Particles
Orbiting particle system that reacts to audio. Dynamic, energetic visualization with particles that swirl, expand, and pulse based on audio input.
Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | 10 |
| Category | Creative |
| Best For | Creative, EDM, Granular, Experimental |
| Aspect Ratio | Square (4×4 minimum) |
What It Shows
Particle count, speed, and spread react to audio energy. Frequency content can affect particle colors or behavior. High-energy visual for high-energy music.
Best Plugin Types
✅ Recommended for:
- Creative effects - Dynamic, engaging
- EDM plugins - High-energy match
- Granular processors - Particles = grains metaphor
- Experimental tools - Unconventional aesthetic
- DJ tools - Performance visual
❌ Not recommended for:
- Utility plugins - Too distracting
- Mastering tools - Unprofessional
- Vintage designs - Too modern
Color Mapping
| Color Property | What It Controls |
|---|---|
bodyColor | Background |
trackColor | Particle color A |
activeColor | Particle color B / trail |
Color Tips
- Contrasting particle colors for variety
- Bright particles on dark background
- Consider neon/vibrant colors for EDM
Configuration Options
Particle Count
- Range: 20-200
- Default: 50
- Tip: More particles = denser, more energetic. Fewer = cleaner, more focused.
Speed
- Range: 0.2-3.0
- Default: 1.0
- Tip: Match to music tempo/energy.
Sizing
| Size | Dimensions | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 4×4 | Accent |
| Standard | 5×5 | Primary display |
| Large | 7×7 | Hero element |
Square works best for orbiting particles.
Example Uses
- Granular synth - Particles represent grains
- EDM multi-effect - High-energy visual
- Glitch plugin - Chaotic particle behavior
- DJ filter - Performance visual feedback
- Texture generator - Visualize density
Design Tips
- High particle count for energy - 100+ for dense effect
- Match speed to genre - Fast for EDM, slow for ambient
- Contrasting colors - Two-tone particles add depth
- Dark background essential - Particles need contrast
Granular Connection
The particle metaphor works perfectly for granular synthesis:
- Each particle = one grain
- Density = grain density
- Spread = grain scatter/position
- Speed = grain playback rate