GlassVFX
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Getting Started

GlassVFX is a real-time VFX node editor for Apple platforms. If you've used TouchDesigner, Houdini, Blender shader nodes, or Notch, you'll feel right at home — connect nodes, see results instantly.

How It Works

You build effects by connecting nodes in a graph. Data flows left-to-right through three types of nodes:

Source Nodes

SOURCE

Data enters the graph. These nodes generate values, read from devices, or provide geometry.

Examples: Time, Float, Color, Sphere, Camera Capture, UV Grid

Transform Nodes

TRANSFORM

Data is shaped. These nodes process, combine, or modify values flowing through the graph.

Examples: Add, Mix, Noise, Blur, Transform 3D, Particle Forces

Output Nodes

OUTPUT

Data becomes pixels or leaves the system. These nodes render to screen or apply effects.

Examples: Draw Geometry, Draw Fullscreen, Bloom, FXAA, Draw Particles

Shader Chains

Connect surface shader nodes together and GlassVFX compiles them into Metal shaders automatically — no code required:

Time (Source) → Cos (Transform) → Abs (Transform) → Mix (Transform) → Draw Fullscreen (Output)
                └──────────── Surface Shader Chain ─────────────────┘

Value Types

Data flows through the graph as typed values:

TypeDescription
FloatSingle number
Float2/3/4Vector types (positions, directions)
Color RGB/RGBAColor values
Float4x4Transformation matrices
Mesh3D geometry
TextureImage data

Connections are type-safe — GlassVFX shows you which inputs and outputs are compatible.

What's Included

  • 166 nodes across math, geometry, effects, particles, instancing, and more
  • GPU particle system with forces, attributes, and spawn control
  • Video export for sharing your work
  • Camera and audio input for reactive effects
  • Sample projects to learn from and remix

Ready to explore? Browse the Node Library to see what you can build.