3D Model Patch Tool

The 3D Model Patch Tool (panel VIEW3D_PT_nonmanifold_filler) fills non-manifold areas — typically holes left by photogrammetry or laser scanning — with new geometry and assigns a nodata pattern material that visually marks the patch as a reconstruction.

This page is the parameter and operator reference for the panel.

Source: nonmanifold_filler.py. Sidebar tab: 3DSC. Default state: collapsed (DEFAULT_CLOSED).

Parameters

The panel exposes scene properties registered by the module:

Fill Type

Pattern applied to the new faces.

  • Solid Color — uniform colour (set via Color swatch).

  • Grid Pattern — procedural grid driven by Axis and Scale.

Color (only when Fill Type = Solid Color)

RGBA colour for the solid fill. Default (0.8, 0.8, 0.8, 1.0).

Axis (only when Fill Type = Grid Pattern)

Axis used to orient the grid pattern (X, Y or Z). Default Y.

Scale (only when Fill Type = Grid Pattern)

Grid frequency, range [0.1, 20.0]. Default 5.0.

Use F2 Addon

If enabled and the bundled F2 add-on is available, the operator delegates the fill step to F2 for cleaner topology. Default True.

Improve Geometry

Beautifies and triangulates the new faces for a smoother patch topology. Default True.

Operators

mesh.fill_nonmanifold — Fill and Apply Pattern

Selects non-manifold edges on the active mesh, fills them, and assigns the nodata pattern material.

mesh.adjust_nodata_material — Update Pattern

Re-applies the current Fill Type / Color / Axis / Scale values to the existing nodata material without re-filling the geometry.

mesh.remove_nodata_patches — Remove Patches

Removes patch faces previously created on the active mesh and clears the nodata material assignment.

Typical workflow

  1. Select the mesh that contains holes (must be in Object Mode).

  2. Choose a Fill Type and tune Color / Axis / Scale.

  3. Press Fill and Apply Pattern.

  4. Press Update Pattern to tweak the visual style without re-filling.

  5. Press Remove Patches to revert.

Remember

The nodata pattern is meant to remain visible in the final reconstruction so that interpreters can immediately tell which surfaces are measured and which are reconstructed. Do not bake the pattern away.