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FaceGrid

Interactive face subdivision tool that creates grid patterns with real-time preview

What is it?

FaceGrid is an interactive tool that divides the active face into a grid pattern using loop cuts in U and V directions. Unlike standard subdivisions, this tool provides precise control over the number of divisions in each direction and allows rotation of the grid orientation for optimal topology flow.

Access and Shortcuts

  • Pie Menu: Edit Mode section → "FaceGrid"
  • Operator: damtools.face_grid
  • Requirements: Edit mode with an active face selected
  • Modal Keys:
  • Wheel: Adjust both U and V divisions
  • Alt + Wheel: Adjust U divisions only
  • Ctrl + Wheel: Adjust V divisions only
  • Shift + Wheel: Rotate grid orientation (5° increments)
  • Enter/LMB: Confirm subdivision
  • Esc/RMB: Cancel

Workflow

  1. Enter Edit mode and select a face
  2. Activate FaceGrid from the pie menu
  3. Use mouse wheel to adjust grid density
  4. Use Alt+Wheel to change U direction divisions
  5. Use Ctrl+Wheel to change V direction divisions
  6. Use Shift+Wheel to rotate the grid orientation
  7. Preview shows the planned subdivision in real-time
  8. Press Enter or Left-click to confirm
  9. Press Esc or Right-click to cancel

Real-time preview of grid subdivision with directional control

Parameters

Grid Divisions: - Parts U: Number of divisions in U direction (1-200) - Parts V: Number of divisions in V direction (1-200) - Rotation: Grid orientation angle in degrees

Controls: - Wheel: Simultaneous U and V adjustment - Alt + Wheel: U-only adjustment - Ctrl + Wheel: V-only adjustment - Shift + Wheel: 5-degree rotation increments

Tips

  • Start with a quad face for best results
  • Use rotation to align grid with desired topology flow
  • Different U/V values create rectangular grid patterns
  • Works with n-gons but quad faces give most predictable results
  • Grid preview helps visualize final topology before committing
  • Ideal for creating window frames, panels, or detailed surface patterns

Suggested Images

  • Before/after face subdivision comparison
  • Grid rotation demonstration showing different angles
  • Various U/V ratio examples (2x4, 3x3, 1x8 grids)
  • Complex face subdivision with rotated grid

Known Limitations

  • Requires an active face selection in Edit mode
  • Works best with planar faces
  • Very high division counts (>50) may impact performance
  • Complex concave faces may produce unexpected results

See Also

  • Blender's standard Loop Cut tool
  • Inset Faces for alternative subdivision methods
  • Other DAMTools Edit mode operators