Random Seed
Sets the random seed so a procedural variation can be reproduced.
← Fusion node reference
ParticlesAdvanced
pVortex
Swirl particles around an axis
Creates a vortex field that pulls particle motion into circular or spiral trajectories around a configurable center and axis.
pVortex
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
pVortex is used for whirlpools, spirals, orbit-like movement, tornado effects and stylized particle rotation.
Overview
What pVortex does
Strength determines how strongly particles are pushed into circular motion. Power changes the character of the field and how force behaves relative to the vortex.
Offset, size and angle controls position and orient the vortex in space. A particle must pass through the relevant field area for the effect to be obvious.
Age, probability, set and region restrictions can limit the vortex to selected particles or parts of their life.
Mental model
Imagine an invisible rotating funnel: particles passing through it are redirected into a spiral around the vortex axis.
Common uses
Particle spirals
Tornado and whirlpool motion
Orbiting energy particles
Swirling smoke or dust
Create rotational flow around a logo
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Particles
Particle stream processed by this node.
Region
Input used by pVortex.
pVortex
Fusion node
Particles
Particles after the vortex field modifies their motion.
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.
Strength
Controls how strongly particles rotate around the vortex.
Power
Changes the force profile of the vortex.
X Offset
Sets the X Offset.
Y Offset
Sets the Y Offset.
Z Offset
Sets the Z Offset.
Size
Controls the scale of the vortex field.
Angle X
Tilts the vortex field around the X axis.
Angle Y
Tilts the vortex field around the Y axis.
Probability
Limits the fraction of particles affected.
Age Start
Sets the particle-age range affected by this operation.
Particle age is measured over the particle lifetime; use the start and end values to limit where the behavior becomes active.
Age End
Sets the particle-age range affected by this operation.
Particle age is measured over the particle lifetime; use the start and end values to limit where the behavior becomes active.
Age Range
Defines the range over which this operation is active.
Set Mode
Selects the Set Mode used by pVortex.
Ignore Sets
Excludes Sets from the operation.
Sets 1–32
Chooses which particle sets are affected by this operation.
Region Mode
Selects the particle region type.
Chooses the geometric region used by the particle operation. Available region types include Ignore region, When intersecting region, When inside region, When not intersecting region, When not inside region, When entering region, and When leaving 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 particle region type.
Chooses the geometric region used by the particle operation.
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 a moving particle stream.
- 2
Add pVortex where the stream should begin to curl.
- 3
Position the vortex center near the particles.
- 4
Raise Strength gradually.
- 5
Adjust Size and orientation until the desired spiral forms.
- 6
Render through pRender.
Typical node chain
pEmitter→
pVortex→
pFriction→
pRender
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
Energy spiral
A particle stream curls around a centered vortex before glowing.
pEmitterpVortexpRenderGlow
Swirling dust
Directional motion enters a large soft vortex field.
pEmitterpDirectionalForcepVortexpFrictionpRender
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Increasing Strength when particles are not actually passing near the vortex field.
Using a tiny Size and assuming the node is broken.
Adding several strong rotational forces and losing control of the motion.
Production notes
Practical tips
Move the vortex field to the particles before increasing strength.
Use friction after the vortex when the spiral should settle.
Animate the vortex center for moving swirl effects.
Related nodes