Rectangle Pattern

Experimental Feature

This is an experimental feature. To enable, check Enable Experimental Features in Preferences. Experimental features are only available as part of a Professional licence.

Intro

The Rectangle Pattern Shape can be used to create stacked bar charts and pie charts. Input values are normalised to fit its width or angle.

A bar chart with a Bevel Deformer used to create the rounded corners.

UI

Shape

Common Attributes +

Pattern Mode - Set the distribution for the pattern:

• Line - Distribute the rectangles along a line.
  • Use Fixed Size - When checked the bars will be scaled to fit the Size.
  • Size - Set a fixed size for the Shape.
  • Gap Type - Set the gap style:
    • Alternating - Each gap is set by the Bar Size. In this mode, Count includes rectangles and gaps.
    • Fixed Width - Each gap is set by the Fixed Gap Width. In this mode, the gaps are in addition to the Count.
  • Fixed Gap Width - Set a fixed width for each gap.
  • Horizontal Alignment -
• Ring - Distribute the rectangles along a ring.
  • Outer Radius - Set the outer radius of the ring.
  • Inner Radius - Set the inner radius of the ring.
  • Start Angle - Set the start angle.
  • End Angle - Set the end angle.
  • Gap Type - Set the gap style:
    • Alternating - Each gap is set by the Bar Size. In this mode, Count includes rectangles and gaps.
    • Fixed Angle - Each gap is set by the Fixed Gap Angle. In this mode, the gaps are in addition to the Count.
  • Fixed Gap Angle - Set a fixed angle for each gap.

Count - Set the total number of rectangles and gaps.

Bar Size - Set the size of the rectangles.

info

Note that a 'gap' is actually an empty rectangle so connecting, for example, a Random Behaviour to the Bar Size will create randomly sized rectangles and gaps.

Advanced

Common Attributes +

Use Index Context - When checked, the Rectangle Pattern Shape will pull Context. This can be used to control how Ids are assigned and so affect each rectangle individually – for example, adding a Color Array via a Sub-Mesh to the Rectangle Pattern Shape's Fill Color.

Example

1. Create a Rectangle Pattern Shape.
2. Set the Gap Type to Fixed Width.
3. Set the Count to 5.
4. Create a Value Array.
5. Add 4 more indices (for a total of 5) to the Value Array and set different values for each one.
6. Connect valueArray.id→rectanglePatternShape.barSize.

The values in the Value Array are normalised to fit the width of the Rectangle Pattern Shape. Try changing the Pattern Mode to Ring.

A Sub-Mesh can be used to add colors to each section of the Rectangle Pattern Shape:

1. Click the + next to the Rectangle Pattern Shape's Deformers attribute.
2. Select Sub-Mesh from the list.
3. On the Sub-Mesh's Fill tab, check Replace Fill.
4. Right click on the Sub-Mesh's Color attribute and choose Add Array > Color Array.
5. Add 4 more indices (for a total of 5) to the Color Array and set different colors for each one.