Chain Generator — Documentation

Version 1.0.0
PeakDreams Studio
Updated: August 2026

DOCUMENTATION

1. About Chain Generator

Chain Generator is a Blender tool designed to quickly generate detailed chains along selected edges or hand-drawn paths.

Instead of manually modeling, duplicating and adjusting individual chain links, Chain Generator allows you to create complex chain arrangements in just a few clicks.

You can:

• Generate chains from selected mesh edges.
• Draw chains freely in 3D space.
• Draw chains directly on another object's surface.
• Automatically repeat and fit chain geometry along a generated curve.
• Adjust Scale and Tilt after drawing.
• Create closed chain loops.
• Add procedural Sagging.
• Quickly switch between different chain assets.
• Use a non-destructive Blender modifier workflow.

The Full Edition contains 253 ready-to-use assets, including regular chains, jewelry chains, decorative chains, fantasy designs, mechanical elements and utility-oriented assets.

2. Available Versions

All editions include the core Chain Generator functionality.
The main difference between versions is the size of the included asset library.

3. Compatibility

Blender Version

Chain Generator is designed for:

Blender 4.3 or newer

Operating Systems

The addon can be used on:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

A supported Blender installation is required.

INSTALLATION

4. How to Install Chain Generator

1. Open Blender.
2. Go to:

Edit → Preferences → Add-ons

1. Choose Install from Disk.
2. Select the downloaded Chain Generator .zip file.
3. Install the addon.
4. Chain Generator will appear in the 3D View side panel.

You can now select a chain from the library and start generating chains.

HOW TO USE

5. Generate Chain from Selected Edges

This workflow is useful when you already have geometry or a specific edge path that you want the chain to follow.

Step 1 — Select Your Edge

Select a mesh object and enter Edit Mode.

Select at least one connected edge or an entire edge path.

Step 2 — Select a Chain

Open the Chain Generator panel and choose the chain asset you want to use.

Assets are organized into categories and include visual previews to make browsing faster.

Step 3 — Generate

Click:

Generate Chain

Chain Generator creates the required path and automatically distributes the selected chain along it.

Step 4 — Adjust

After generation, use the Adjust Last Operation panel to modify the result.

Available options include:

• Offset
• Z Offset
• Scale
• Extra Scale
• Tilt
• Switch Direction
• Handle Type
• Twist Type
• Smooth Factor
• Resolution
• Decimate Factor
• Sagging

DRAW CHAIN

6. Draw Chains Directly in the 3D View

Chain Generator also allows you to draw a completely new chain path instead of using existing mesh edges.

First, select the chain asset that you want to use.

Then choose one of the available drawing modes.

View Plane

View Plane allows you to draw chains freely in 3D space.

The chain is drawn on a plane positioned at the current 3D Cursor depth.

Click:

Draw Chain

Then draw your path using the Left Mouse Button.

Release the mouse button to finish drawing.

Press Esc to cancel.

Surface

Surface mode allows you to draw chains directly on another object.

1. Select the object that you want to draw on.
2. Choose Surface as the Draw Mode.
3. Click Draw Chain.
4. Draw directly over the selected object's surface.

After drawing, the same adjustment options are available as with View Plane drawing.

CHAIN ADJUSTMENTS

7. Adjusting a Drawn Chain

After finishing Draw Chain, the Chain Adjustments popup appears.

The generated chain can be edited live without redrawing the path.

Scale

Changes the size of the chain links.

Chain Generator automatically recalculates the number of repeated elements so the chain continues to fill the curve.

Tilt

Rotates the chain around the direction of the generated curve.

This is especially useful when correcting chain orientation.

Close Curve

Connects the end of your drawn path to its beginning.

Chain Generator automatically recalculates the chain so that it fills the newly created closed loop.

This is useful for:

• Necklaces
• Bracelets
• Decorative loops
• Borders
• Closed mechanical chains

GENERAL CONTROLS

8. Available Parameters

Offset

Moves the generated chain away from or toward the original surface or edge.

Z Offset

Moves the chain vertically when additional placement correction is required.

Scale

Controls the overall size of the chain links.

The array count is automatically recalculated when Scale changes.

Extra Scale

Provides additional scale adjustment when the standard Scale range is not sufficient.

Tilt

Rotates chain links around the direction of the generated curve.

Switch Direction

Reverses the orientation of the chain.

Useful when a chain asset is facing the wrong direction.

Decimate Factor

Reduces the geometry density of the generated chain while keeping it connected and following the curve.

This can be useful when working with heavier chain assets.

Handle Type

Controls how the generated curve behaves.

Automatic handles are generally useful for smooth paths.

Vector handles can provide more predictable results on sharp paths and corners.

Twist Type

Changes the way Blender calculates curve orientation.

Try an alternative Twist Type if your chain unexpectedly rotates along the path.

Smooth Factor

Smooths the generated curve.

It generally works best together with Automatic Handles.

Resolution

Controls the evaluation detail of the curve used for deformation and fitting.

Refresh

Reloads available chain assets and previews without restarting Blender.

AUTOMATIC PATH SIMPLIFICATION

9. Optimized Drawn Curves

When drawing chains, Chain Generator densely samples mouse movement to keep drawing responsive and accurate.

Once the stroke is completed, unnecessary points are automatically removed.

This means that:

• Straight sections use fewer points.
• Smooth sections remain clean.
• Important bends are preserved.
• Generated curves remain easier to work with.

SAGGING

10. Procedural Sagging System

Chain Generator includes a procedural Sagging system that creates gravity-like hanging sections along the generated chain.

Sagging can be used both when:

• Generating chains from selected edges.
• Using Draw Chain.

The sag profile is rebuilt from the original path whenever you change its parameters, so adjustments do not continuously accumulate deformation.

Sag

Enables or disables sagging.

Sag Amount

Default: 0.25

Controls how far the chain hangs downward along the world Z axis.

Higher values create deeper hanging sections.

Sag Count

Default: 5
Minimum: 2

Controls the exact number of hanging sections distributed along the path.

For example:

Sag Count = 5

creates five sagging sections along the generated path.

Sag Resolution

Default: 4
Range: 1–25

Controls the number of curve points used to create each sagging section.

Higher values produce smoother curves but also create more curve points.

Bottom Width

Default: 0.0
Range: 0–1

Controls the width of the lower U-shaped part of the sag.

Increasing Bottom Width allows you to create broader hanging sections while keeping the upper support areas relatively tight.

Sharp Top

Creates sharper attachment/support points and straighter upper parts of the sag.

This can be especially useful for:

• Fantasy chains
• Stylized chains
• Chains attached to walls
• Decorative hanging elements

Sharp Length

Default: 0.38

Controls how far the straight section created by Sharp Top extends down each side of the sag.

SAGGING TIPS

11. Getting Better Sagging Results

A good starting point is:

Sag Count: 5

First adjust the number of hanging sections and then fine-tune Sag Amount.

Increase Sag Resolution if the sag appears too angular or faceted.

Use Bottom Width if you want a wider U-shaped hanging section.

Enable Sharp Top when you want more defined attachment points or stylized hanging chains.

Sagging also works on very simple straight paths. Chain Generator automatically adds enough internal curve resolution to create the hanging sections.

BEST PRACTICES

12. Tips for Best Results

If your chain does not align correctly, try adjusting:

• Tilt
• Handle Type
• Twist Type
• Switch Direction

For very sharp paths, Vector Handles can provide more predictable results than Automatic Handles.

When using Surface Draw, remember to select the target mesh before starting Draw Chain.

Start with a moderate Sag Resolution and increase it only if additional smoothness is required.

For complex chains, Decimate Factor can help reduce geometry density.

Save your Blender project before permanently applying modifiers or converting generated geometry.

USE CASES

13. What Can Chain Generator Be Used For?

Chain Generator can be used for much more than traditional chains.

Jewelry & Accessories

Create:

• Necklaces
• Bracelets
• Decorative chains
• Jewelry details
• Straps
• Accessories

Characters & Props

Useful for:

• Armor
• Weapons
• Clothing
• Bags
• Fantasy equipment
• Character accessories

Architecture & Environments

Create:

• Hanging chains
• Barriers
• Suspended decorations
• Architectural details
• Environment props

Mechanical & Industrial Assets

Useful for:

• Mechanisms
• Anchors
• Hoists
• Machinery
• Industrial scenes
• Mechanical details

Stylized & Fantasy Designs

Create exaggerated and decorative hanging elements for fantasy and stylized projects.

LICENSE

14. Addon License

The Chain Generator addon code is licensed under the GNU General Public License — GPL.

The addon code may be modified and redistributed according to the applicable GPL terms.

15. Chain Asset License

The included chain assets use a separate Royalty Free license.

You may use the included chain assets in:

• Personal projects
• Commercial projects
• Client work
• Games
• Animations
• Renders
• 3D artwork

Attribution is not required.

You may NOT:

Redistribute or resell the included chain assets themselves.

For example, you may not distribute the original chain assets:

• As standalone files.
• Inside another asset pack.
• As another chain library.
• As downloadable source assets.