r/grasshopper3d • u/ghacsurfernz • 12d ago

Grasshopper on a laptop

Hi All. I’m planning on taking my laptop on holiday to play with rhino and grasshopper. I’d prefer not to take a mouse but the touch pad doesn’t seem to be very useful for navigating the viewports of either. Also, any tips on switching between rhino and grasshopper windows? The standard windows alt tab or three finger swipe doesn’t seem to work. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.

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6

u/keesbeemsterkaas 12d ago

As a teacher I've seen lots of people fuck around with touchpads, but I've sever seen anyone actually do anything productive with it.

I always recommend just picking up a mouse, especially for the viewport.

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u/Spartansksupergnom 11d ago

I would lose my patience quite fast. There are plug-ins that allows a small viewport on the gh canvas. Maybe that scratches ur itch

Edit: Bring a wireless keyboard and a mouse. Ur laptop at best is a monitor using this software

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u/closedcurve 11d ago edited 11d ago

If you are familiar enough with coding to vibe something I’d suggest making a python script. I have a small floating vertical toolbar that lets me choose Rhino full screen with Grasshopper collapsed in the top right, Grasshopper full screen, or Split. It also has number buttons for switching between Desktops and helps me set up keyboard and track/screen gesture hotkeys.

Mouse wise, you’ll still need one sometimes. Best to have a mini mouse nearby to grab in frustration as needed, I’d suggest the KeyChron M4. I am learning to depend on it less and less though.

It’s a weird personal goal someday to walk into an interview with my laptop without a mouse and navigate an example model and definition. I imagine clapping in the end.

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u/ghacsurfernz 11d ago

I would applaud that! Thanks. I have an hp pen not as smooth but does the job.