Split

The Split node creates explicit branching in the graph topology.

• Explicit Branches: Unlike "Forking" (which is an innate property of Grow driven by branch count), Split creates distinct, parallel outputs.
• Parallel Execution: Each input connected to the Split node becomes a separate child branch spawning from the same point.
• Control: Allows per-branch delay, depth incrementing, and attribute inheritance.

Concept

Split vs. Fork

• Forking (in Grow) is probabilistic and data-driven. It's best for scattering many similar branches (like twigs on a branch).
• Splitting is structural. It's best for defining major architectural changes, like a trunk splitting into two main boughs, or separating the "Main Stem" logic from the "Side Branch" logic.

Depth Tracking Split can increment the split_depth attribute, which is useful for limiting recursion depth or changing logic based on how many times the structure has branched.

Inputs

• Input 0 — Graph The parent graph.
• Input 1+ — Child Graphs Each additional input represents a new parallel branch.
• Output — Graph The combined graph with all branches merged.

Parameters

Global Settings

• Delay Growth: Enables per-input delay controls.
• Generate Split Index: Creates a split_index attribute to identify siblings.

Per-Input Settings

• Delay: How many iterations/steps to wait before this branch starts.
• Split Vertices: Physically separate the geometry vertices at the split point.
• Increase Depth: Increments split_depth for this branch.
• Stamp Parent Attributes: Copies attributes from the parent internode to the child.

Attributes

Workflow

1. Create a main growth path (e.g., a Trunk).
2. Connect it to Input 0 of a Split node.
3. Create a secondary growth path (e.g., a heavy Bough).
4. Connect it to Input 1 of the Split node.
5. The result is a graph where the Bough spawns from the end of the Trunk.

Related Nodes