Spline Overlap Modifier

The Spline Overlap modifier detects self-overlapping splines and adjusts the displacement of the intersecting segments.

• Select a spline. > Modify panel > Modifier List > Object Space Modifiers > Spline Overlap

A section of chainlink fencing created using a freehand spline with the Spline Overlap modifier applied (right).

Interface

Overlap rollout

Show Knots

Displays knots on the spline.

Thickness

Sets the thickness of the spline when determining the offset value during the overlap calculation. In most cases, this is the same value used with the Renderable Spline modifier.

Drape

Defines the relative shape of the overlap. The higher the value, the sharper the slope.

Use Soft Selection

Scales the overlap amount according to the soft selection value. If there is no soft selection, this option is ignored.

Use Normals (if Present)

When a Freehand Spline is being modified, this option uses the normals as the 'up vector' in calculating the overlap displacement direction.

Procedure

To use the Spline Overlap modifier:

1. Create a spline with overlapping segments. You can do this by drawing a Freehand spline, for example, or by attaching several editable splines together as a single object. Make sure that the sections you want on top of the overlap are drawn or placed last.
2. For best results, first apply a Normalize Spline modifier to the spline to ensure that the knots are evenly distributed.
3. Apply a Spline Overlap modifier to the spline.
4. Set the Thickness and Drape options.
5. Tune the result by adjusting the Normalize Spline modifier, if necessary. Increasing the number of segments may increase the overall overlap resolution, for example.