pFollow Node

pFollow applies a spring force between each particle and a 3D target point (Position). If the point is animated, the particles follow its motion with a lag proportional to Dampen.

The result: trajectories that converge toward the target while oscillating, for a very natural look like a swarm of bees or a school of fish.

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

• Particle Input (orange) - incoming stream.
• Region Input (green/magenta) - optional. Area where it applies.

Swarm following a character:
pEmitter → pFollow (Position = character tracker)
        → pFlock → pRender
(particles circling around and following the subject)

Animated path:
pEmitter → pFollow (Position animated along a spline path)
        → pRender
(particles follow a curved trajectory)

Firefly trail:
pEmitter (low Number) → pFollow (Position = glowing object)
                     → light pTurbulence → pRender

Position X / Y / Z

3D coordinates of the target point. Animatable - this animation is what creates the path that is followed. Attach it to a Tracker or to a 3D object through a modifier.

Spring

Elasticity of the spring. Higher = a sharper pull (particles stick to the target). Lower = a soft spring (particles trail behind).

Dampen

Damping of the oscillation. Low = long oscillations (particles yo-yo around the point). High = strong damping (they arrive smoothly).

Random Seed

Seed for variations (keeps all particles from arriving at exactly the same spot).

• A swarm following a character - Position tracked on a subject, moderate Spring, moderate Dampen = a swarm that follows with a slight lag.
• Firefly / glowing fairy - glowing particles following an animated path = a classic magic effect.
• A particle trail behind an object - an animated object + a pEmitter at its position + pFollow = particles that stay in contact.
• A migrating crowd/herd - combined with pFlock = a school of fish or a flock of birds following a leader.
• Stylized spring motion - low Dampen + high Spring = particles visibly oscillating around the target (cartoon effect).
• Multi-particle targets across a scene - several chained pFollow nodes with different Positions = particles traveling from one point to another.

• Balanced Spring + Dampen for a natural look. Spring too high = rigid sticking. Dampen too low = endless oscillations.
• Combine with pFlock - pFlock handles the interactions between particles (cohesion), pFollow steers the whole group. A living swarm combo.
• Tracked Position through a Modifier - right-click on Position → Modify With → Publish Point of a 3D object = automatic follow.
• pTurbulence adds life - pFollow alone looks mechanical. Light turbulence downstream = instantly natural.
• To follow a precise path (curve, Bezier), animate Position manually frame by frame or with an expression.