ArtGUI user guide#
ArtGUI is a desktop workbench for preparing lattice designs, running Artisan, and inspecting the resulting meshes. You can open an existing workflow, change its parameters, and compare the source geometry with the generated model in one window.
This guide covers ArtGUI 0.1.2, the Artisan Workbench interface. It describes the workbench with a Project panel, a central 3D Workspace and Workflow, and a Properties panel. The older ribbon-style ArtGUI interface has different controls.
No JSON editing is needed for the first walkthrough. Start with Your first model: engine bracket, then use the other chapters as a reference when you need them.
Use 中文 / English at the top right to switch the interface language. This guide keeps English button names so you can find the same controls in either language. Screenshots illustrate the core layout; newer controls are described in the relevant chapters.
The engine-bracket example open in ArtGUI. Select a project item or workflow step to edit its properties on the right.#
Recent workbench updates#
Use Save as beside Save to create a project variation; see Projects, geometry and file paths.
Select a geometry, field or point cloud to adjust only its own opacity in Properties. Geometry display colours and opacity settings are saved with the project; see Inspect models in the 3D Workspace.
Import CSV/TSV data through Point clouds → + Add, or drag a point file into the viewer. Point-cloud Properties controls the points, independently of the geometry and HDF5 fields.
Large-model previews adapt as you move the camera. Clean scratch beside Reset clears temporary preview files from
ViewScratch; see Inspect models in the 3D Workspace.
What you work with#
A project is a JSON file containing the setup, ordered operations and post-processing settings. It can also retain ArtGUI references to supporting files. The source geometry provides the shape used by the workflow. The result is a separate file written by an export operation. Loading or moving the camera around a result does not change the workflow source.
ArtGUI provides the editor and viewer; the Artisan backend performs the calculation. You need a working backend to generate a model, but you can inspect an existing result without running the calculation again.
Where to find more detail#
This guide explains everyday work in ArtGUI. The rest of the Artisan manual provides the mathematical definitions and full parameter reference for individual operations. Useful next chapters are Getting Started, Customization, Mesh Lattice, Conformal Lattice 01, and Lattice Transition.
In the application, choose Help, then Online help manual to open the manual. The Help dialog also shows the ArtGUI version and credits.