=====  Bend =====
 
Bend gives you complete control over the shape of your branches. Use Bend to quickly add twists, turns, and rotations that would be difficult to achieve with node edits. You can also use Bend to fine-tune existing shapes or lengthen a branch. 

>**Note:** Bends edits will remain regardless of changes to the model’s resolution. 

{{bending_example_2.gif?nolink}}

==== How to bend a branch ====

Follow these steps to get started with bending.

  * In Freehand Mode, select a trunk or branch, then select Bend in the Properties Window. The Bend Brush will appear on your selection. 

{{bend_brush_3.jpg?nolink&400}}

  * Drag the Small White Dot or center line to slide the Bend brush along the branch. 

  * Drag the Large Blue Dot to bend. Hold “Space” and drag the Large Blue Dot to lengthen the branch. 

  * Drag the Small Blue Dot to resize the Bend brush. 

  * Drag the floating Blue Tab to twist the selected branch. 

  * Hold “CTRL” to make the Bend brush follow your pointer.

 ==== Bend properties ====

{{bend_properties_1.jpg?nolink&400}}

=== Brush size slider ===

Controls the Bend brush’s length, from 0 to 1. 

=== Brush curvature slider ===

Changes the strength of your bends. Higher values result in deeper bends, lower values will result in stiff, linear bends. 

=== Rotate gizmo ===

Checking Rotate Gizmo reveals a globe that allows you to quickly rotate and bend the spine. 

{{rotate_gizmo.gif?nolink}}

=== Bend counter  ===

Tracks your bend actions and allows you to undo/redo them in sequence. 

=== Clear ===

Removes all your bend actions.