Modular Products in Blender
Build modules that snap, collide and measure correctly in Mimeeq modular configurators. Learn to set up snaps, collisions and dimension boxes in Blender.
Prepare modules for a modular product in the Mimeeq App using Blender. This article covers the set-up logic, snaps, collisions, dimension boxes and multi-direction snaps.
Set-up logic
Plan the logic of your modular configurator carefully before you start. Modular systems are complex and each one is unique. Consider which elements connect to each other and what constraints exist for individual modules and their configurations. Mapping everything out in advance helps you avoid problems and saves time in the long run.
Snaps
Snaps are plane objects defined in the Mimeeq App as SNAP points. They are the connection points between modules in the modular system.
Snap characteristics
Flat planes: snaps should be completely flat planes with 4 vertices, without any thickness or subdivisions.
Normals: the snap normal direction is the most important factor. Blue snaps should connect to blue, red to red. Opposite orientations cause flipping behaviour.
Centres: the centre of the snap is the most critical factor. Snap centres must align for proper connections. They always "glue" to each other at their centres, without any space in between.
Size: it's best to keep snap sizes consistent and square, but the exact size is not critical as long as the centres align.
No overlaps: snaps in a single module should not intersect or overlap, as this results in welding and improper functionality.
Conditional snaps: you can activate snaps only under certain circumstances (for example, show the snap only when an arm option is selected).
Sliding: rectangular snaps work best with the slide feature (for example, sliding an added pillow across a straight backrest).
Collisions
A collision is a cube object defined in the Mimeeq App as the collision type of the mesh. Collisions stop modules that should not intersect from doing so. They can also be used as a workaround to hide unwanted snaps in certain cases.
Collision boxes are separate from dimension boxes, which should match the precise dimensions of the object. Collisions do not need to match the exact dimensions of the module; they only need to stop the modules from overlapping.
Collision characteristics
Always cubic: collision boxes are always cubic, whatever the object's actual shape. They cannot take any other form, such as a trapezoid or a curved shape. To get such shapes, arrange several separate collision boxes in the desired configuration.
Placement and size: where the collision boxes sit and how big they are determine how the object collides and interacts with other objects.
Dimension boxes
Dimension boxes are cubes with specific measurements that outline objects to display their exact dimensions. They prevent small disturbances in the displayed measurements caused by model imperfections, especially in upholstered products.
Dimension box characteristics
Snap placement: to keep perfect dimensions in the modular system, snaps must be "glued" exactly at the edges of the dimension boxes.
Model size: the model can be smaller or larger than the dimension box to look realistic when connected (for example, puffed upholstery). The dimension boxes still display the correct measurements.
Cubic shape: dimension boxes must be cubic.
Multi-direction snap
You can prepare multi-direction (3D) snaps manually or with Mimeeq scripts.
1
Standard
You don't want to use Mimeeq scripts and will export snaps manually
2
Automated
You want to use Mimeeq scripting services
Standard workflow (without Mimeeq scripts)
If you implement 3D snaps without Mimeeq's scripting services, you handle snap exports manually. Keep these technical points in mind:
Do not flip the normals; use the proper rotation of the snap instead.
Do not apply transforms, since snap positioning depends on the raw object transformation.
Export the object to GLB with Draco compression.
Automated workflow (with Mimeeq scripts)
To automate your workflow, we recommend our scripting services. Follow these steps to prepare the Blender file for scripting.
Install the Custom Snap Model plugin
Download the add_custom_model_plugin.zip file containing the Custom Snap Model plugin.
Open Blender 4.2 or higher.
Go to Edit → Preferences → Add-ons.
Click Install from Disk... and select the downloaded zip file.
Enable the plugin by ticking the checkbox next to it in the add-ons list.
The plugin integrates with Blender's existing interface without a restart.
Create the initial snap
When first added, the snap model appears as a pyramid shape, so you can easily see its direction and rotation (side arrow).
The snap object starts with default transform values: Location (0,0,0), Rotation (0°,0°,0°), Scale (1.000,1.000,1.000).
The object is named with a specific convention; the prefix is md-snap.
Create multiple snap variations
Duplicate the initial snap object (Shift+D) to create additional snap points.
Rename each snap with a descriptive name that follows your project's naming convention. Keep the md-snap prefix.
Rotate each duplicated snap to get the desired 360-degree directional coverage.
Each snap's rotation defines its unique connection behaviour and object alignment.
Iterations and support
It's common to need multiple iterations to correct errors, especially in complex projects with many modules. The process typically involves preparing the files, setting up modules, identifying any issues, and rerunning until you reach the desired quality. This iterative approach is standard in the workflow. Please contact us about any edge case not covered by this documentation.
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