GrowFX 2.2.0 User Manual

Path Cloud node

This node generates attractor points along the lines of parent paths for the Space Colonization node.

It does not create branches or meshes by itself. Instead, it creates a cloud of points around the connected path lines, which can then be used by the Space Colonization node as growth targets.

This node is useful when branch growth should follow predefined guide paths. For example, it can be used to create clouds along helper branches, guide lines for crowns, or other path-based growth directions.

Parent paths

The top connector allows this node to be connected from the Mesh connector of parent nodes such as Path, DrawPath, or other path-based nodes.

The cloud points are generated along the lines of these parent paths.

Output

The right connector outputs the generated attractor points for the Space Colonization node.

Algorithm

Specifies the point distribution algorithm used to generate attractor points around the parent path lines.

Hexagonal Close Packing - Produces a dense and regular distribution of points.
Face-Centered Cubic - Produces another dense lattice distribution with a slightly different structure.
Poisson Disk Sampling - Produces a more natural and less regular distribution of points.
Cubic lattice - Produces points on a simple cubic grid.
One point - Creates only one attractor point for each generated path cloud element.

Density points

Specifies the density of attractor points generated along the parent paths.

This parameter supports a Curve, which allows changing the density along the path length.

Higher values create more attractor points, which usually leads to more detailed branching but also increases calculation time.

Randomize

Adds random displacement to the generated attractor points.

When set to zero, the points follow the selected algorithm more strictly. Higher values make the cloud less regular and more natural.

Override parameters

Min dist

When enabled, overrides the Min distance parameter in the connected Space Colonization node for this cloud.

This allows using a different minimum attractor consumption distance for this cloud only.

Max dist

When enabled, overrides the Max distance parameter in the connected Space Colonization node for this cloud.

This allows using a different maximum attractor search distance for this cloud only.

Display in Viewport

When on, the generated cloud points are displayed in the viewport.

Turning this option off hides the viewport display of the cloud points, but does not disable attractor point generation.

Note: Unlike primitive clouds such as Sphere Cloud or Box Cloud, this node generates points along existing path lines. Because of this, the resulting branching can be directed much more precisely.

Note: The density of points can vary along the path length when a Curve is connected to Density points. This makes it possible, for example, to create denser clouds near the tips of guide branches and sparser clouds near their base.

Note: Poisson Disk Sampling usually produces the most natural-looking point distribution, while lattice-based algorithms are more regular and can be useful when a more structured branching pattern is needed.