Build Tree node
The Build Tree node is the equivalent of the material output node in cycles. It take the resulting tree of all the nodes before, and creates a representation of it in the 3d view.
https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/15239308/38163970-27a83d5e-34fd-11e8-8a46-2a7b40a5d092.PNG
There are two possible values: Preview and Final.
The preview mode builds the tree using curves, like the sapling addon.
Pros:
- It is fast, So it is better to use the preview mode when tweaking the parameters of the tree.
- The resolution can be changed after the tree is generated, inside the curve data panel of the properties window.
Cons:
- The branches are not really connected, so the tree doesn't look good when it is near the camera.
- The Tree is not unwrapped, and the auto-UV option inside the properties windows isn't so great.
- The tree is not an object, so you can't edit the vertices, add a displace modifier, and there is no vertex data.
- The resolution is the same for all branches, which is a waste of resources since the smaller branches don't need a high resolution.
The Final mode builds the tree as an object, connecting all the branches, and subdividing the branches according to their radius. The maximum number of subdivisions is controlled with the resolution_level parameter.
Pros:
- The branches are connected, meaning that the tree looks good even in close-up, and the modifiers don't make seams !
- The trunk and the big branches can be subdivided to any level without touching the smaller ones, keeping the vertex count reasonable.
- The tree is unwrapped.
- The tree can be sculpted, and it doesn't need dyntopo to look good so the vertex data is preserved.
- The tree comes with a vertex group where the weight corresponds to the radius of the branches, which can be used within a displace modifier.
Cons
- The generation is slower, which is why it's better to only chose Final once you are satisfied with the rest of the node tree.