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Raycast Scanner (Addon)

by Dennis Hafemann·VFX

Images © Dennis Hafemann. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Raycast Scanner earns its place in the Superhive library by packaging Blender's raycast functionality into a select-and-click workflow, complete with preset materials and a shader mixer node.

What is Raycast Scanner (Addon)?

Raycast Scanner brings Blender's raycast technique into reach without working directly with geometry nodes. Raycasting shoots virtual rays from one point toward a direction in 3D space, letting you determine whether one object's mesh is nearby or in sight of another object depending on a specific direction. The addon wraps this into a straightforward workflow: select at least two objects, where the active object acts as the scanner and the rest act as scanned objects, then click "Apply scanning".

Applying the scan adds the Raycast Scanner modifier to the scanned objects and sets the scanner object automatically. The modifier can be adjusted with min/max distance range, min/max normal angle, rim blur, manual rotation, visual helpers and sparkles. An included node group, the Raycast Scanner Material Mixer, sits in the material environment and can be added to the Shader Editor to combine two Principled BSDF, using attributes such as inside/outside, the rim and the main blend factor.

The addon ships with preset examples and materials, including Sphere Scan, Monkey Hologram, Sphere Hologram, Size Wobble Sphere and Hot Metalball, demonstrating the modifier and its attributes in the shader and geometry nodes editors. Documentation is available for further information.

Who is Raycast Scanner (Addon) best for?

Raycast Scanner (Addon) is best for blender artists creating scanning effects such as scanned areas, holograms and x-ray-style scanner scenes using geometry nodes and shaders.

How much does Raycast Scanner (Addon) cost?

Raycast Scanner (Addon) is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Applies the Raycast Scanner modifier to scanned objects and sets the scanner object automatically when you click "Apply scanning"
  • Scans objects within a min/max distance range, with adjustable min/max normal angle, rim blur, manual rotation, visual helpers and sparkles
  • Includes the Raycast Scanner Material Mixer node group for the Shader Editor, combining attributes like inside/outside, rim and main blend factor
  • Ships with preset examples and materials: Sphere Scan, Monkey Hologram, Sphere Hologram, Size Wobble Sphere and Hot Metalball
  • Output attributes from the geometry nodes modifier can be used in shaders and geometry nodes
  • Includes documentation

Tags

#geometry-nodes#raycast#scanner#shader#hologram#addon#materials#blender

Frequently asked questions

How do I install Raycast Scanner in Blender?

Raycast Scanner is distributed as a ZIP file designed to work as an addon. Download the ZIP to your preferred location and install or import it as an addon in Blender. In newer versions of Blender, you can simply drag and drop the ZIP into Blender's UI. Alternatively, if you prefer not to use it as an addon, you can append what you need from the included raycast_scanner.blend file, such as geometry nodes modifiers, materials, models and presets, via 3D View then Append.

How do I set up a scan with Raycast Scanner?

Raycast Scanner works by selecting your objects, at least two, where one is used as the scanner and one as the scanned object. All selected objects act as the scanned objects, and the active object acts as the scanner. Click "Apply scanning" and the Raycast Scanner modifier is added to the scanned objects while the scanner object is set automatically. The scanned objects are then scanned by the scanner object within its min/max distance range, and you can adjust the modifier from there.

Can Raycast Scanner affect materials in the Shader Editor?

Raycast Scanner includes a node group called the Raycast Scanner Material Mixer, located in the material environment. Click "Add shader mixer node" to add and use it in the Shader Editor, for example combining two Principled BSDF. The node makes use of several provided attributes and variables and combines them, including inside/outside, the rim and the main blend factor. The geometry nodes modifier also provides output attributes and variables you can use in shaders and geometry nodes.

Is Raycast Scanner free?

Raycast Scanner is listed as free in this catalog. Licensing terms can change over time, so check the developer's page for the current details before you rely on it in a project. The download is provided as a ZIP file that functions as a Blender addon, and it comes bundled with preset examples, materials and documentation to help you get started with the scanning workflow.

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