Component: Text Input

Description of the component

In Grasshopper, Panel objects are a convenient way to create text that is easily editable. However when you upload the model on ShapeDiver, text panels will not be accessible through the control panel. In the example below, the 3d text tags will be visible, but users won't be able to change the text in the viewer.

The ShapeDiver plugin includes a text input component that allows this functionality. When you add a ShapeDiverTextInput component, the plugin creates an additional user-facing parameter that allows one to enter text in the ShapeDiver viewer that is sent as a parameter to the Grasshopper definition. By double-clicking on the component, you can define the default text to display, as well as the maximum length for the strings that can be used:

Limitation on the maximum length
You can specify a maximum length up to 10,000 characters. Above this limit, you will need to find an alternative way to import text in the viewer. Either break down the input in several smaller ones, or alternatively use the import component to import a text file. This might come in handy in particular when manipulating big JSON objects in web applications.

Example definition: Simple Text Input
Download the definition from the first example here.

Applications

Engraving and embossing

In the fields of jewelry and furniture, manufacturing techniques such as laser cutting and 3d printing make it possible to use text for engraving or embossing personal message.

Grasshopper doesn't provide out-of-the-box ways to convert text to geometry, but there are two ways to get it done:

• With a script: using the C#, VB or Python components, one can call Rhino SDK functions that can help

Example definition: Personalized ring with text
Download this example definition that makes use of the text input component to engrave text on a ring. It contains a simple C# script for turning text strings into curves, which you can reuse in your definitions.

• If you're not fond of scripting, several plugins for Grasshopper provide tools to convert text to curves or surfaces. Try the ShapeDiver version of Squid, for example.

Data export

The text input can also be used simply as a way to gather some information about the user's needs. The information can be used when exporting data and CAD files from a specific configuration, using the ShapeDiver export components.

Component reference

• Component name: ShapeDiverTextInput
• Default Nickname: SDTextInput
• Inputs: None
• Outputs:

• Notes:
  • Double-click on the component to set a Default value for the text and a maximum length. The maximum length is limited to 10,000 characters.