Sources Reference
This reference documents all available source types in FXCanvas with their parameters, ranges, and descriptions.
Ambient Sources
Ambient sources create smooth, flowing visuals ideal for background atmospheres and calm moods.
Drift
Organic, slow-moving color regions that drift like ink in water.
| Parameter | Type | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | float | 0.0 – 0.5 | 0.1 | Animation speed |
| Scale | float | 0.25 – 3.0 | 1.0 | Pattern scale |
| Blend | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Color blending amount |
| Layers | int | 2 – 6 | 4 | Number of overlapping layers |
| Complexity | float | 0.1 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Pattern complexity |
| Palette Spread | float | 0.2 – 2.0 | 1.0 | How much of the palette is used |
Flow
Smooth, organic flowing gradients using the full color palette.
| Parameter | Type | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.15 | Animation speed |
| Direction | float | 0 – 360 | 0 | Flow direction in degrees |
| Scale | float | 0.25 – 4.0 | 1.0 | Pattern scale |
| Warp | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.3 | Amount of warping distortion |
| Complexity | float | 0.1 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Pattern complexity |
| Softness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.7 | Edge softness |
| Breathing | float | 0.0 – 0.5 | 0.1 | Pulsing intensity variation |
Gradient
Smooth linear color gradients through the full palette, perfect for basic color wash effects.
| Parameter | Type | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | float | 0.0 – 2.0 | 0.3 | Animation speed |
| Angle | float | 0 – 360 | 0 | Gradient angle in degrees |
| Spread | float | 0.5 – 3.0 | 1.0 | How spread out the gradient is |
| Softness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.8 | Transition softness |
| Radial | bool | — | false | Use radial gradient instead of linear |
Lighthouse
A rotating lighthouse beam that sweeps in a circular motion.
| Parameter | Type | Range/Options | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beam Mode | enum | Single Beam, Double Beam, Quad Beam | Single Beam | Number of beams |
| Color Mode | enum | Distance Fill, Angular Repeat, Beam Solid, Rainbow Sweep, Radial Gradient | Distance Fill | How colors are applied |
| Color Scale | float | 0.1 – 5.0 | 1.0 | Color pattern size/repetition |
| Beam Width | float | 0.05 – 0.5 | 0.15 | Width of the beam |
| Beam Softness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.4 | Edge softness of the beam |
| Rotation Speed | float | 0.1 – 3.0 | 1.0 | How fast the beam rotates |
| Fade Distance | float | 0.0 – 2.0 | 1.0 | How far the beam extends |
Plasma
Classic organic flowing color patterns using sine wave interference.
| Parameter | Type | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | float | 0.0 – 2.0 | 0.5 | Animation speed |
| Scale | float | 0.5 – 4.0 | 1.5 | Pattern scale |
| Complexity | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Pattern complexity |
| Turbulence | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.3 | Amount of turbulent distortion |
| Softness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.7 | Edge softness |
Pulse
Radial pulsing color rings emanating from a configurable center point.
| Parameter | Type | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.15 | Animation speed |
| Scale | float | 0.1 – 5.0 | 1.0 | Ring scale |
| Rings | int | 1 – 8 | 4 | Number of concentric rings |
| Softness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Edge softness |
| Center X | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Horizontal center position |
| Center Y | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Vertical center position |
| Breathing | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.2 | Pulsing intensity variation |
Warp Speed
Hyperspace tunnel effect with streaking stars.
| Parameter | Type | Range/Options | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Count | float | 20 – 300 | 100 | Number of stars/streaks |
| Speed | float | 0.1 – 2.0 | 0.5 | How fast stars travel |
| Trail Length | float | 0.1 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Length of the star streaks |
| Center X | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Vanishing point X position |
| Center Y | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Vanishing point Y position |
| Star Size | float | 0.2 – 2.0 | 0.5 | Width of the star streaks |
| Direction | enum | Outward, Inward | Outward | Warp direction |
Pattern Sources
Pattern sources create geometric, rhythmic visuals ideal for high-energy moments.
Bars
Horizontal, vertical, or diagonal bar patterns that scroll across the canvas.
| Parameter | Type | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | float | 0.0 – 2.0 | 0.5 | Scroll speed |
| Count | int | 2 – 12 | 4 | Number of bars |
| Angle | float | 0 – 180 | 0 | Bar angle in degrees |
| Thickness | float | 0.2 – 0.8 | 0.5 | Bar thickness |
| Softness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Edge softness |
| Wave Amount | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.0 | Wavy distortion amount |
Octopus
Swirling tentacle patterns inspired by WLED — a cephalopod stuck in a whirlpool.
| Parameter | Type | Range/Options | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direction | enum | Counter-Clockwise, Clockwise | Counter-Clockwise | Rotation direction |
| Speed | float | 0.1 – 2.0 | 0.5 | Animation speed |
| Tentacles | float | 3 – 16 | 8 | Number of tentacles |
| Swirl | float | 0.0 – 3.0 | 1.0 | Amount of spiral twist |
| Thickness | float | 0.1 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Tentacle thickness |
| Softness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.7 | Edge softness (0 = hard lines, 1 = soft glow) |
| Center X | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Horizontal center position |
| Center Y | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Vertical center position |
| Edge Fade | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.0 | Fade at canvas edges |
Spiral
Rotating arm patterns emanating from a center point.
| Parameter | Type | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | float | 0.0 – 2.0 | 0.5 | Rotation speed |
| Arms | int | 2 – 12 | 4 | Number of spiral arms |
| Twist | float | 0.0 – 2.0 | 0.5 | Amount of spiral twist |
| Thickness | float | 0.1 – 0.5 | 0.3 | Arm thickness |
| Softness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Edge softness |
| Center X | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Horizontal center position |
| Center Y | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Vertical center position |
Wave
Sinusoidal waves of color rolling across the canvas.
| Parameter | Type | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.15 | Animation speed |
| Direction | float | 0 – 360 | 0 | Wave direction in degrees |
| Frequency | float | 0.5 – 8.0 | 2.0 | Number of waves |
| Amplitude | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.3 | Wave height |
| Complexity | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Pattern complexity |
| Softness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Edge softness |
BPM Sources
BPM sources trigger animations synchronized to the beat for music-reactive visuals.
Bubble
An expanding bubble with wobble effect that triggers on each beat.
| Parameter | Type | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | float | 0.1 – 1.5 | 0.55 | Maximum bubble size |
| Softness | float | 0.01 – 0.3 | 0.05 | Edge softness |
| Wobble | float | 0.0 – 0.5 | 0.2 | Amount of wobble distortion |
| Wobble Speed | float | 5 – 50 | 25 | Speed of wobble oscillation |
| Decay | float | 1.0 – 10.0 | 4.0 | How quickly the bubble fades out |
| Center X | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Bubble center X position |
| Center Y | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Bubble center Y position |
Explosion
Explosive bursts that trigger on each beat with randomized locations.
| Parameter | Type | Range/Options | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Particle Mode | enum | Fireworks, Blob | Fireworks | Explosion style |
| Location Randomness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.3 | How much locations vary (0 = center only) |
| Decay Speed | float | 0.2 – 3.0 | 1.0 | How quickly effects fade (higher = faster) |
| Burst Size | float | 0.2 – 2.0 | 0.8 | Maximum size of each burst |
| Particle Density | float | 4 – 24 | 12 | Number of particle rays per burst |
| Intensity | float | 0.1 – 3.0 | 1.0 | Brightness of explosions |
| Softness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.6 | Edge softness |
| Rotation | float | -1.0 – 1.0 | 0.0 | Spin speed as particles expand |
| Twist | float | -1.0 – 1.0 | 0.0 | Spiral twist effect |
Rain
Falling droplets synced to the beat.
| Parameter | Type | Range/Options | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | enum | Circle, Diamond, Hexagon, Triangle, Line | Circle | Droplet shape |
| Blend Mode | enum | Normal, Additive, Screen | Normal | How droplets blend together |
| Count | float | 1 – 100 | 20 | Number of droplets |
| Width | float | 0.005 – 0.1 | 0.02 | Droplet width |
| Length | float | 0.01 – 0.3 | 0.08 | Droplet length (vertical stretch) |
| Softness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.3 | Edge softness |
| Spread | float | 0.1 – 2.0 | 1.0 | Spread perpendicular to direction |
| Direction | float | 0 – 360 | 0 | Movement direction (0=down, 90=left, 180=up, 270=right) |
| Randomness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.3 | Variation in speed and size |
Ripple Pop
Ripple waves triggered on each beat that collide and overlap.
| Parameter | Type | Range/Options | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | float | 0.1 – 3.0 | 1.0 | Wave strength/amplitude |
| Wave Length | float | 0.1 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Size of the ripple waves |
| Decay | float | 0.1 – 1.0 | 0.5 | How quickly waves fade (lower = longer lasting) |
| Ripple Count | int | 1 – 12 | 5 | Number of concentric ripples per drop |
| History | int | 1 – 8 | 4 | Number of past beats to keep visible |
| Drop Mode | enum | Center, Random, Sequence | Center | Where droplets appear |
| Pitch X | float | 0.1 – 0.5 | 0.25 | Horizontal spacing for sequence mode |
| Pitch Y | float | 0.1 – 0.5 | 0.25 | Vertical spacing for sequence mode |
| Reflection | bool | — | false | Waves bounce off edges |
| Displacement | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.0 | Amount of visual distortion |
Scanner
Knight Rider style scanning beam.
| Parameter | Type | Range/Options | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direction | enum | Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal | Horizontal | Scan direction |
| Beam Width | float | 0.02 – 0.5 | 0.15 | Width of the scanning beam |
| Softness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Edge softness of the beam |
| Trail | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.3 | Length of the trailing glow |
| Segments | int | 1 – 10 | 1 | Number of beam segments (1 = solid) |
Shape Expand
An expanding shape that triggers on each beat.
| Parameter | Type | Range/Options | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | enum | Circle, Square, Rectangle, Diamond, Hexagon | Circle | Shape type |
| Thickness | float | 0.02 – 0.5 | 0.15 | Shape outline thickness |
| Softness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.3 | Edge softness |
| Center X | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Shape center X position |
| Center Y | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.5 | Shape center Y position |
| Max Size | float | 0.3 – 2.0 | 1.0 | Maximum expansion size |
| Decay | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.0 | How quickly the shape fades (0 = no fade) |
| Aspect Ratio | float | 0.5 – 3.0 | 1.0 | Width/height stretch ratio |
Sweep
A horizontal sweep that triggers on each beat.
| Parameter | Type | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width | float | 0.05 – 1.0 | 0.3 | Sweep width |
| Softness | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.3 | Edge softness |
| Direction | float | 0.0 – 1.0 | 0.0 | Sweep angle (0=right, 0.25=down, 0.5=left, 0.75=up) |
3D Sources
3D sources use raymarching for volumetric, three-dimensional visuals.
Blobs
Raymarched metaballs with refraction and palette colors.
| Parameter | Type | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | float | 0.0 – 3.0 | 1.0 | Animation speed |
| Zoom | float | 1.0 – 4.0 | 2.0 | Camera zoom level |
| Refraction | float | 1.0 – 2.0 | 1.33 | Index of refraction (glass-like effect) |
| Blob Count | int | 1 – 10 | 3 | Number of metaballs |
| Blob Size | float | 0.5 – 2.0 | 1.0 | Size of the metaballs |
| Spread | float | 0.3 – 2.0 | 1.0 | How far apart the blobs move |
| Absorption | float | 0.0 – 0.2 | 0.05 | Color absorption inside the blob |
| Rotate X | float | -1.0 – 1.0 | 0.3 | Camera rotation around X axis |
| Rotate Y | float | -1.0 – 1.0 | 0.0 | Camera rotation around Y axis |
Related Topics
- Sources — Learn how to use sources in FXCanvas
- Effects Reference — Complete reference for all effect types
- BPM Sync — Synchronize parameters to the beat