Idea
The inspiration for this generator struck me while I was working on my personal project, designing an interior scene. As part of the project, I had to create a layout of picture frames on the wall. However, the process turned out to be tedious and time-consuming. I wanted a solution that would enable me to quickly swap profiles and drag sliders to adjust the frame parameters, with the passepartout and glazing layers adapting accordingly.
Driven by this idea, I made the decision to develop this tool myself in Blender with Geometry Nodes.
Driven by this idea, I made the decision to develop this tool myself in Blender with Geometry Nodes.
Developing Features
I started by outlining a list of settings that I wanted to incorporate. However, during the development process, I realised that not all of these settings were essential for the final version.
For example, the Shade Auto Smooth option, although initially included, caused issues with the Bevel modifier as I was splitting the edges in GN to make it work. So instead I added a Weighted Normal modifier to ensure predictable shading.
Also, originally, I had separate scales for the width and height of the frame profile however I recognised that having fewer options would make the generator more user-friendly and easier to navigate. I also added category labels to break up the UI.
For example, the Shade Auto Smooth option, although initially included, caused issues with the Bevel modifier as I was splitting the edges in GN to make it work. So instead I added a Weighted Normal modifier to ensure predictable shading.
Also, originally, I had separate scales for the width and height of the frame profile however I recognised that having fewer options would make the generator more user-friendly and easier to navigate. I also added category labels to break up the UI.
Profile Curves
I could have used a Float Curve node to control the frame profile procedurally but I opted to use input curves instead to improve accessibility for users unfamiliar with Geometry Nodes.
Unwrapping and Materials
One of the key highlights of the generator is that all frame parts are procedurally UV unwrapped so you can use image textures to customise your frames.
In the product I included ten CC0 materials and for some of them added a possibility to set custom colour variations.
In the product I included ten CC0 materials and for some of them added a possibility to set custom colour variations.
Organisation is key
I always try to keep the nodes in the editor clean and readable and use frames for my personal convenience. Because this is a public product it was also important to make sure that the nodes can be followed and adapted to each customer’s needs if they feel confident with GN.
Pre-Made Frames
In addition to the generator itself, I made ten frames with different profiles and settings to make it easier for people who are not very familiar with GN.
I also prepared a mesh asset pack of the same frames with proceduralism applied. These were also manually adjusted with custom bevel weights and decimation to make them production-ready.
Everything is available from Blender’s new Asset Browser.
Animating with Geometry Nodes
As a final touch I made this little teaser video. It was entirely animated inside of Geometry Nodes without the use of keyframes. The transitions were done by interpolating between values on the nodegroup based on the scene time.
You can purchase this generator on my Gumroad page.
