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Extract n Expand

Description

The Extract n Expand tool allows you to select one or more faces from a mesh object and create a new object by extracting and extruding those faces along the edges connected to them. Unlike regular extrusion, this tool follows the direction of connected edges, creating a more organic expansion that respects the object's topology.

Location

This tool can be accessed through: - The DAMTools pie menu (Shift+W by default) > Left section > "Extract n Expand"

Usage

  1. Select a mesh object
  2. Activate the Extract n Expand tool from the DAMTools pie menu
  3. Face Selection Mode:
  4. Hover over faces to highlight them (highlighted in red)
  5. Click to select faces (selected faces turn blue)
  6. Click and hold to select multiple faces while moving the mouse
  7. Shift+Click to add more faces to your selection
  8. Press Enter or Space to enter Extrusion Mode
  9. In Extrusion Mode:
  10. Move the mouse vertically to adjust the extrusion distance
  11. Green guide lines show the direction of connected edges
  12. A blue preview shows the resulting extruded shape
  13. Press Enter or Space to create the new extruded object
  14. Press Esc or right-click at any time to cancel the operation

Controls

Face Selection Mode

  • Mouse movement: Hover over faces to highlight them
  • Left click: Select the face under the cursor
  • Left click + hold: Select multiple faces while moving the mouse
  • Shift + Left click: Add more faces to your selection
  • Middle mouse: Navigate the 3D view
  • Enter/Space: Continue to Extrusion Mode
  • Esc/Right-click: Cancel the operation

Extrusion Mode

  • Mouse movement (vertical): Adjust the extrusion distance
  • Middle mouse: Navigate the 3D view
  • Enter/Space: Create the extruded object
  • Esc/Right-click: Cancel the operation

Technical Details

The tool works by: 1. Allowing interactive selection of one or more faces 2. Finding all edges connected to the vertices of selected faces that are not part of the faces themselves 3. Displaying these connected edges as green guide lines 4. Calculating an extrusion direction for each vertex based on the connected edges 5. Creating a preview of the extruded shape that follows these directions 6. Creating a new mesh object with the extruded geometry when confirmed

Examples

This tool is useful for: - Creating offset panels that follow the contour of an existing object - Generating cover plates that match the shape of a mechanical part - Creating expanded versions of selected faces for architectural elements - Generating frames or borders around openings - Creating complex extrusions that follow the object's topology rather than just normal directions