Field 2D Root

Updated: 12 Aug 2025

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This node is the root node and container for any 2D Field system. Field Emitters, Affectors, Colliders, and Rendering nodes should be parented to this node directly or indirectly in order to be operational.

A 2D Field system is built from a pixel grid, containing various kinds of information such as colour, velocity, temperature, and more. Each pixel runs a fluid simulation, where the data in each pixel contributes to the how the simulation behaves. 2D Fields are optimised for 2D and runs a bit faster than you might expect. This does mean some emitters and affectors which run in 2D might not work in 3D, and vice versa.

As the Root node, it contains a number of controls that are globally effective across the system, and can have wide ranging effects on the simulation. With Fields in particular, much of the motion and shape of the simulation is derived from the simulation properties, therefore familiarity with the settings below is a must for adept use of a field system. The resolution is especially important in this case, as it has a great influence over both performance and the resulting quality. Keeping square pixels, and matching the resolution of the field to the output required is strongly advised.

The Field 2D root can be used in 3D space throught the Field 2D Renderer, which renders the Field as an unlit 2D surface, or alternatively by connecting the output to a material, where the output can be used within a PBR workflow.

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