Generate Strand Data Operator
The Generate Strand Data operator procedurally creates strand channel values - per-strand or per-vertex - based on criteria you choose. These generated values can then drive operator parameters and strand groups elsewhere in the groom, which makes this operator the bridge between data you have (maps, positions, randomness) and the parameters you want to control.
What it generates
Rather than painting a channel by hand, you describe how its values should be produced. Sources include:
- Maps - turn a texture or vertex map into a strand channel, so an image drives an effect.
- Expressions - compute values from strand properties and other channels.
- Randomness - assign varied values across strands.
- Value ranges - remap generated values into a chosen range.
Why use it
Generated channels let you control a groom from data instead of by hand. For example, convert a painted mask into a channel and use it to drive Frizz Operator amount or Clump Operator strength; or generate random per-strand values to vary Length Operator or width. Because a single channel can feed many operators, this is a powerful way to keep a groom coherent and art-directable.
Related
- Working with Strand Channels - what channels are and how operators read them.
- Working with Strand Groups - generated data can also assign groups.