The pCustom node (short for Particle Custom) is a powerful and advanced node in
Fusion's particle system. It allows users to create highly customized particle behaviors and
effects using expressions or scripts. It is particularly useful for controlling particles
beyond the default nodes like pEmitter, pTurbulence, and others.
Key Features of the pCustom Node
1. Custom Expressions
o The node allows you to use expressions to control particle attributes like
position, velocity, color, size, rotation, and life.
2. Scripting in Lua
o You can write Lua-based expressions or scripts to create complex particle
behaviors.
3. Full Control of Attributes
o pCustom provides fine-grained control over particle properties such as:
▪ Position (px, py, pz)
▪ Velocity
▪ Size
▪ Color (red, green, blue)
▪ Rotation
▪ Life
4. Dynamic Behavior
o Attributes can change dynamically over the particle’s lifespan.
How to Use the pCustom Node
Here’s a step-by-step workflow to get started with the pCustom node:
1. Set up the Particle System
o Add a pEmitter node to create particles.
o Connect the pEmitter node to the pCustom node.
o Use a pRender node to render the particles.
2. Open the pCustom Node
o In the Inspector panel, you will find several tabs for scripting expressions,
including sections for position, size, color, and velocity.
3. Write Expressions
Use Lua scripting to control particle behavior. Examples:
o To make particles move in a circular motion:
o px = cos(time * 2 * 3.14) * 2
o py = sin(time * 2 * 3.14) * 2
o pz = 0
o To change particle size dynamically over life:
o size = age * 0.1
4. Preview and Adjust
o Play the animation and fine-tune the expressions for desired results.
Common Attributes in pCustom
Attribute Description
px, py, pz Position of the particles (x, y, z coordinates).
vx, vy, vz Velocity of the particles.
size Controls the size of particles.
red, green, blue Particle color components.
rotation Rotates particles dynamically.
age Age of the particle (starts at 0).
life Total lifespan of the particle.
Practical Example
Goal: Make particles grow in size as they move outward and fade to black.
1. Position (Circular Motion):
2. px = cos(age * 2 * 3.14) * age
3. py = sin(age * 2 * 3.14) * age
4. pz = 0
5. Size:
6. size = age * 0.2
7. Color:
8. red = 1 - age / life
9. green = 1 - age / life
10. blue = 1 - age / life
Why Use pCustom?
• The pCustom node is ideal for advanced users who need total control over particle
behaviors.
• It enables procedural effects that are not possible with standard particle nodes.