TouchDesigner Tutorial: Video to ParticlesGPU - Turn Any Video into Organic Particles
In this TouchDesigner tutorial, you will learn how to use any video file as a dynamic particle emitter. We explore the core concept of converting RGB color data into XYZ spatial coordinates to drive a 3D particle system. By mastering nodes like Reorder, ParticlesGPU, and Feedback, you can generate complex emission grids based on motion and contrast.
Resources
◼️ Project File: ⇨ https://okamirufu.com/go/projects?utm...
◼️ TouchDesigner Courses: ⇨ https://okamirufu.com/go/skool?utm_so...
◼️ Free VJ Packs ⇨ https://okamirufu.com/go/freevj?utm_s...
◼️ Creator Tools Mentioned (The Blobs, Mesher, Tracker & More): ⇨ https://okamirufu.com/go/webapps?utm_...
◼️ Ultra Bundle (Secret Inside): ⇨ https://okamirufu.com/go/ultra?utm_so...
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TIMECODE
00:00 Tutorial Intro: Video as Particle Emitter
This lesson demonstrates how to use any video file as a direct source for spawning particles.
The composition accurately positions particles along the edges based on motion and contrast.
00:17 How to Follow This Tutorial
Key updates to the delivery format make the process clearer and more efficient for users.
Static images and screenshots are used for the network and parameters to allow copying at your own pace.
00:56 RGB to XYZ: The Core Concept
Transforming color data into spatial information is a fundamental technique in TouchDesigner.
Learn how the Reorder operator converts the red, green, and blue channels into a 3D coordinate map.
03:36 Network Overview and Setup
Replicate the full node network using clear screenshots provided for each processing module.
This setup mixes your images and prepares the specific modules required for the desired final effect.
04:19 ParticlesGPU Setup and Material
Adjust specific parameters to best match the visual results and handle vertical video stretching.
Set up the constant material and map a custom circle texture to improve the particle look.
06:44 Feedback, Blur, and Final Compositing
Create a feedback network to add organic motion trails and control effect intensity with a Level TOP.
Experiment with different blending modes like over and brightest to achieve the final look.
08:03 Final Tips and Common Issues
Troubleshoot common visibility problems by adjusting the 3D camera position manually.
Fine-tune your particles and try using various video sources to see different results.
08:29 Conclusion and Community Discussion
I hope you successfully completed the tutorial and found these techniques valuable.
Feel free to ask questions in the comments or join our community discussions for more support.
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