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Symple (symmetry groups)

by Martín-Torres-Valverde·Modeling

Images © Martín-Torres-Valverde. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Symple stands out in the Blender extensions library for turning Orbifold symmetry signatures into ready-made parented object groups, with presets for those new to the notation.

What is Symple (symmetry groups)?

Symple (symmetry groups) is a Blender add-on by Martín-Torres-Valverde for creating figures with spherical symmetry. From object mode you press Shift+A, look for Symmetry group, and choose whether to add a mesh (a fundamental tile) or a group of axes. A group of objects of the specified type appears parented to an empty named after the group signature, with all objects sharing the same data and differing only in location, rotation and scale.

The signature refers to an Orbifold signature that corresponds to a spherical group of symmetries, and presets are provided if you are not familiar with it. Different permutations of the numbers in a signature produce slightly different fundamental domains, even for the same group. A lock transforms option fixes each object's location, rotation and scale to avoid breaking the symmetry, and you can still move objects by moving the parent empty.

An alternative approach is to right-click an object and choose Symmetry group from object, using the object's own data instead of a tile so you can work with curves, bones and more. The add-on pairs well with the Extra mesh objects extension for regular solids.

Who is Symple (symmetry groups) best for?

Symple (symmetry groups) is best for blender artists building figures with spherical symmetry from mesh tiles, curves or bones.

How much does Symple (symmetry groups) cost?

Symple (symmetry groups) is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Adds objects with discrete spherical symmetry: dihedral, cyclic, tetrahedral, octahedral and icosahedral
  • Adds either a mesh fundamental tile or a group of axes from the Shift+A add menu
  • Objects appear parented to an empty named after the group signature, sharing data and differing only in location, rotation and scale
  • Lock transforms option fixes location, rotation and scale to avoid breaking the symmetry
  • Signature uses an Orbifold notation with presets available for those unfamiliar with it
  • Symmetry group from object option uses an object's own data, allowing curves, bones and other types

Tags

#symmetry#modeling#add mesh#blender add-on#orbifold#spherical symmetry#procedural

Frequently asked questions

Does Symple work with Blender 4.2?

Symple (symmetry groups) is compatible with Blender 4.2 LTS and newer, so version 4.2 is supported. You install it by dragging and dropping the add-on into Blender, or by downloading it and using Install from Disk. Once enabled, you access it in object mode by pressing Shift+A and looking for Symmetry group, or by right-clicking an object and choosing Symmetry group from object. Check the developer's page for details on newer Blender releases.

How do I create a symmetry group in Symple?

Symple (symmetry groups) is used from object mode by pressing Shift+A and looking for Symmetry group. You then choose whether to add a mesh, which serves as the fundamental tile, or a group of axes. A group of objects of the specified type appears parented to an empty named after the group signature. All the objects share the same data, differing only in location, rotation and scale. You can also right-click an object and select Symmetry group from object to use that object's data instead.

Is Symple free to use?

Symple (symmetry groups) is listed as free in this catalog and is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. The extension does not require special permissions. For current licensing terms and any changes, refer to the developer's page and the project's issue tracker on GitHub. You can obtain the add-on by dragging it into Blender or by downloading it and installing from disk within Blender's preferences.

How do I keep the symmetry from breaking in Symple?

Symple (symmetry groups) provides a lock transforms option that fixes the location, rotation and scale of the objects to avoid breaking the symmetry. You can still reposition everything by moving the parent empty. The developer also notes workarounds such as leaving the cursor at the center of the group and using Pivot point set to 3D cursor, trying different pivot points, and adding Mirror or Array modifiers that reference the symmetry group axes. Joining meshes with Ctrl-J unifies them, though further edits will break the symmetry.

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