2021.1.1208.2 Shape Replacer

Warning: it is strongly recommended to ask for support through any Prespective support channel before using this feature!

1 Overview
2 Where to find
3 Feature Layout
4 How to use

Overview

This tool is used to replace all objects in the scene that have similar geometry (for example, all screws of the same size in a machine) with a single prefab, based on one of the selected shapes.

Where to find

The feature can be found under Utilities > Mesh Tools > Mesh Replacer.

Feature Layout

The image below shows the complete feature layout of the Mesh Replacer tool.

Shape Replacer
Surface Deviation	The deviation factor used when comparing mesh surfaces to determine if the objects are similar.
Mesh Area Deviation	The deviation factor used when comparing total mesh surface area size to determine if the objects are similar.
Use mesh area filter	Whether or not an extra filter should be applied to the objects using mesh area comparison. Parent for use in mesh area filter: The parent object under which the mesh area comparison must be done.
Rotation Check	If selected, checks if the objects are properly rotated at the end of the replacement operation.
Check flipping normal axis	If selected, checks if the normal axis was flipped in the replacement operation and reverts if so.
Check if bounds are the same	If selected, checks if the bounds of the new prefab are the same as the replaced objects and uses this information to redetermine rotation.
Check if symmetry caused mirroring	If selected, checks if objects are mirrored after the replacement operation and compensates if so.
If use perimeter Check	If selected, use the perimeter of a plane on the mesh (an area where connected triangles have a similar normal) as a comparison to check if objects share this plane, as an extra similarity check.
Do not change the local rotation of new prefabs	If selected, ensures that the local rotations of the prefab instances are the same as the object that they replace.

How to use

Select the object you wish to replace.
Select the settings you wish to use within the menu.
Click on Find Similar Shapes.
All objects in the scene that share a similar shape will be replaced according to the selected settings.