Mesh Tool - 6. Glyphs Parameters

This is a sub-chapter of the Mesh Parameters chapter.

This page details the Glyphs parameters within the Mesh tool of Embird Studio NEXT. This specialized fill generates mesh patterns using characters from installed fonts or predefined library shapes.

Users can specify the average cell size, apply random rotation ranges for more organic textures, and set a threshold for differentiating between large and small cells. This differentiation allows for the assignment of distinct glyphs based on cell size. Additional options include individual glyph scaling and the application of circular outlines. Settings are organized into tabs for general options, with separate controls for Large Glyphs and Small Glyphs to provide maximum design flexibility.

Options

Average Cell Size - Determines the median dimension for the glyph cells. The actual generated sizes will vary above and below this specified value.

Glyph Rotation Range - Specifies the range within which glyphs are randomly rotated to create a more complex and intricate mesh appearance.

Small Cells Amount - As glyph cells are generated in various dimensions, this control defines the threshold margin that separates small cells from large ones, allowing for different glyph assignments for each.

Span - Defines the coverage of the fill relative to the object boundaries. Available values include Overflow, Cropped, and Interior. When using the Overflow setting, object contours can be excluded from the stitching in the Common Settings tab.

Large Glyphs

Kind - Selects the source for the glyphs: Font (character-based) or Library (pre-defined shapes).

Scale - Allows for the reduction of glyph size within the allocated cells.

Add Circle - When enabled, a circular outline is added around each glyph cell.

Font - If Font mode is active, this menu allows for font selection. Bold and Italic modifiers are available if supported by the selected typeface.

Text - If Font mode is active, use this field to input the specific characters to be used as glyphs.

Glyphs from Library - If Library mode is active, this control allows for the selection of one or multiple predefined shapes.

Small Glyphs

The Small Glyphs tab contains identical parameters to the Large Glyphs section. This allows users to populate smaller cells with simpler shapes or different characters than those used in larger cells, preventing visual clutter in confined spaces.

Kind - Selects between Font or Library modes.

Scale - Adjusts the glyph size within small cells.

Add Circle - Enables circular outlines for small cells.

Font / Text - Defines the typeface and specific characters for small cell population.

Glyphs from Library - Enables selection of predefined shapes for small cells.