pVortex Node

pVortex combines two effects:

• Attraction toward the center of the vortex (like a positive pPointForce).
• Rotation around the axis defined by Angle X/Y (like a tangent force).

The result is a characteristic spiral motion - distant particles are pulled in, then start spinning as they get closer to the center, faster and faster.

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

pVortex

Attraction + rotation combined. Particles spiral toward the center. A converging trajectory.

pTangent Force

Pure rotation without attraction. Particles spin at a constant distance. A stable orbital trajectory.

Rule: spiral suction (tornado) → pVortex. Stable orbit without suction → pTangent Force.

• Particle Input (orange) - output of a particle node.
• Region Input (green/magenta) - optional. A 2D bitmap or 3D mesh to bound the area of influence.

Tornado:
pEmitter (Region Mesh = cylinder) → pVortex (vertical Y Axis)
                                  → pRender

Black hole / galaxy:
pEmitter (large sphere Region) → pVortex (high Strength, Power 2)
                              → pRender
(particles sucked in a spiral toward the center)

Whirlpool (vertical axis):
pEmitter (above the center) → pDirectionalForce (gravity Y -)
                              → pVortex (moderate Size, Y Axis)
                              → pRender

Strength (default: 1.0)

Intensity of the combined rotational and attraction force. Higher = a tighter, faster spiral.

Power (default: 2.0)

Controls how the force decreases with distance. 0 = uniform force everywhere. 2 = quadratic falloff (realistic, like gravity). 3+ = very fast falloff (force concentrated at the center).

X / Y / Z Offset (default: 0, 0, 0 - scene center)

Position of the vortex center in 3D space. A crosshair you can move in the viewer.

Size (default: 1.0)

Radius of influence of the vortex. Beyond it, the force fades (according to Power).

Angle X / Angle Y (default: 0°, 0° - vertical Y axis)

Orientation of the rotation axis. Default = vertical Y axis (classic tornado). Angle X 90° = horizontal axis (a whirlpool on a water surface).

Randomize

Seed for subtle per-particle variations.

Conditions (Sets)

Force applied only to certain particle sets.

• Tornado - a diffuse pEmitter + pVortex (vertical Y axis, Power 1-2) = particles sucked in and swirling in a vertical column. Add pTurbulence for natural chaos.
• Galaxy / spiral - a large sphere pEmitter + pVortex (moderate Strength, large Size, Power 2) = spiral arms of particles around the center.
• Black hole / suction - high Strength + Power 3+ = intense attraction toward a point, particles speed up as they spiral.
• Whirlpool (water) - Y axis + on a horizontal water surface = a classic downward spiral.
• Magic / mystic power - glowing particles + pVortex around a character = a spiraling magic aura that wraps around them.
• Smoke ring - horizontal axis (Angle X 90°) + high Power = a rotating ring of smoke.
• Sci-fi portal / vortex - moderate Size + glowing particles = a dimensional portal effect.

• Power 2 = realistic - quadratic falloff mimics real gravity. Power 0 = an unrealistic uniform force, Power 3+ = extreme localization.
• Size proportional to the scene - a tornado covering the whole frame = large Size. A small localized vortex = small Size.
• Animate Offset for a moving vortex - a tornado crossing the scene = the center animated with keyframes.
• Angle X 90° for a horizontal whirlpool - a water swirl in a sink, a galaxy seen flat = horizontal axis.
• Combine with pTurbulence - pure rotation is too mechanical. A light pTurbulence brings a natural feel.
• Animated Strength for an appearance - a vortex that "opens up" with a gradual Strength ramp = a dramatic effect.
• For rotation without attraction (stable orbit), use pTangent Force instead. pVortex always pulls toward the center.