Ribbon 3D Node

Ribbon 3D creates an array of parallel lines (or a single line) stretched between a start point and an end point. Each line is subdivided into several segments so it can be deformed naturally.

The node has pre-assigned texture coordinates: you can plug in a 2D texture directly without setting up any UV mapping.

• Effects Library: Tools > 3D > Ribbon 3D
• Quick add: right-click in the Node Editor → Add Tool > 3D > Ribbon 3D

Ribbon 3D requires OpenGL. It produces no visible output with the Software Renderer.

As a result, you must set your Renderer 3D to OpenGL mode to see the ribbon. Its appearance can also vary with GPU drivers (line thickness in particular).

For a final Software Renderer render with a similar shape, use a thin Shape 3D plane or an external mesh instead.

• SceneInput (orange) - optional. Accepts another 3D scene to combine with the ribbon.
• MaterialInput (green) - optional. 2D texture or 3D material to color/style the ribbon.

The Ribbon behaves like any other geometry source:

Ribbon 3D → Merge 3D ← Camera 3D
              ↓
        Renderer 3D (OpenGL mode)

Geometry definition

Number of Lines (default: 1)

Number of parallel lines between the start and end points. 1 = a single line. > 1 = a real wide ribbon.

Ribbon Width

Spacing between the parallel lines. Ignored if Number of Lines = 1.

Start Point (X, Y, Z)

3D coordinates of the start point. Animatable to make the ribbon "grow".

End Point (X, Y, Z)

3D coordinates of the end point. Animatable in the same way.

Line quality

Line Thickness

Line thickness (floating-point value). Note: some graphics cards only accept integers - test before relying on a fractional thickness.

Subdivision Level (default: 10)

Number of vertices per line segment. Higher = a smoother ribbon when it is deformed. Essential before a Displace 3D - a barely subdivided ribbon gives a "stepped" effect.

Ribbon Rotation

Rotation around the axis defined by Start and End. Lets you orient the ribbon in the plane you want (horizontal, vertical, oblique).

Rendering

Anti-Aliasing

Enables line anti-aliasing. Can produce visible gaps between segments when Line Thickness is high - test it.

• Lightning bolt - Ribbon 3D with a high Subdivision Level → Displace 3D with an animated FastNoise. The straight ribbon twists randomly to form a dynamic lightning bolt.
• Trail - a fixed Start point, an End point that follows an animated object. The ribbon "unfolds" between the two.
• Connector between two objects - Start and End points connected (through Connect To) to the positions of two 3D objects. The ribbon follows their movements.
• Rail for Replicate 3D - Ribbon as the destination of a Replicate 3D: objects (arrows, beads) are placed on each vertex of the ribbon → a string of beads effect.
• Rope / textured line - Ribbon + 2D texture (e.g. a twisted pattern) = a visual rope.
• Pure motion graphics - End point animated with an offset relative to the Start to create a "whip" (elastic lash) effect.

• Nothing on screen? → check that your Renderer 3D is in OpenGL mode. Ribbon doesn't work in Software.
• Subdivision too low - the ribbon looks "stepped" after a Displace. Go up to 30+.
• Fractional Line Thickness ignored - if your graphics card only supports integers, going from 1.5 to 1 changes nothing visually. Test it: use widely spaced values (1, 2, 4) to see whether it reacts.
• For a very realistic lightning bolt, combine an animated Ribbon Rotation + Displace 3D with noise → the bolt rotates AND deforms.
• Software-friendly alternative to Ribbon: a very thin (Height = 0.02), highly subdivided Shape 3D plane gives a ribbon you can render in Software, at the cost of more vertices.
• For a trail that fades away, animate the Start Point so it catches up with the End Point - the ribbon "empties" from the back.