Helix Generator

rkt · September 2, 2020, 12:35am

What is Helix Generator?

Helix Generator helps designers create complex helixes in just a few clicks, like helix around a line, helix around bezier curves. You can also modeling ropes, braids with this add-on with ease. (See demo video for more details)

Demo Video:

This add-on is available on Gumroad and Blender Market:

Changelog:

Version 1.0.7:

Only solidify bezier curves if the check box is checked

Version 1.0.6:

Improve floating point precision in presets

Version 1.0.5:

Improve floating point input field precision

Version 1.0.4:

Fix: Undo crashes blender 2.83

Version 1.0.3:

Fix: A error while disable addon

Version 1.0.2:

Add an addon preference option to customize the name of the add-on tab in N panel

Version 1.0.1:

Be able to save settings as preset

19%20PM

Version 1.0.0:

Initial release

Get Supports:

Discord: https://discord.gg/nTVkSNQ

cyso · August 19, 2019, 7:56am

Your addon looks interesting, but I haven’t got it yet.
Would it be possible for the addon to remember the ‘settings’ for a helix and update the geometry after I edit the related curve?

rkt · August 19, 2019, 1:27pm

Thank you for your interesting.
I will add this feature to save settings for a helix and load it for later use.

rkt · August 19, 2019, 1:32pm

Added Blender Market buying option.

rkt · August 19, 2019, 2:07pm

After you edit the relative curve, you need to check the Delete Last Construction on and click the Generate Helix button to generate the geometry of the helix. (In this way, this is equal to update the geometry.)

I am pretty sure with this method your problem can be solved.

But anyway, adding a feature to save and load settings is a good idea.

rkt · August 21, 2019, 12:17am

Just to let you know, this add-on has been updated to v1.0.1 which adds a feature to save settings as presets.

xan2622 · April 16, 2020, 8:42pm

Hi @rkt

I have a feature request about "adding an option to customize the location of the tab" :

Summary

Could you please add an option in the preferences of your addon to give the user the choice of the tab to display your addon?
(in order to move the addon from its own Helix Generator tab to a custom one)

Some users might want to place your addon in the View or in the Tool tab… (or elsewhere).

I invite you to read this related topic (if you want): https://blender.community/c/rightclickselect/dzdbbc/

Some addons have this feature and it’s very convenient for the user, especially when there are many addons that add their own tab on the N panel (it could become overcrowded vertically).

I think that it’s a good option to have in the preferences of an addon ; and if most of the addon developers consent to add this option, you (the devs) will succeed to fix “the N panel tabs clutter”.

Maybe you could have a look at these (free) addons’ source code (to reuse the lines related to this feature)?

Backface Hiding : https://gitlab.com/ChameleonScales/Backface_Hiding

SpeedRetopo : https://gumroad.com/l/speedretopo

Thank you in advance for considering to add this option.

rkt · April 8, 2020, 9:37am

Thank you for your feedback mate, I will add this option in the preferences, and thank you for the source code suggestion.

Yes, N panel is overcrowded.

Will add it as soon as possible.

rkt · April 10, 2020, 6:38am

Updated.

Version 1.0.2:

Add an addon preference option to customize the name of the add-on tab in N panel

rkt · April 10, 2020, 6:39am

Hey, this add-on just got updates to fix your issue. Have a try, feel free to tell me what you think anytime.

cleanheart · April 10, 2020, 9:42am

waiting for an add-on update for my issues.

rkt · April 10, 2020, 10:11am

Sorry, did I miss your issue before? What’s your issue, can you tell me more here? Sorry, I did not get it, I think I miss it.

rkt · May 7, 2020, 6:39am

Hi guys, I created my discord server for supports of my addons, feel free to join it.

Discord: https://discord.gg/nTVkSNQ

rkt · June 11, 2020, 7:13am

New updates.

Version 1.0.3:

Fix: A error while disable addon

rkt · June 16, 2020, 5:06am

New updates.

Version 1.0.4:

Fix: Undo crashes blender 2.83

Daf57 · July 28, 2020, 12:22am

Hello rkt! Just bought the Helix Generator and it’s going to be very helpful for me. Thank you.
One note - when using very low values (like .005 for instance) the display defaults back to 0.00. If I click back in the field it will display the actual value - but would be nice to be able to see the value. I’m using Imperial/Feet if that makes a difference.

Thanks again!
Daf

rkt · July 28, 2020, 1:51am

Hello, Daf, thank you for your purchase and your feedback.

This is a FloatProperty precision issue, I will make a quick fix soon. thank you for your support.

Daf57 · July 28, 2020, 9:37am

Thank you!
Daf

Daf57 · July 28, 2020, 12:59pm

Hey Aaron, one more question please. How do you set the solidify resolution? In other words, after creating my helix I convert to mesh and the resolution appears to be confined to 12. I need to be able to adjust this to match with other converted curves. Is the setting there and I’m missing it?
Thanks
Daf

rkt · July 28, 2020, 1:31pm

Hi Daf, it seems you can set the resolution to some value other than 12 in this settings before you convert your curve to mesh, see image below.