Action: Atomize

When you attach an Atomize node to a surface or geometry in Action, the object becomes a configurable point cloud. Pixels at each vertex of the surface or geometry become square or round points. The Atomize points always face the camera, and are displayed at the same size regardless of the distance from the camera. Atomize points inherit any properties of the parent object, as well as any attached maps (such as transparency, blend modes, and colours).

Depending on the vertex resolution of the parent surface or geometry, the Atomize result can become quite detailed (more vertices equals more points), allowing you to creatively incorporate point clouds into your Action compositions.

Teapot Geometry with Diffuse Map

Teapot with Atomize applied

To add an Atomize node:

1. In the schematic, select the surface or 3D geometry to which you want to apply the Atomize.
2. Do one of the following:
   • Drag the Atomize node from the node bin and place it in the schematic.
   • Drag the Atomize node from the node bin and place it where you want it in Result view.
   • Double-click the Position Map node. You do not need to be in Schematic view to add a node in this manner.

   The Atomize object is added to the schematic as a child of the selected surface or geometry.

3. Double-click the Atomize node in the schematic, or follow the tab population rules for the Object menu.

   The Atomize menu appears.

Atomize Menu Settings

Round Dot button

Enable to display the points as circles; disable to display as squares.

Size field

Displays the size of the points. Editable.

NoteThe size range is from 0 to 100, but the actual maximum value that will produce a change is determined by your graphics card. For example, you may notice that the size doesn't increase with a value higher than 64.