Shape Sweep

What is it for?

• When you want to arrange circles into a cutout for waves or a cloth edge
• When you want a ribbon- or brush-like shape to follow a path
• When you want to make a simple FX mask along a path

Overview

Packs small shapes (circles or rectangles) along a path and converts them into a mask. It creates thick patterns that follow a path, such as a wavy cloth edge, scallops, or ribbon-like FX masks.

Usage tips

• Unlike a thick path_stroke, this is a sequence of shapes. Large, widely spaced circles create a bumpy edge. When you only need a smooth ribbon, Path Stroke thickness is enough.
• samples controls density: a low value gives a row of separate shapes; a high value joins them into a ribbon.
• Limit the interval with start_t / end_t to decorate only part of the path.
• The output is a mask, so add color downstream (clip an image with mask, or use gradient_map).

Related nodes

• path_stroke — when a smooth ribbon is enough
• path_array — when you want to arrange image stamps rather than make a mask
• mask / mask_boolean — use or combine the completed mask
• path_trim — another approach to controlling the interval

Notes

• The output is a white + alpha mask image.
• sub_path_index is shown only when sub_path_scope = Individual.
• The UI updates the upper limit of sub_path_index to match the number of subpaths in the input path.
• Increasing samples raises the density and makes the result look smoother.
• When align_to_path is off, every shape uses the same orientation.

Examples

1. Arrange circles to make a mask with a wavy cloth edge.
2. Arrange rectangles with align_to_path = true to make a ribbon mask.
3. start_t = 0.2, end_t = 0.8
   • Places shapes along only part of the path.
4. Add rotation to offset the orientation slightly from the direction of travel.
5. Target Subpaths = All
   • Applies the same sweep across the entire multipath.