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This is a sub-chapter of the Mesh Parameters chapter.
Tiling is the process of covering a plane using one or more geometric shapes, known as tiles, without overlaps or gaps. In Studio NEXT, tiling is achieved through two methods: A) utilizing ready-made Blackwork samples or B) generating procedural Tessellation mosaics.
This page details the specific parameters for creating tile-based mesh fills. It covers the application of seamless Blackwork samples with adjustable scale and single-layer options, as well as the generation of complex Tessellation mosaics. For Tessellation, this guide explains controls for pattern selection, cell size, distortion, subdivision methods, and edge modifications using extrusion and bending effects.
In this mode, a selected Sample is tiled seamlessly to fill the entire mesh object.
Single Layer - Consult the Mesh Parameters chapter for information regarding the Single Layer switch. Please note that the Single Layer option is not available for all blackwork samples; compatible samples are specifically marked within the software.
Scale - This control adjusts the dimensions of the samples, directly influencing the density of the mesh paths.
A Tessellation is the covering of an area using geometric shapes that fit together perfectly without gaps or overlaps.
Tessellation mosaic
Kind - Selects the base tessellation pattern. The fill colors of individual shapes indicate subdivision eligibility: shapes large enough to be subdivided are filled with green, while smaller shapes are filled with pink (see the Split > Threshold parameter for details).
Average Size of Cells > Size - Defines the average width of the space between edges. The actual gap will fluctuate above and below this set value.
Distortion > Range - Applying distortion to the mesh can create unique organic effects. Set a non-zero value to randomize the mesh fill geometry.
Randomly distorted edges
Split - New patterns can be generated by subdividing existing shapes into smaller parts. Different methods produce various visual results, as illustrated on the respective method icons.
Available Methods of splitting shapes include: Corner Spokes, Edge Spokes, Inscribe, Inset, and Shrink.
Subdivision methods demonstrated on a 6-sided shape: 1. Corner Spokes, 2. Edge Spokes, 3. Inscribe, 4. Inset, 5. Shrink.
The Inscribe, Inset, and Shrink methods generate an inner shape (yellow) and associated outer shapes (blue).
Split > Threshold - This parameter determines which geometric shapes in a pattern are eligible for subdivision. Shapes with an area exceeding the threshold are split using the selected method. Setting the threshold to 0% ensures all shapes are split. Eligible shapes appear green in the pattern preview, while those below the threshold appear pink.
Split > Outer Lines - Methods such as Inscribe, Inset, and Shrink create an inner shape surrounded by several smaller shapes. This switch allows for the removal of these outer shapes, which can produce cleaner, more minimalist patterns.
Split > Offset - Certain split methods utilize an offset value for parameterization. This control is disabled for methods that do not require an offset.
Edges: The resulting tessellation mesh consists of edges that can be modified using the following parameters:
Edges > Extrude - Expands the edges to produce decorative, star-like geometry. This is particularly effective in patterns containing octagons (8-sided polygons).
The same pattern (#26) shown with increasing edge extrusion. Left to right: 0%, 50%, 75%.
Edges > Bend - Replaces straight edges with arcs, resulting in a more organic, mosaic-like appearance.
Arched edges
By manipulating the Split and Extrusion parameters on identical tessellation samples, you can generate sophisticated multicolor fills.
First, duplicate the object, change the color of the copy, and place it directly on top of the original. Then, modify the Extrusion and/or Split parameters of the upper layer. Overlaying these two objects in this manner produces a precisely aligned, multicolor mesh fill.
The same pattern - #26, for example - of different colors and specific parameter combinations can be overlapped to produce a multicolor fill: First pattern (base): 0% Extrusion, split using Corner Spokes. Second pattern (top): 85% Extrusion, no split.
Because the tessellation algorithm generates shapes based on a fixed coordinate system (or a shared seed), two identical objects with the same Kind and Average Size will always have perfectly overlapping "skeletons." When you modify the Split or Extrusion of the top layer, you are essentially "revealing" the bottom layer through the gaps created by the top layer.