Parameters
Scatter node creates point cloud based on an input shape with options to control min/max with outliers scale, point distribution types and more.
These points can then be used by other nodes, such as Copy to Points, to instance other shapes.
It has two primary ways of scattering points:
fill: fills the interior area of a shape.outline: distributes along the shape’s outline.
Inputs
Source
Shape(s) to scatter points on or within.
Mask
An optional shape or group of shapes that defines an area where points will not be scattered.
Parameters
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
Label | The display name for the node. |
Method | Determines where points are generated. |
Arrangement | How initial points are placed before relaxation. |
Distribution | Controls how many points are generated. |
Density | Number of points per 100x100 area. |
Count | The total number of points to generate. |
Spacing | The desired distance between points. |
Invert mask | If true, points will only be scattered inside the mask area. |
Seed | Random seed for repeatable results. |
Relax iterations | Pushes points apart to create a more uniform distribution. 0 = chaotic noise. |
Jitter | Adds a random offset to break up grid patterns. |
Scale mode | Determines how point scale is calculated. |
Min scale | Minimum scale. |
Max scale | Maximum scale. |
Outlier percent | Percentage of elements to extend beyond the given range. |
Outlier range | Controls how much the outlier range extends beyond the original. |
Outlier mode | Extend the range either by multiplication or addition. |
Outlier direction | Extend both the minimum and maximum limit of the range, or only one. |
Outlier seed | Controls random selection of outliers. |
Gradient start | Start point of the gradient (normalized 0-1 space). |
Gradient end | The end point of the gradient (normalized 0-1 space). |
Frequency | The scale or zoom of the noise pattern. |
Offset | Pans the noise pattern in X and Y. |
Align to normal | Orients points based on the shape outline. |
Min rotation | Minimum random rotation around the normal. |
Max rotation | Maximum random rotation around the normal. |
Vector | A global direction to blend orientation towards. |
Blend amount | How much to blend with the global direction. |
Transfer attributes | A comma-separated list of attributes to copy from the source shape to the points (e.g., "color, blur"). |
Generation methods
The Method parameter is the most fundamental control, determining where points are created.
Fill Area
Scatters points inside the shape.
On Outline
Scatters points along the shape's edge.
Arrangement
Arrangement parameter controls the initial placement strategy for points, which can then be refined by other parameters like Relax iterations.
Random: Places points completely randomly. Fast but can result in clumps and empty spaces.Grid: Places points in a strict, uniform grid.
Relax iterations
When using Random arrangement, points naturally clump together which creates chaotic noise. To achieve an even, uniform distribution, increase the relax iterations parameter.
Examples:
- 0 iterations: pure random, chaotic noise. Heavy clumping.
- 1-5 iterations: quickly smooths out the worst clumps while remaining organic.
- 10+ iterations: creates a highly uniform, structured distribution.
Random Arrangement
Places points randomly within the area
Grid Arrangement
Places points on a regular grid
Distribution methods
The Distribution parameter controls how many points are generated, offering several intuitive approaches.
By Count
Generates an exact number of points
Count: 30 points
By Density
Fills the area based on a density value
Density: 0.8 (area-based)
By Spacing
Aims for a specific distance between points
Spacing: 12px grid
Placement and quality
The Scatter node includes parameters to refine the quality of the point distribution, preventing clumping and breaking up unnatural patterns.
Jitter: Off
Points in a perfect grid.
Jitter: On
Adds random offsets for a natural look.
Relax Iterations: 0
Random points can form ugly clumps.
Relax Iterations: 30
Points are pushed apart for even spacing.
Point attributes
The Scatter node can automatically create and randomize attributes on each point. These attributes are then used by downstream nodes (like Copy to Points) to create visual variety.
Scale modes
The Scale mode parameter provides powerful procedural control over the pscale (point scale) attribute of each point.
Random scale
Assigns a random scale to each point within the defined range
Gradient scale
Scales points based position along a virtual gradient line
Noise scale
Procedural noise pattern to determine the scale of each point
Outliers
Outliers allows to create natural visual variation by forcing a specific percentage of scattered points (outliers) to break beyond Scale range limits.
Outlier percent: controls how many points are affected. A value of5%means 95% of points will use the standard scale range, while 5% will be generated outside of it.Outlier range: defines the absolute maximum (or minimum) distance the outlier is allowed to stretch beyond the normal limits.Outlier mode:Add: adds theOutlier rangeto normal limits.Multiply: multiplies normal limits by theOutlier range.
Outlier direction: choose whether outliers are allowed to be strictly largerAbove max, strictly smallerBelow min, orBoth.Outlier seed: changes which specific points are randomly selected as outliers.
Standard Range
Random scale within defined Min/Max limits.
With Outliers
A percentage of points break Min/Max limits.
Gradient gizmo
When Scale mode is set to Gradient, a visual gizmo can be activated to control the gradient’s start and end points directly on the canvas.
- Select Scatter node in the graph.
- Hover your mouse over the canvas.
- Press Enter key to activate the gizmo.
| Handle | Description | Controls |
|---|---|---|
Start handle (white) sets the point on the bounding box where the gradient begins. Points closest to this handle will have a scale equal to Min Scale. | Gradient start | |
The End handle (black) sets the point where the gradient ends. Points closest to this handle will have a scale equal to Max Scale. | Gradient end |
Point Rotation
When Align to Normal is on, points are oriented outwards from the curve. The Min/Max Rotation parameters add random variation to this base orientation.
Aligned to Normal
Min/Max Rotation: 0
Random Rotation
Min/Max Rotation: +/- 90°