WPL Geodesic Outline
Video of Addon operators for 2.80:
https://youtu.be/-A6TDO-7Eug
Installation: User Preferences->Add-ons->Install from zip.
- Outline created on the mesh itself, making new edges through existing faces at specified distance
- Geodesic means that distance calculated along the surface, not in 3D space. So its following all ridges and valleys of mesh flow nicely.
- It also keeps your UVs, vertex colors and vertex groups properly divided for the cut
- 2.80 version also has "Deformation Smoothing" features, see details here:
https://blenderartists.org/t/deformation-smoothing/697723
- Compatible with Blender 2.7x and 2.80+
Q: Why i need this addon? Build-in "bevel" operator can be used for similar task!
A: Build-in "bevel" operator has a lot of limitations. Namely it can`t handle irregular mesh right, it can`t follow the surface, it make ugly floating faces when there is no place left, etc, etc. Geodesic outline, in other hand, works everywhere, no restrictions on mesh and selection
Q: I have a question or suggestions
A: Post it here: https://blenderartists.org/t/mesh-editing-geodesic-outline-of-selection/1129584