# Functions

Crosshatch is my attempt to localize the process of creating a crosshatch pattern in a single operator in Blender. This was inspired by short a video tutorial detailing the process which was simple but I wanted to add something more.

<figure><img src="https://1533334696-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4r0AELTCYZZ7h3JlR2Hg%2Fuploads%2FEyIdrV5TTJeHaTrtlILF%2Fblender_dOAM38fWxF.png?alt=media&#x26;token=69a0621e-ed02-4704-8eca-752e9aca16d5" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure 1</p></figcaption></figure>

You can find the operator in the face menu in edit mode using the hotkey Ctrl+F.

<figure><img src="https://1533334696-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4r0AELTCYZZ7h3JlR2Hg%2Fuploads%2Fv8ku1IhecDY8BGK2jmgI%2Fblender_Crh6ZT4DRB.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b4bd1ec7-b958-4c6e-8cac-cf7f24a0df7e" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure 2</p></figcaption></figure>

This is what's called the redo panel in Blender and is shown when you first use the operator. You put in the values for each parameter and press OK. Changes will be made to the mesh and the redo panel will disappear - you can recall this anytime in the 3D viewport using the F9 hotkey as long as you have not executed another command. See [redo-panel](https://www.blenderguppy.com/add-ons/other-information/redo-panel "mention")

{% hint style="warning" %}
The operator needs faces selected to work and will show you a "No faces selected!" message when used without any selection.
{% endhint %}

| Setting               | Function                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Thickness             | Sets the thickness of the crosshatch faces. This can be randomized with the chain icon toggle next to the value setting. A min/max value setting will appear where the randomization will generate between these two numbers. |
| Randomize             | A percentage bar with a default value of 50%. Determines how many of the faces' thickness will be randomized. Can be slow at 100% with a higher number of face selections.                                                    |
| Seed                  | Random seed value that provides consistent result per number.                                                                                                                                                                 |
| Solidify              | Creates thickness like a solidify modifier (Destructive). When using the Use Solidify Modifier toggle, this will control the thickness parameter of that modifier instead.                                                    |
| Inner Thick           | When the Remove Faces toggle is disabled, determines the thickness/scale of the inset faces.                                                                                                                                  |
| Inner Depth           | When the Remove Faces toggle is disabled, determines the depth of the inset faces.                                                                                                                                            |
| Remove Faces          | Instead of removing the faces that will result to a crosshatch effect, keep the faces to generate a diamond pattern mesh. This will show the Inner Thick and Inner Depth parameters upon activation.                          |
| Use Solidify Modifier | Use a solidify modifier instead to create thickness to the crosshatch faces.                                                                                                                                                  |

{% hint style="info" %}
You can also open up an anchored version of the redo panel in the bottom left area of the viewport upon confirming the operator. You can have this open and still use the F9 hotkey to show the redo panel anywhere in the viewport.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://1533334696-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4r0AELTCYZZ7h3JlR2Hg%2Fuploads%2F6W54lDYa0O6X9m8zScc0%2Fblender_UYs3rfT7U5.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=a63fc232-f3e0-48ee-91fb-ee2c21e6fa05" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure 3</p></figcaption></figure>

When your face selection does not equal the total number of faces in the mesh that area will be separated as another object and will be parented to the original mesh. No mesh separation will be done when all the faces of the mesh are selected.

<figure><img src="https://1533334696-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4r0AELTCYZZ7h3JlR2Hg%2Fuploads%2FulMF7QSRLNb9Zz7ayudc%2Fblender_ymfPi9BeVn.png?alt=media&#x26;token=29672a15-8a96-4bd8-b6cc-bad734ed8c6b" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure 4</p></figcaption></figure>

The randomized thickness can provide some variation to the design that's otherwise not available if you do this manually.

<figure><img src="https://1533334696-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4r0AELTCYZZ7h3JlR2Hg%2Fuploads%2FhjJm0pRA9YH9JSk00ijF%2Fblender_nmQvuNPyZs.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=344f7aed-4fb3-4793-b308-0bcfb9462dec" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure 5</p></figcaption></figure>

By disabling the Remove Faces toggle, you can create a diamond pattern instead. This is one of those small addition that really pushes this add-on beyond its original design.

More updates will come when I have more to time to spare from my main add-ons that generate me income. You can this for free in my Patreon and also support me there if you wish. Happy blending!

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{% embed url="<https://www.patreon.com/c/blenderguppy>" %}
