Mode

Each particle can save a separate value for each user property created. In order to output the appropriate value for the particle on the Node, the Node must therefore know which method is to be used to read the values. The following modes are available:

• Current: This setting is intended for use within a Particle Node Modifier. The value matching the particle currently being processed by the modifier is then automatically read out. In this case, you do not need to send any additional values to the Node.
• Unique ID: You must connect the Unique ID of the particle to the Node so that the value matching the respective particle is selected. This global particle ID can also be used to read particles that are not currently influenced by the Particle Node Modifier, as they are managed in a different Particle Group, for example. If the Unique ID used is not defined, the Node automatically outputs the corresponding data of the particle currently calculated in the modifier.
• Index: You use the particle index at the corresponding input of the Node. The Index defines the number of a particle that is managed within the particle group that you can currently influence using the Particle Node Modifier. If an undefined Index is used, the Node automatically outputs the data of the particle currently calculated in the modifier.

Both the Unique ID and the index can be read directly within a Particle Node Modifier(Unique ID and Current Index), but also offer the option of calculating them yourself. While the currently calculated particle is always read out automatically in the Current setting, you can read out the property value of any particle when using Index or Unique ID.

Data Type

Here you select the data type in which the read value is to be made available at the output of the Node. As a rule, you should select the same type here that is used for the selected property. For self-created properties, you define the data type yourself via the Preferences settings and should then select the same type here. If you select a data type that does not correspond to the user property, the value read out may be converted, e.g., if a floating point value is output as a Boole value.

Property Name

Enter the name of the property you want to read out here. You can select the names and data types of the user properties yourself in the Particle settings of the Preferences menu. The names and data types of the standard properties of particles, on the other hand, are already predefined. You will find the corresponding property names directly behind the data types in the Data Type menu. For example, you can use PropertynamePosition with theVector64data type to display the positions of the particles.

Unique Id[-∞..+∞]

If you have selected Unique ID mode, then forward the corresponding particle ID to the Node here. The Unique ID is an integer and unique value that can be used to address any particle within a simulation. If the Unique ID used is not defined, the Node automatically outputs the corresponding data of the particle currently calculated within the Node modifier.

Index[-2147483648..2147483647]

If you have selected Index mode, then forward the corresponding particle index to the Node here. The Index value can only be used to address the particles that are managed within the Particle Group to which the Particle Node Modifier has access. If an undefined Index is used, the Node automatically outputs the data of the currently calculated particle.