Select Polygons By Angle - Addon Overview

Introduction:

The "Select Polygons By Angle" addon is a powerful tool for Blender users, designed to enhance polygon selection based on the angle between their normals. This tool is particularly useful for artists and modelers who need to make precise selections in complex models, such as those requiring smooth transitions or maintaining sharp edges. With this addon, you can quickly and efficiently select contiguous surfaces that meet specific angular criteria, streamlining your workflow.

Key Features:

1. Angle-Based Selection:

   • The addon automatically selects polygons that fall within a specified angle threshold relative to the currently selected polygon. This feature ensures that your selections are accurate and consistent across complex geometries.

2. Customizable Angle Threshold:

   • Easily adjust the angle threshold within the range of 0° to 180° directly in the 3D Viewport. This flexibility allows you to tailor the selection criteria to suit your specific modeling needs.

3. Hotkey Support for Angle Adjustment:

   • Quickly increase or decrease the angle threshold using customizable hotkeys (default: Ctrl+Up and Ctrl+Down). This feature enhances your workflow by allowing you to make adjustments on the fly without interrupting your work.

4. User-Friendly Interface:

   • The addon integrates seamlessly into Blender's UI, appearing in the Tool tab of the sidebar in the 3D Viewport (N-panel). All functionalities are easily accessible, making it simple to incorporate this tool into your everyday modeling tasks.

5. Persistent Angle Display:

   • When the addon is active, the current angle threshold is displayed at the top of the viewport, allowing you to keep track of your settings even while working in different tabs or with other addons.

6. Adjustable Angle Increment:

   • Users can customize the increment value for angle adjustments when using hotkeys, providing more control over the selection process and ensuring precision in your work.

7. Efficient Workflow Integration:

   • Add new selections while holding Shift, or adjust the angle threshold to apply to new selections without deselecting previously selected polygons. This feature ensures that your workflow remains smooth and uninterrupted.

How It Works:

• The addon evaluates the angle between adjacent polygons' normals and selects those that meet or fall below the user-defined angle threshold. This method is particularly effective in scenarios where you need to select polygons along smooth curves or sharp transitions, making it an indispensable tool for detailed modeling tasks.

CHANGELOG

Version 1.1.1 Update

• Bug fix related to caching and custom layers: Added clearing of previous selections before making a new selection. Previously selected active polygons no longer appear during new selections.
• Selection logic optimization: Improved the polygon selection by angle function, allowing for more accurate selections when changing the angle, without affecting previous selections.
• Removal of custom selection data storage: Selection information is no longer stored in custom layers and is now handled dynamically through standard bmesh mechanisms. This reduces the likelihood of conflicts with other addons that work with topology and selections.
• Minor fixes: Fixed minor bugs and improved overall addon stability.

Version 1.1.0 Update

Relocation to the Tool Sidebar: The addon has been moved to the Tool sidebar under the general Tool tab for easier access and better organization.

Angle Adjustment via Hotkeys: A new feature has been added that allows users to adjust the angle threshold directly using hotkeys, improving workflow efficiency.

Angle Adjustment Increment Setting: Users can now configure the increment value for angle adjustment when using hotkeys, providing more control and precision when selecting polygons.

Angle Display in Other Tabs: Even when working in other tabs or with other addons, the angle selection value is now displayed at the top of the viewport if the angle function is active. This allows users to monitor the angle value without needing to return to the addon's interface.