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I want to use an array modifier to place my object along a curve. I have tried to do it by using using both an array modifier and curve modifier (see picture 1) as well as only an array modifier and using the Object Offset and selecting the curve (pic 2). I get different results with both.

Origin and 3D Cursor are at World Origin.

Why are the array modifier and curve deforming my object?

enter image description here

enter image description here

The end result should be something like this: enter image description here

I want to get a result like the fourth picture. Yes it is deforming the planes on the outer sides of the curve, but it is not changing or affecting the geometry of the planes. It is just 'wrapping' the planes around the curve. That is what I want.

enter image description here

The file:

DPlayground
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  • https://blender.stackexchange.com/questions/238562/modifier-array-and-curve?rq=1 – John Eason Sep 11 '23 at 09:59
  • Could you please draw what are you trying to achieve at the end? The Curve modifier will deform the object, and Array with Object Offset may also deform the object if it has been scaled – moonboots Sep 11 '23 at 10:03
  • I added another picture for end result. So the first picture is getting pretty close, but it is still deforming the upper parts. – DPlayground Sep 11 '23 at 10:06
  • @JohnEason I don't really understand what they are doing – DPlayground Sep 11 '23 at 10:08
  • The Curve modifier will always deform, but you can just array a plane, activate its Instancing > Faces and parent your wooden batten to the plane – moonboots Sep 11 '23 at 10:09
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    If you want to know why the Curve Modifier is deforming your object, that is very easy to explain: in the modifiers tab, you can find it under Deform which is a first hint, and in the Blender Documentation on this modifier, the first sentence is: "The Curve modifier provides a simple but efficient method of deforming a mesh along a curve object." – Gordon Brinkmann Sep 11 '23 at 10:12
  • Maybe I should not have used the word deform. I mean I should be able to just place a plane along a curve without it affecting the geometry right? Like in the second picture it is making the planes much smaller. I want something like the fourth picture - just placing planes along the shape of the curve – DPlayground Sep 11 '23 at 10:17
  • Apply the rotation and scale of your curve and in Edit mode select all and right click >Set Curve Radius > 1? – moonboots Sep 11 '23 at 10:20
  • Or please share your file: https://blend-exchange.com/ – moonboots Sep 11 '23 at 10:24
  • The Array modifier together with the Curve Modifier works now. But when I only use the Array Modifier with Object Offset, nothing happens now. I will upload the file – DPlayground Sep 11 '23 at 10:32
  • Why do you want to use Array modifier with Object Offset? If you say that it works now why don't you keep it as it is? – moonboots Sep 11 '23 at 10:35
  • Mainly for learning purposes. Trying to be able to work with both ways. Because in this case I am working with a curve, but if I for example work with an Empty then you would use the Object Offset. So trying to understand it. – DPlayground Sep 11 '23 at 10:36
  • The Object Offset won't let you make the shape you show (chair) so I'm not sure why you want to use it, unless you're trying to do another shape, in that case, please show the shape – moonboots Sep 11 '23 at 10:40
  • Ah okay, clear! I know enough for now, thank you all! – DPlayground Sep 11 '23 at 10:43

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You've probably scaled your curve, which deforms the instances of your object, to fix that apply the rotation and scale of your curve and in Edit mode select all and right click > Set Curve Radius > 1 and Enter.

As for the Array in Object Offset mode, it will modify the array according to the location, rotation and scale of the selected object, it won't allow you to create such a shape.

moonboots
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