Adding Ivy (Simulation Method)

The Simulation method in BagaIvy V3 allows realistic growth animations. Unlike the procedural method, this workflow involves a baking process to calculate the plant's interaction with the environment.

Quick Start : Simulation YouTube Tutorial

1. Preparation

Select Targets

Select one or more Mesh objects in your 3D Viewport. These will be your Targets—the surfaces upon which the ivy will grow.

Place the Start Point

The 3D Cursor defines the origin of the growth.

  • Position the 3D Cursor on your target surface (Shift + Right Click).
  • This creates the initial Start Point.
  • Note: You can move this point later or add multiple start points to create several growth origins.

2. Configuration

In the BagaIvy N-Panel, set the generation method to Simulation.

Auto Bake Option

  • Auto Bake Button: When enabled, the addon will automatically run both simulation stages: Step 1 (Core Growth) and Step 2 (Foliage Growth) immediately after creation.
  • Frame Range: To the right of the Auto Bake button, you can define the frame range for the simulation.
  • Interrupting: If you need to stop the Auto Bake process while it is running, simply press Escape.

Tip: All baking settings and frame ranges can be modified at any time after the ivy is created.

3. Asset Selection

Choose the source for your leaves and flowers:

  • View 3D: Use objects already present in your current Blender scene.
  • Asset Browser: Use assets from the official BagaIvy library or any other library (must be a mesh).
  • Using Presets: To use a BagaIvy preset, select the BagaIvy Generator library, navigate to the Presets category, and pick a preset.

Important Asset Rules

  • Naming Convention: Any imported asset with the word "flower" in its name will be automatically assigned to the Flowers collection by the addon.
  • Library Selection: You cannot use the "ALL" category in the Asset Browser. You must select a specific library (e.g., BagaIvy Generator).
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4. Add Simulation !

Click the Add Simulation button. BagaIvy will Import assets, create collections, and setup the simulation nodes. By default, the addon will switch Blender to Edit Mode. Note: You can enable or disable this automatic switch in the Addon Preferences.

Influencing Growth

While in Edit Mode, you can use the Draw Tool to create curves. These curves are used to guide and influence the path of the simulation. For more details on this, see the Draw Control in the Feature section.