Branch Group Properties

Branch groups node is responsible for generating branches and fronds. Its properties appear when you have selected a branch, frond or branch + frond node.

Distribution

Adjusts the count and placement of branches in the group. Use the curves to fine tune position, rotation and scale. The curves are relative to the parent branch or to the area spread in case of a trunk.

Group SeedThe seed for this group of branches. Modify to vary procedural generation.
FrequencyAdjusts the number of branches created for each parent branch.
DistributionThe way the branches are distributed along their parent.
TwirlDefines how many nodes are in each whorled step when using Whorled distribution. For real plants this is normally a Fibonacci number.
Growth ScaleDefines the scale of nodes along the parent node. Use the curve to adjust and the slider to fade the effect in and out.
Growth AngleDefines the initial angle of growth relative to the parent. Use the curve to adjust and the slider to fade the effect in and out.

Geometry

Select what type of geometry is generated for this branch group and which materials are applied. LOD Multiplier allows you to adjust the quality of this group relative to tree's LOD Quality.

LOD MultiplierAdjusts the quality of this group relative to tree's LOD Quality, so that it is of either higher or lower quality than the rest of the tree.
Geometry ModeType of geometry for this branch group: Branch Only, Branch + Fronds, Fronds Only.
Branch MaterialThe primary material for the branches.
Break MaterialMaterial for capping broken branches.
Frond MaterialMaterial for the fronds.

Shape

Adjusts the shape and growth of the branches. Use the curves to fine tune the shape, all curves are relative to the branch itself.

LengthAdjusts the length of the branches.
Relative LengthDetermines whether the radius of a branch is affected by its length.
RadiusAdjusts the radius of the branches, use the curve to fine-tune the radius along the length of the branches.
Cap SmoothingDefines the roundness of the cap/tip of the branches. Useful for cacti.
GrowthAdjusts the growth of the branches.
CrinklinessAdjusts how crinkly/crooked the branches are, use the curve to fine-tune.
Seek SunUse the curve to adjust how the branches are bent upwards/downwards and the slider to change the scale.
Surface NoiseAdjusts the surface noise of the branches.
NoiseOverall noise factor, use the curve to fine-tune.
Noise Scale UScale of the noise around the branch, lower values will give a more wobbly look, while higher values gives a more stochastic look.
Noise Scale VScale of the noise along the branch, lower values will give a more wobbly look, while higher values gives a more stochastic look.
FlareDefines a flare for the trunk.
Flare RadiusThe radius of the flares, this is added to the main radius, so a zero value means no flares.
Flare HeightDefines how far up the trunk the flares start.
Flare NoiseDefines the noise of the flares, lower values will give a more wobbly look, while higher values gives a more stochastic look.

These properties are for child branches only, not trunks.

WeldingDefines the welding of branches onto their parent branch. Only valid for secondary branches.
Weld LengthDefines how far up the branch the weld spread starts.
Spread TopWeld's spread factor on the top-side of the branch, relative to it's parent branch. Zero means no spread.
Spread BottomWeld's spread factor on the bottom-side of the branch, relative to it's parent branch. Zero means no spread.

Breaking

Controls the breaking of branches.

Break ChanceChance of a branch breaking, i.e. 0 = no branches are broken, 0.5 = half of the branches are broken, 1.0 = all the branches are broken.
Break LocationThis range defines where the branches will be broken. Relative to the length of the branch.

Fronds

Here you can adjust the number of fronds and their properties. This tab is only available if you have Frond geometry enabled in the Geometry tab.

Frond CountDefines the number of fronds per branch. Fronds are always evenly spaced around the branch.
Frond WidthThe width of the fronds, use the curve to adjust the specific shape along the length of the branch.
Frond RangeDefines the starting and ending point of the fronds.
Frond RotationDefines rotation around the parent branch.
Frond CreaseAdjust to crease / fold the fronds.

Animation

Adjusts the parameters used for animating this group of branches. The wind zones are only active in Play Mode.

Main WindPrimary wind effect. This creates a soft swaying motion and is typically the only parameter needed for primary branches.
Main TurbulenceSecondary turbulence effect. Produces more stochastic motion, which is individual per branch. Typically used for branches with fronds, such as ferns and palms.
Edge TurbulenceTurbulence along the edge of fronds. Useful for ferns, palms, etc.
Create Wind ZoneCreates a Wind Zone.

Page last updated: 2011-10-29