---
title: Tool Operations
type: docs
weight: 4
---

Tool operations handle the actual block editing mechanics when using builder tools.

**Package:** `com.hypixel.hytale.builtin.buildertools.tooloperations`

## Architecture

```
Tool Operations
├── Base
│   └── ToolOperation - Operation base class
├── Operations
│   ├── PaintOperation - Block painting
│   └── EditOperation - Edit tracking
├── Materials
│   └── Material - Block material wrapper
└── Utilities
    └── CopyCutSettings - Copy/cut configuration
```

## ToolOperation

Base class for all tool operations:

```java
public class ToolOperation {
    // Base operation that modifies blocks
    // Tracked for undo/redo
}
```

## PaintOperation

Handles block painting with brush tools:

```java
public class PaintOperation extends ToolOperation {
    // Applies blocks in brush shape
    // Supports patterns and masks
}
```

### Usage

When a player uses a brush tool:
1. PaintOperation is created
2. Shape is calculated based on tool settings
3. Blocks are modified according to pattern
4. Operation is added to history

## EditOperation

Tracks changes for undo/redo:

```java
public class EditOperation {
    // Records block changes
    // Enables reversal
}
```

## Material System

### Material

Wrapper for block materials:

```java
public class Material {
    // Block type reference
    // Additional properties (rotation, tint)
}
```

### Block Patterns

Patterns define how blocks are selected:

| Pattern | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| `[Stone]` | Single block type |
| `[50%Stone, 50%Dirt]` | Weighted random |
| `[Stone, Dirt, Grass]` | Equal weights |

### Block Masks

Masks filter which blocks are affected:

| Mask | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `[Stone]` | Only affect stone |
| `[!Air]` | Affect non-air blocks |
| `[!^Fluid]` | Exclude fluid tagged blocks |

## Copy/Cut Settings

### CopyCutSettings

Configuration for copy and cut operations:

```java
public class CopyCutSettings {
    // Include entities flag
    // Include biome data flag
    // Compression level
}
```

## Tool Arguments

Builder tools support configurable arguments:

### Argument Types

| Type | Class | Description |
|------|-------|-------------|
| Block | `BlockArg` | Block type selection |
| Bool | `BoolArg` | Boolean flag |
| Int | `IntArg` | Integer value |
| Float | `FloatArg` | Decimal value |
| Mask | `MaskArg` | Block mask |
| String | `StringArg` | Text value |
| BrushShape | `BrushShapeArg` | Sphere, Cube, etc. |
| BrushOrigin | `BrushOriginArg` | Center, Surface, etc. |

### Tool Argument Packets

Arguments sync via network packets:

```java
// BuilderToolArgUpdate packet
// Syncs tool argument changes to server
```

## Brush Configuration

### Brush Shape

```java
public enum BrushShape {
    Sphere,
    Cube,
    Cylinder,
    // ...
}
```

### Brush Origin

```java
public enum BrushOrigin {
    Center,      // Brush centered on click
    Surface,     // Brush on surface
    Offset       // Custom offset
}
```

### Brush Axis

```java
public enum BrushAxis {
    Y,           // Always vertical
    View,        // Follow view direction
    Surface      // Normal to surface
}
```

## API Usage

### Access Tool Settings

```java
BuilderToolsPlugin tools = BuilderToolsPlugin.get();
BuilderToolsUserData userData = tools.getUserData(player);
```

### Get Current Tool

```java
BuilderTool currentTool = userData.getCurrentTool();
BuilderToolData toolData = currentTool.getData();
```

## Tool State

### BuilderToolState

Tracks current tool state:

```java
// BuilderToolState packet
// Syncs tool state to client
```

### Brush Data

```java
// BuilderToolBrushData packet
// Contains brush size, shape, pattern
```