> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://nobraintools.gitbook.io/maya-groomers-tool/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://nobraintools.gitbook.io/maya-groomers-tool/maya-tools/curve-populate.md).

# Curve Populate

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/cFuyy24GSinVekmljiXV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

## Overview

#### Curve Scattering Tool for Geometry

This tool allows you to scatter curves onto geometry, ideal for creating short curly hairstyles like afros. Begin by creating a few initial curly curves, then randomly distribute them across a base mesh.

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/IJZjQm2oUYU>" %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Before you use this tool, please have the base mesh UV laid out in 1001 UV space
{% endhint %}

## **Input Mesh**

Prior to scattering, please select a geometry and click '**set**' into the input box.\
\
**Scatter Method:**\
**UV:**

* A geometry need to be 'set'. Please use the 'Set' button to define a mesh.
* **​**Use the UV of the defined geometry for scattering. The larger the UV shell is, the denser the curves. **Please ensure there's no overlapping UVs.**
* UV must be in 1001 space.

**Vertices**

* **​**Please select vertices for curves to populate onto.
* A geometry need to be 'set'. Please use the 'Set' button to define a mesh. This is for orientation purpose.

## **Source Curves**

**Custom:**

* **​**Randomly sample curves added to the list and scatter onto defined geometry.

**Straight:**

* **​**Scatter onto defined geometry with straight curves only.

## **Scatter Parameters**

**UV Scatter Mode:**

* **Density:**
  * Each sampled curve will be placed randomly on the mesh.
* **Spacing:**
  * **​**Each sampled curve will be placed based on the geometry's UV placement.&#x20;

**Scale Multiplier:**

* Multiplier for curve sale.

**Density: ('Density' UV Scatter Mode Only)**

* Number of curves to be randomly placed. Note, the number of curves should be treated as approximate.

\
**​Spacing: ('Spacing' UV Scatter Mode Only)**

* Controls the 'density' of scattered curves. Lower values will decrease the spacing between curves, yielding more curves (slower processing time).&#x20;
* Start with a high number, and lower this value in increments to avoid long processing time.
* To speed up process, consider scattering multiple time with higher 'Spacing' values to create iterations or 'layers' of curves instead of one full dense pass. Use the 'Random-Spacing' slider to create random placements.

**Random - Scale:**

* Randomize the scale of scattered curves.  This is a multiplier to the 'Scale' slider. A value of 0.500 in **Random-Scale** will multiply curves randomly between range of 50% \~ 100% of their set scale value.

**Random - Spacing: ('Spacing' UV Scatter Mode Only)**

* Randomize the spacing between curves, for uniform rows and columns, keep this at 0. The higher the value, the more randomly spaced out the curves scatter will be.

**Random - Rotation:**

* Randomizes the rotation of each curves.

**Scatter:**

* Populate curves onto defined mesh/vertices.