Convert

Convert SDF shapes into standard Blender mesh objects. Chisel provides three meshing algorithms, each with different strengths.

Convert

Basic Usage

  1. Select a Chisel object
  2. Click To Mesh in the Object Properties panel, or use the Pie Menu (Q) > North
  3. Choose the algorithm and settings in the operator options
  4. The SDF is sampled and a polygon mesh is generated

Common Parameters

Resolution

  • Range: 16 to 512
  • Default: 32
  • Effect: Grid resolution for SDF sampling. Higher = more detail, slower conversion

Padding

  • Range: 0.0 to 0.5
  • Default: 0.0
  • Effect: Extra space around the bounding box (fraction of size)

Triangulate

  • Type: Boolean
  • Default: False
  • Effect: Convert quads to triangles after meshing

Replace Original

  • Type: Boolean
  • Default: True
  • Effect: Replace the SDF object, or create a new mesh alongside it

Algorithms

Dual Contouring (Default)

Produces quad-dominant meshes with sharp edge preservation using QEF (Quadratic Error Function) solving.

  • Quad-dominant output topology
  • Sharp edge preservation via QEF solver
  • Best overall choice for hard-surface models
  • Supports adaptive octree refinement

Adaptive options (Dual Contouring only):

Parameter Range Default Effect
Adaptive Boolean False Enable octree refinement near features
Adaptive Depth 1-8 1 Extra octree subdivision levels
Feature Angle 5-90° 30° Angle threshold for feature detection

Marching Cubes

Classic algorithm that produces triangular meshes.

  • Triangle output topology
  • Good for smooth surfaces without sharp features
  • Uniform grid sampling (no adaptive refinement)

Loop Recomposition

Traces curve boundaries from boolean intersections to generate clean edge loops. Also called Patch Decomposition.

  • Clean edge loops following boolean boundaries
  • Controlled edge spacing along curves
  • Best when you need precise topology around boolean intersections

Loop Recomposition options:

Parameter Range Default Effect
Target Edge Length 0.005-2.0 0.1 Vertex spacing along curves
Min Rounding Segments 2-16 4 Subdivisions on rounding arcs

See Also

  • Rebuild Mesh - Update visualization without full conversion
  • Baking - Generate texture maps from SDF