Parameters
The Scatter node is a powerful tool for creating large numbers of points based on an input shape. 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 shapeoutline: distributes along the shape’s outline
Inputs
Source
The 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.
By connecting a shape to the Mask input, you can prevent points from being generated within the area defined by the mask shape.
The Invert Mask parameter reverses this behavior. When enabled, points will only be scattered inside the mask area.
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. |
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. |
Gradient Start | The 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 space-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
The Arrangement parameter controls the initial placement strategy for points, which can then be refined by other parameters like Relax Iterations.
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 attribute of each point.
Random Scale
Assigns a random scale to each point within the defined range.
Gradient Scale
Scales points based on their position along a virtual gradient line.
Noise Scale
Uses a procedural noise pattern to determine the scale of each point.
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 the Scatter node in the graph.
- Hover your mouse over the canvas.
- Press the Enter key to activate the gizmo.
| Handle | Description | Controls |
|---|---|---|
The 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 (purple) 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°