Tessellate
Updated: 3 Feb 2025
Iteratively tessellates the polygons of the parent mesh
Tessellate
Method #
This node tessellates the geometry of the parent mesh. Multiple triangles and quads are generated from input polygons in a patch-like pattern somewhat similar to what is achieved using GPU hardware-based tessellation. This differs from the results achieved via subdivision, on the Object node or the Subdivision Deformer. Subdivision is iterative: it splits every edge in half, adding a centre vertex to each, and also adds a single centre vertex to each polygon; it must be run over multiple iterations to subdivide further. In contrast, the Tessellation Deformer can create multiple vertices for each edge and then adds multiple polygons in between as needed.
The Tessellate deformer only works on triangles and quads. A lot of geometry can be generated using this deformer: use with care.
Parameters
These properties control the core behaviours of the node.
Parameter Details Tessellation Amount
The number of vertices to be created per edge. must be between 0 and 16.
PN Smoothing
Use the point normals to smooth the object during subdivision.
The properties control the time at which the node is active. See Timeline for editing time segments.
Parameter Details Duration
Control the duration of the node’s time segment.
- Composition Duration : Use the length of the composition for the node’s time segment duration.
- Custom : Set a custom duration for the node’s time segment.
Node Time
The custom start and end time for the node.
Duration (Timecode)
The length of the node’s time segment (in time).
Duration (Frames)
The length of the node’s time segment (in frames).
Time Segment Enabled
Set whether the node’s time segment is enabled or not in the Timeline.
Inputs
These properties control the core behaviours of the node.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Tessellation Amount | The number of vertices to be created per edge. must be between 0 and 16. |
| PN Smoothing | Use the point normals to smooth the object during subdivision. |
The properties control the time at which the node is active. See Timeline for editing time segments.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration |
Control the duration of the node’s time segment.
|
| Node Time | The custom start and end time for the node. |
| Duration (Timecode) | The length of the node’s time segment (in time). |
| Duration (Frames) | The length of the node’s time segment (in frames). |
| Time Segment Enabled | Set whether the node’s time segment is enabled or not in the Timeline. |
| Name | Description | Typical Input |
|---|---|---|
| Generated Weightmap | Add a weightmap to vary the strength of the deformer across the surface. | Generate Weightmap |
| Transform Modifiers | Apply the transforms of another node to this node. | Null |
| Target Node | Modifiy the rotations of the node to always direct the z axis towards the input. | Null |
| Local Transform Override | Apply the transforms of another node to this node, relative to its parent. | Null |