,
There are two issues that I caught on the video below.
The first is a curve snapping to surface closest to the camera (arm), which I was able to find a workaround for by keeping CTRL pressed to disable curve full projection. That's okay.
However I cannot find a workaround for the second issue where NVil assumes that the hand is also a reference surface that I want to include in a patch that I'm generating. Probably rotating the camera would help here, but sometimes it is not a viable option.
What workflow do you suggest to avoid this particular issue?
Video: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wKBQ7OXcVsXI4Nav4DU9j7Sly7_0ZXV9
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IStonia,
There are two issues that I caught on the video below.
The first is a curve snapping to surface closest to the camera (arm), which I was able to find a workaround for by keeping CTRL pressed to disable curve full projection. That's okay.
However I cannot find a workaround for the second issue where NVil assumes that the hand is also a reference surface that I want to include in a patch that I'm generating. Probably rotating the camera would help here, but sometimes it is not a viable option.
What workflow do you suggest to avoid this particular issue?
Video: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1wKBQ7OXcVsXI4Nav4DU9j7Sly7_0ZXV9
I don't have better solution than Ctrl for the first case.
For the second case, tap Enter before releasing mouse button.
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Tapping 'Enter' works just great! Somehow I forgot about it.
Thanks IStonia. :)
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Is it possible to resume a curve with smooth splines? All I can do in resume mode is to either draw strokes or create a sequence of straight lines.
Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Dec-10-17.rar
If the line to be resumed is created from a spline, the line will be turned back into spline instead of extending. To not to turn back into spline, press down additional key.
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Try this
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Dec-13-17.rar
* In spline mode, control points can be tweaked by LMB. RMB to delete/insert control point.
* You can drag from MatCap window to object in scene.
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How does the "Tweak" mode works in the "Draw Mesh" window?.., if i select it and hold "ctrl", witch is the key that i have to tweak the mesh in all modes, nothing happens, just when i hit the "shift" key i can select some vertices and move them with the move manipulator.
In my config stream line engine tools i have the tweak mode set with three options; "NMB action enable", "User event action enable", "Allow event action on highlighted".
Another question is if i can use the "Draw Mesh" curves to cut an existing polymesh?.., like if i was using the cut tool but instead using curves.
Thanks for this great tool. ;)
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How does the "Tweak" mode works in the "Draw Mesh" window?.., if i select it and hold "ctrl", witch is the key that i have to tweak the mesh in all modes, nothing happens, just when i hit the "shift" key i can select some vertices and move them with the move manipulator.
In my config stream line engine tools i have the tweak mode set with three options; "NMB action enable", "User event action enable", "Allow event action on highlighted".
While the "Draw Mesh" is active, you can't use hotkey to activate other streamline tools.
You can set the basic streamline tools for the "Draw Mesh" tool then use them by setting the mode to "Tweak".
Another question is if i can use the "Draw Mesh" curves to cut an existing polymesh?.., like if i was using the cut tool but instead using curves.
It is not possible.
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Thanks for the info IStonia.
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Another question is if i can use the "Draw Mesh" curves to cut an existing polymesh?.., like if i was using the cut tool but instead using curves.
Just added a new feature.
Cut existing mesh with a drawn line. To do it, turn on "Cut" mode in Draw Mesh tool UI then LMB click the line.
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Dec-20-17.rar
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Another question is if i can use the "Draw Mesh" curves to cut an existing polymesh?.., like if i was using the cut tool but instead using curves.
Just added a new feature.
Cut existing mesh with a drawn line. To do it, turn on "Cut" mode in Draw Mesh tool UI then LMB click the line.
http://www.digitalfossils.com/Download/NVil-Dec-20-17.rar
thanks