Plasma Node

Plasma uses 4 intersecting mathematical circles to produce a rippling pattern. Unlike Fast Noise (random Perlin), Plasma is deterministic and periodic, with a smooth, oscillating shape.

Typical uses: a hypnotic background, a distortion source for dreamlike deformations, psychedelic effects by animating Phase, and as the input of a Displace or Shadow for organic deformations.

• Effects Library: Tools > Generator > Plasma
• Quick add: right-click in the Node Editor → Add Tool > Generator > Plasma

• Effect Mask (blue) - optional. Confines the plasma effect to the masked areas.

Plasma → Merge 2D (psychedelic background)
Plasma → Displace 2D input (distortion source)
Plasma → Shadow deform source

Scale

Overall size of the pattern. Low = a spread-out motif, high = a fine pattern.

Operation

Sets the mathematical relationships between the circles where they intersect. Changes the look radically - some modes give soft patterns, others hard edges.

Circle Type

Selects the style of the circles used.

Circle Center

Position of the origin of the circles. Can be moved directly in the viewer.

Circle Scale

Individual size of each circle. Differences between the circles create asymmetry in the pattern.

Phase

Shifts the color phase of the whole image. Animated, it produces psychedelic color cycles where the pattern stays the same but the colors cycle.

R / G / B / A Phases

Change the phases and transparency per channel. Keyframe them individually for asymmetrical color cycling effects.

Classic tip: animate Phase from 0 to 1 over the length of the shot = a full color cycle, a perfect loop.

• Psychedelic background - animated Phase + an Overlay Merge 2D over text = a "70s" flower power title.
• Distortion source - Plasma → Displace 2D → source image = a rippling dreamlike distortion.
• Sci-fi energy - glowing red Plasma + Glow → an energy portal, a character aura, a force field.
• Deform input for a Shadow effect - use Plasma as the shadow deformation source = shadows that ripple organically.
• Old computer screen / TV glitch - Plasma + Scanlines + Color Bars = a retro CRT look.
• Water surface / heat haze - slow Plasma + Displace → a rippling water surface or heat.

• Plasma vs Fast Noise - Plasma is periodic and smooth, Fast Noise is random. Plasma is ideal for "warm/organic" effects, Fast Noise for realistic noise.
• Phase from 0 to 1 over the length of the shot = a perfect color loop. Its periodic nature guarantees a seamless join for a loop.
• Operation = the critical parameter - trying each option can radically change the look without touching any other setting.
• Asymmetrical Circle Scale = more organic patterns. Do not leave all the circles at the same size.
• Combine it with Color Corrector to adjust the final palette. Plasma produces saturated colors that may need toning.
• For photorealistic plasma (like a Tesla plasma ball), combine Plasma + Glow + a bit of Fast Noise as an overlay to break up the "too regular" feel.