Parameters
Variations node creates multiple variants based on target parameter(s) on a target upstream node(s).
It duplicates entire upstream nodegraph multiple times, changes a specific parameter (like a seed, a radius, or a color) for a target node for every duplicate it creates.
This workflow is commonly known as Wedging in procedural software.
Parameters
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
Label | The display name for the node. |
Amount | Number of variations to generate. |
Seed | Seed for randomization. |
Targets | Defines which parameters to override for wedging. |
Layout mode | How to arrange the generated variants in the canvas. |
Variations vs Attribute Randomize
While both nodes deal with randomness, they serve entirely different purposes:
- Attribute Randomize is a Modifier. It loops through geometry fed into it (e.g., 10 circles) and changes them based on a set of rules. The number of shapes stays the same.
- Variations is a Multiplier. It takes entire upstream nodegraph, duplicates and forces a specific knob to a new value for each parallel universe it creates. The number of shapes is multiplied.
Workflow 1: Contact sheet
When designing, you may want to see 10 different versions of it side-by-side to pick the best one.
SETUP
- Build your asset using multiple shapes, merges, and modifiers.
- Connect the final output into a Variations node.
- Set Layout to
Grid. - Add a Target. Set the Label to one of your upstream nodes (e.g., 'Bottle Base').
- Set the Parameter (e.g., 'radiusX') and the Min/Max range.
- Result: A grid of distinct variations of your asset.
Workflow 2: Downstream Instancing
Variations node tags every generated clone with a unique internal Variant ID. This makes it incredibly powerful when combined with the Copy to Points node.
If you set the Layout parameter to Stacked, all variations will overlap in the center of the canvas. You can then feed this stack directly into the Geometry input of Copy to Points to scatter your variations across a surface.
SETUP
- Connect your source shape to a Variations node.
- Set
Layoutparameter toStacked. - Target a parameter to vary (e.g., Star 'points').
- Connect the Variations node into the Geometry input of Copy to Points.
- In Copy to Points, set
ModetoRandom variant.
Workflow 3: Randomizing the Randomizer
Because Variations can target any upstream node, you can target global or dynamic Seed parameter of an Attribute Randomize node.