Method and system for encoding data for additive manufacturing

A method of encoding data for additive manufacturing comprises: displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) (500) having at least a planar segment selector control (502), a pattern shaping control (506), and a material selection control (508). The method also comprises displaying on the GUI (500) a cross-section (510) of a three-dimensional object (512) at a position corresponding to a specific planar segment selected by the planar segment selector control (502). A planar pattern having nested contours is displayed over the cross-section, wherein each contour is shaped according to an input received by the pattern shaping control (506) and is associated with at least one building material according to an input received by the material selection control (508). A data structure describing the planar pattern is stored in a computer storage.