What is POPX?
POPX is a custom family of operators that extends TouchDesigner's POPs (Point Operators). It introduces a GPU-accelerated framework for generating, transforming, and simulating geometry in real time. While optimized for its packed POPX Geometry system, all operators work seamlessly with any standard POP geometry.
POPX operators are divided into 5 main types: Generators for creating geometry, Falloffs for defining influence regions, Modifiers for transforming instances, Tools for utility operations, and Simulations for physics-based dynamics.
Operator Types
- →POPX Geometry – A packed data structure where each piece of geometry is represented by a single point containing all its transform attributes – position, rotation, scale, and pivot. This compact format enables transformations to be computed directly on the GPU, eliminating the need for manual attribute construction or matrix calculations.
- →Generators – Create POPX Geometry as well as regular procedural geometry. They can also convert existing geometry into the POPX format, producing packed representations where each point contains all necessary transform attributes.
- →Falloffs – Define spatial regions of influence across POPX Geometry or any regular geometry. They create or modify a Falloff Attribute that controls how strongly other operators affect instances or geometry.
- →Modifiers – Adjust and transform POPX Geometry by modifying attributes such as position, rotation, scale, pivot, and other custom parameters like color. They act as transformation layers that can be stacked, combined, or driven by Falloff Attributes.
- →Tools – Utility operators that provide general-purpose functionality for geometry management, visualization, and workflow assistance – such as deleting, merging, rendering, or applying transformations.
- →Simulations – A stand-alone part of the POPX ecosystem focused on time-based physical simulations such as fluid, particle, and growth systems. Simulations operate independently from other POPX Operators.
Basic Workflows
POPX operators are designed to work together in a modular chain. A typical workflow starts with a Generator, applies Falloffs for influence control, and uses Modifiers to transform the geometry.
Workflow 1: Combining Falloffs
In this workflow, the Instancer Generator creates a uniform grid of box instances. Two distinct Falloff Operators–a spherical falloff and a linear falloff–are multiplied together to produce a combined falloff value. The color gradient applied to each instance provides visual feedback of the resulting falloff intensity. The linear falloff animates by translating along the X-axis, creating a dynamic sweeping effect as it passes through the spherical falloff region. A Transform Modifier uses this combined falloff to procedurally drive the scale of each instance, demonstrating how multiple falloffs can be layered and composed for precise modifier control.
Workflow 2: Exploding Geometry
In this workflow, the Explode Generator converts standard TouchDesigner geometry into POPX Geometry by decomposing it into individual primitives. Each primitive (in this case, sphere primitives) becomes an independent instance with its own transform attributes–position, rotation, and scale. A Transform Modifier then applies transformations in local space: translating each instance along its local Z-axis while simultaneously rotating it around the Z-axis, creating an outward motion. The Visualize Frame Tool displays coordinate axes at each instance’s pivot point, providing clear visual feedback of the local orientation frame.
Workflow 3: Spring Modifier on Standard POP Geometry
In this workflow, POPX Operators demonstrate full compatibility with standard TouchDesigner POP geometry, not exclusively with POPX Geometry. The Spring Modifier is applied directly to a Grid POP operator, generating spring-based motion and physically influenced transformations without requiring any format conversion. This illustrates the architectural flexibility of POPX Operators–they seamlessly integrate into existing POP or geometry-based workflows and can enhance procedural transformations, animation, and motion systems without needing conversion into the POPX Geometry format.
Ready to Start?
Follow these guides to install the operators and learn the core concepts behind the system.