Kind of Metaballs in VectorStyler with Tips and Tricks



  • Kind of Metaballs in VectorStyler with Tips and Tricks
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    Info Part

    The 2D Metaballs may look in some circumstances like Truchet Patterns
    but they differ in the way how they where created. Metaballs use a outline/
    contour trick that works with many shapes, Text too. We stay with Circles
    for thisTutorial. Truchet patterns, on the other hand, are based on a
    mathematical tiling approach. (SebastianTruchet was a mathematician
    who researched tiling symmetries)
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    Meatballs created in VectorStyler, will differ from those created in Affinity Designer.
    Affinity Designer recognizes outlines without color information, while VectorStyler
    only recognizes them with color information. This leads to results like these.

    0_1749287361806_Metaball-VS-1.png
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    However, using the "Offset Path" Shape effect in VectorStyler, offers a way
    to create outlines without color information.
    ( Menu > Effects > Outline > Offset Path )

    0_1749287415012_Metaball-VS-2.png



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    The minimal steps needed
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    Note:
    Do the Offset Path Shape Effect always at first.
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    Create two circles and let them overlapping a bit.
    Select both circles and apply the Offset Path Shape Effect to them.
    ( Menu > Effects > Outline > Offset Path )

    Here my Settings

    0_1749288336108_Offset Path Effect Settings.png
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    Apply the Effect.
    The Setting can be change later if needet.
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    While everthing is still selected apply a Composite Shape Union on them.
    ( Menu > Object > Composite Shape > Union )

    Experiment a bit with Settings on simple Designs first to get a feeling
    which Settings fit best to your needs



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    Copying and moving Metaballs

    Because these Shapes are connected with Composite Shape Union using
    the Transform Tool will move the entire design.

    Use this Tools instead for selecting and moving Metaballs.

    0_1749289319858_Metaball-moving.png

    Copying Metaballs is also special. Clipoard copy paste will not work.
    This will destroy the Composite Connection. Your best bet is using
    the Alt key copy Feature.

    Selection Frame also dont work with the Tool i mentioned for moving
    and selecting. But hold Shift and Pick the Metaballs work.

    For copying Metaballs. Hold Shift and pick the ones you like to copy
    with the Tool i mentioned above. Hold the Alt Key and move them
    with also with that Tool.

    Here a video
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    0_1749290578696_Metaball-moving-copying.png

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    Have Fun.
    A few possibilities will follow.



  • Using the Repeater to create Structures for Metaball

    Using Grid in Repeater
    The Repeater offers ways for creating Pattern Structures.
    Grid for straight structures or Concentric for round Pattern Structures.

    The Button "Edit additional repeater options" widers the range of options
    for refining your pattern. This is also the place where the "Adjustment"
    Drop Down Menu is located which offers with "Edit Adjustment" a way
    to to create a Halftone like Effect. Just use a greyscale Gradient
    with scaling the Shapes to get that look.

    Remember and keep in Mind to let the shape overlap a bit
    to get a nice Effect when using Composite Union.
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    Here a video using Grid in Repeater
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    0_1749897738082_Repeater-Grid.png
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    0_1749899146168_Repeater-tries.png