Random Seed
Sets the random seed so a procedural variation can be reproduced.
← Fusion node reference
ParticlesIntermediate
pAvoid
Particle obstacle avoidance
Steers particles around a chosen region so the region behaves like an invisible obstacle or exclusion zone.
pAvoid
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
pAvoid modifies an existing particle stream by pushing particles away from a defined region while respecting strength, distance, probability, age and set conditions.
Overview
What pAvoid does
pAvoid modifies an existing particle stream by pushing particles away from a defined region while respecting strength, distance, probability, age and set conditions.
Mental model
Think of the region as an invisible object that particles sense before impact and try to route around.
Common uses
Make particles flow around a logo
Create invisible collision-like exclusion zones
Keep sparks away from a subject area
Shape particle streams without manually animating emitters
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Particles
Incoming particle stream from pEmitter, pImageEmitter, pMerge or another particle node.
Region / Mask
Input used by pAvoid.
pAvoid
Fusion node
Particles
The processed particle stream.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Reseed
Sets the random seed so a procedural variation can be reproduced.
Time Lock
Locks procedural randomness to time so the same frame evaluates consistently.
Distance
Sets how far from the region particles begin reacting.
Strength
Controls how strongly particles steer away.
Tip: Increase gradually; too much strength causes abrupt direction changes.
Probability
Limits the percentage of particles affected.
Age Start / End
Restricts avoidance to a particle age range.
Set Mode
Selects the Set Mode used by pAvoid.
Set 1–32
Chooses which particle sets are affected by this operation.
Region
Chooses the obstacle shape such as Rectangle, Sphere, Bitmap, Mesh or Bezier.
Region: All
Uses All as the active region.
Region: Bezier
Uses Bezier as the active region.
Region: Bitmap
Uses Bitmap as the active region.
Region: Cube
Uses Cube as the active region.
Region: Line
Uses Line as the active region.
Region: Mesh
Uses Mesh as the active region.
Region: Rectangle
Uses Rectangle as the active region.
Region: Sphere
Uses Sphere as the active region.
Start Pick
Lets you place the avoidance region’s start point directly in the Viewer.
Start X / Y / Z Offset
Sets the X, Y and Z components of start.
End Pick
Lets you place the avoidance region’s end point directly in the Viewer.
End X / Y / Z Offset
Sets the X, Y and Z components of end.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Create and animate the particle stream first.
- 2
Insert pAvoid before pRender.
- 3
Choose a simple Region and position it.
- 4
Tune Distance before Strength.
- 5
Use Probability, Age or Sets only when selective behavior is needed.
Typical node chain
Particles→
pAvoid→
pRender
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Logo avoidance
Particles bend around a central logo-shaped region.
pEmitterpDirectionalForcepAvoidpRender
Sphere obstacle
A 3D-style particle stream routes around a spherical exclusion zone.
pEmitterpTurbulencepAvoidpRender
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Using extreme Strength when Distance is the real problem.
Choosing an overly complex region before testing a simple shape.
Expecting pAvoid to create particles.
Ignoring particle velocity and getting unstable near-obstacle motion.
Production notes
Practical tips
Tune Distance first for smooth anticipation.
Combine with pTurbulence for less mechanical avoidance.
Use particle Sets when only one stream should react to the obstacle.
Related nodes