Array Modifier with Instances in Blender EP41

You want to use an array modifier but with instances? Here's the workaround.

[damian_madmansnest]

I love Blender Bob so much! Pure gold content in every single episode.

[ESD]

this trick is also very useful for having objects follow curves in an array without deforming (for example, in an ammunition belt or cable protector). I am certain by now there is some geonode setup that beats this in flexibility in every way possible, but its still nice to have it set up in a few clicks. still baffled as to why it is such a hidden feature, though.

[coreys]

These are the perfect videos. One video for one problem so the devs can use it for prototyping.

[ianmcglasham]

So many great tips. Thanks again Bob. You should join the blender dev team.

[_sagefire]

The issue with instances and the array modifier is that modifiers are intended to create a geometry stream in a stack, with each flowing into the next one down. There is already some precedent for treating the end of the stack with different rules with subdiv and they could conceivably have the array modifier behave differently at the end, but I also think geonodes obviates the need for it, offering more fine grained control (you can choose whether or not to realize instances). As geonodes evolves I believe the intent is to split the difference between modifiers and node graphs, so that it will be more or less as simple to add without editing graphs directly (and you'll be able to drag them in as well as modifiers from the asset library).

You can get closer to that intended destination with the free Bagapie add-on (he sells asset pack to fund development but it's still free for the plugin itself). I think it proves out how geo nodes unlocks quite a bit of functionality quickly without even using them directly. With it, you can easily add array modifier geonode graphs and choose to realize instances or not, more or less what you are asking for. But even more than that besides. Definitely would be better for more of that functionality to be native but for now free add-on is pretty good compromise and it's also very nice on it's own (includes a simple convex hull proxy feature). Can't link it since Youtube seems to be deleting my replies with links (though doesn't seem to be doing but good against the bots), but if you search "Bagapie Modifier" it should be top result.

[AtoomikDzn]

J'adore ta réactivité et le fait que tu échanges avec la commu, merci !

[fahim]

your videos are amazing, I was reading octane documentation and when i reached to random color node, I wanted to try and it wasn't working then someone told me that array modifier doesn't work cause it doesn't make instance then I found this tutorial now i even know how to make random color in cycles too. haha. Thanks

[mattb]

Je viens de découvrir ta chaine, et c'est vraiment une mine d'or ! Merci beaucoup pour ton contenu de qualité qui est vraiment très instructif !

[prodeous]

Thanks for sharing.. but fully agree, a simple checkbox would be more inviting to new users/switching users as well. with current setup they just see that Blender is slow. And would sure be a nice boost for regular users like myself. Fingers crossed. but will try the approach you showed

[fullyleaded]

This video alone is worth a sub. thank you so much. superb tip. SUPERB!

[GaryParris]

i was looking at that instancing today as it happens great timing, thanks BB! :O)

[fernandobonadeoarchitect]

Thanks for this great tip! Scattering thousands of instances and randomize them across a complex terrain can be done with a few clicks, I've been trying to find out during weeks why it is so difficult to duplicate a few instances and randomly rotate or scale them

[glenncogan]

Thank you so much, this tip came in really handy on my latest project

[Emurga]

+1 on the check box for the instancing XD

[juliocargnin]

Because that is an ancient feature in blender… only OGs would remember it.

[blenderpalace]

You can do somthing similar with the Particle System by instancing Objects or Collections on Vertex.

[WhatsMikeUpTo]

Yup. I’m going to prototype what I would like to see in the array modifier. Instances being one. Rotation and scale being others. Lol

[andreheynes]

I used this method on street lights and I was able to rotate the instanced lights (which was patented to a plain) to all point towards the road.

[massivetree]

The array modifier could be improved a lot. Adding instance options. Adding random values for scale rotation and position, circular arrays, etc....

[SoftYoda]

I already know this method but rarely use it as i'll always have to check google what to parent to what, i mean why use the parenting system, it isn't obvious in my opinion.