Random Seed
Sets the random seed so a procedural variation can be reproduced.
← Fusion node reference
ParticlesBeginner
pKill
Remove particles conditionally
Deletes particles from a stream according to probability, age, particle sets and spatial region conditions.
pKill
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
pKill is a cleanup/control node for ending particles before their natural lifespan or removing only selected groups from a simulation.
Overview
What pKill does
pKill is a cleanup/control node for ending particles before their natural lifespan or removing only selected groups from a simulation.
Mental model
Think of it as a filter with a delete action: particles that match the conditions are removed from the stream entirely.
Common uses
Remove particles after they enter a region
Trim long-lived particle trails
Kill only selected particle sets
Create disappearing zones inside a simulation
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
Optional region or mask that limits where the operation affects particles.
pKill
Fusion node
Particles
Processed particle stream for additional particle tools or pRender.
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.
Probability
Controls the chance that an eligible particle is removed.
Age
Controls age for the particle system.
Start
Sets the beginning of the particle-age range affected by pKill.
End
Sets the end of the particle-age range affected by pKill.
Set Mode
Chooses how particle sets are included or ignored.
Ignore Sets
Excludes Sets from the operation.
Sets 1–32
Chooses which particle sets are affected by this operation.
Region Mode
Defines whether particles are killed inside, outside, entering or leaving a region.
Ignore region
Excludes region from the operation.
When intersecting region
Applies the operation while particles intersect the region.
When inside region
Applies the operation while particles are inside the region.
When not intersecting region
Applies the operation while particles do not intersect the region.
When not inside region
Applies the operation while particles are outside the region.
When entering region
Triggers the operation when particles enter the region.
When leaving region
Triggers the operation when particles leave the region.
Region
Selects the spatial shape used by the condition.
All
Applies the particle operation across the full region or particle set.
Bezier
Uses a Bezier-shaped region for the particle operation.
Bitmap
Uses a bitmap-defined region for the particle operation.
Cube
Uses a cube-shaped region for the particle operation.
Line
Uses a line region for this particle operation.
Mesh
Uses a mesh-based region for the particle operation.
Rectangle
Uses a rectangular region for the particle operation.
Sphere
Uses a spherical region for the particle operation.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Create the particle stream.
- 2
Insert pKill before pRender.
- 3
Start with Probability 1.0 and a simple condition.
- 4
Choose Age or Region behavior.
- 5
Add set filtering only when the system contains multiple particle groups.
Typical node chain
Particles→
pKill→
pRender
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Kill zone
Particles disappear when they enter a rectangular region.
pEmitterpDirectionalForcepKillpRender
Trail cleanup
Old particles are removed early to keep a trail short and efficient.
pEmitterpTurbulencepKillpRender
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Using pKill when a shorter emitter lifespan would be simpler.
Forgetting which Region Mode is active.
Setting low Probability and assuming all particles should disappear.
Killing the wrong particle set in a merged simulation.
Production notes
Practical tips
Use pKill for conditional deletion; use Lifespan for simple global duration.
Kill unnecessary particles before expensive downstream effects.
Region entering/leaving modes are useful for one-time trigger-like behavior.
Related nodes