Attributes¶
An attribute is a generic term to describe data stored per-element in a geometry data-block. For example, every vertex can have an associated number or vector. Attributes can be adjusted by the nodes in the Attribute category, but some other nodes can change the values of specific attributes.
Note
The blue attribute sockets are just string sockets, used to look up the list of data stored in the geometry.
Note
Attribute data types are converted implicitly where possible, just like node sockets.
Built-In Attributes¶
These attributes always exist, and cannot be removed. The data type of built-in attributes can not be changed.
Name |
Type |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
position |
Vector |
Built-in attribute describing vertex or point locations, in the modifier object’s transform space. Any node that changes the location of points will adjust this attribute, like the Transform and Point Translate nodes. |
radius |
Float |
A built-in atribute on point cloud data created by the Point Distribute Node Used to set the size for the points in the viewport. |
Naming Conventions¶
These attributes do not exist by default, but are used implicitly by certain nodes. The data type of these attributes can be changed, just like any attribute besides the built-in attributes.
If the attributes don’t exist yet, a default value is used, which can depend on the situation. For example, in the Point Instance Node, the default value for scale is a unit scale of (1, 1, 1), but the default value for new attributes in the “Attribute” nodes is zero.
Name |
Type |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
rotation |
Vector |
Used in the Point Instance Node to control the rotation of instanced objects or collections. Adjusted by the Point Rotate Node and the Align Rotation to Vector Node. |
scale |
Vector |
Used in the Point Distribute Node to control the scale. Adjusted by the Point Scale Node or other attribute nodes. |
id |
Integer |
Created by the Point Distribute Node to provide stability when the shape of the input mesh changes. The values are large, with no order. The attribute values are used by nodes that generate randomness, like the Attribute Randomize Node. |
Vertex Groups¶
All vertex groups can be used as attributes in the node tree when referred to by name. However, the result of the node tree does not always produce vertex groups, if a node like Join Geometry is used. Similarly, if the data type of a vertex group attribute is changed from the initial “Float” type, the attribute will no longer be a vertex group.