autoBool¶

![autoBool Hero Image - TODO: Add image showing modal interface and boolean operations in action]

What is it?¶

autoBool is an intelligent modal operator that automatically detects nearby objects and applies boolean operations between them. It features a real-time modal interface for selecting operation types (Union, Difference, Intersect) and integrates seamlessly with HardOps workflows through automatic "cutters" collection management.

Access and Shortcuts¶

Pie Menu: Hard Surface section → "autoBool"
Operator: damtools.auto_bool
Icon: Boolean modifier icon in DAMTools pie menu

Workflow¶

Position cutting objects near target objects (proximity detection is automatic)
Activate autoBool from the pie menu
Modal interface appears showing detected cutter → target pairs
Select operation using mouse wheel:
Union: Join objects together
Difference: Cut/subtract objects
Intersect: Keep only overlapping areas
Apply with Click/Space or Cancel with ESC/Right-click

TODO: Add GIF showing modal interface operation selection and boolean application

Dynamic Header: Shows current operation (e.g., "Auto Bool - Difference")

Operation Selection: - • Union ← Green text when selected - • Difference
- • Intersect

Controls: - Mouse wheel: Change operation - Click/Space: Apply selected operation - ESC/Right-click: Cancel

Status Info: Shows detected pairs (e.g., "1 cutters → 1 targets")

Parameters¶

Detection System¶

Proximity-based: Automatically finds objects with overlapping or near-overlapping bounding boxes
Smart pairing: Each cutting object is paired with nearby target objects
Real-time feedback: Modal interface shows detected pairs count

Boolean Operations¶

Union: Non-destructive boolean modifier using 'UNION' operation
Difference: Non-destructive boolean modifier using 'DIFFERENCE' operation
Intersect: Non-destructive boolean modifier using 'INTERSECT' operation

HardOps Integration¶

Cutters Collection Management¶

Automatic creation: Creates "cutters" collection if it doesn't exist
Proper positioning: Places cutters collection in 2^nd position (HardOps standard)
Cutter object setup:
Converts to wireframe display mode
Excludes from renders automatically
Maintains object for non-destructive workflow

Workflow Compatibility¶

Non-destructive approach: Uses boolean modifiers instead of direct mesh operations
Professional organization: Follows HardOps collection standards
Industry workflow: Compatible with established hard-surface modeling practices

Tips¶

Object positioning: Place cutting objects to overlap or touch target objects for detection
Multiple targets: One cutter can affect multiple nearby targets automatically
Modifier-based: Operations create modifiers, keeping geometry editable
Collection organization: Cutters are automatically organized following HardOps standards
Visual feedback: Modal interface follows DAMTools theme with consistent colors and sizing

Technical Features¶

Bounding box detection: Uses utils.are_bboxes_close() for proximity detection
Modal UI system: Integrates with DAMTools theme system for consistent appearance
Error handling: Graceful handling of edge cases and user feedback
Memory management: Proper cleanup of modal handlers and draw callbacks

Use Cases¶

Hard surface modeling: Quick boolean operations for mechanical details
Architectural elements: Cutting windows, doors, and openings
Product design: Creating complex shapes through boolean combinations
Rapid prototyping: Fast iteration on design concepts
HardOps workflows: Professional hard-surface modeling integration

Known Limitations¶

Proximity requirement: Objects must be positioned close enough for bounding box detection
Mesh-only: Works with mesh objects only
Modifier stack: Adds modifiers to the target objects (may affect existing modifier stack)