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Create POP particle system

create_pop_particle_system

Build a complete POP particle simulation in TouchDesigner with render rig, live emission/lifetime/feedback controls, and an optional force texture. Choose particle, field, or composite output.

Instructions

Build a complete POP particle simulation (particle_pop → feedback_pop → lookup_texture_pop → field_pop → null_pop) inside a new baseCOMP, wire a render rig (poptoSOP → geometryCOMP → renderTOP → nullTOP), and expose EmissionRate, Lifetime, FeedbackGain, and ForceTexture live controls. When force_texture_path is omitted, a noiseTOP is created inside the container as the default force source so the chain always cooks. Supports three output modes: 'particles' (particle render), 'field' (field_pop visualization), and 'composite' (compositeTOP add of both). POP chain creation is delegated to build_pop_chain (Layer 2); this tool adds only the render rig and control exposure. This is the only particle tool built on TouchDesigner's native POP operators (force-texture driven, with field/composite output modes); pick a sibling instead for non-POP paths: create_gpu_particle_field for a GPU noise/curl/gravity drift field, create_particle_flock for GPU boids/flocking, image_to_particles to reconstruct an image/video as points, create_particle_system for a simple CPU emitter. NOTE: POPs are Experimental — the result carries an unverified marker; live-validate.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
nameNoContainer basename created under parent_path.pop_particle_system
outputNoWhich TOP the output nullTOP mirrors. 'particles' = render of particle_pop chain; 'field' = rendered field_pop visualization; 'composite' = compositeTOP (add) of both.particles
lifetimeNoParticle lifetime in seconds; mapped to particle_pop life/lifeexpect. Exposed as Lifetime knob.
resolutionNoRender TOP resolution [width, height].
parent_pathNoParent COMP path (default '/project1')./project1
emission_rateNoParticle birth rate per second; mapped to particle_pop birthrate and exposed as EmissionRate knob.
feedback_gainNoFeedback strength on feedback_pop (mapped to inputmul). Exposed as FeedbackGain knob.
force_texture_pathNoExisting TOP path to drive the force field via lookup_texture_pop.par.top. If omitted, a noiseTOP is created inside the container as the default force source.
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

The description goes beyond annotations by disclosing the noiseTOP fallback when force_texture_path is omitted, the three output modes, delegation to build_pop_chain, and the experimental status with an unverified marker. Annotations (readOnlyHint=false, openWorldHint=true, destructiveHint=false) are consistent, and the description adds valuable operational context without contradiction.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Despite its length, the description earns its space: it front-loads the core action, then covers fallback behavior, output modes, scope delegation, alternatives, and a warning. Every sentence contributes new information without redundancy or fluff.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a complex tool with 8 parameters and no output schema, the description fully covers the creation scope, exact operator chain, default behaviors, output options, delegated helper, and experimental status. The only omission is an explicit return value, but given the tool creates a network, this is adequately implied by the context.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% and each parameter already has descriptive text. The description adds extra meaning for force_texture_path (default noiseTOP creation) and clarifies output mode semantics, but most parameter details remain in the schema. This is slightly above the baseline 3 due to the added fallback behavior.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description uses a specific verb and resource: 'Build a complete POP particle simulation (particle_pop → feedback_pop → lookup_texture_pop → field_pop → null_pop) inside a new baseCOMP, wire a render rig... and expose live controls.' It clearly distinguishes itself from siblings by naming the exact operator chain and output modes, leaving no ambiguity about what the tool does.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicit guidance is given with alternatives: 'This is the only particle tool built on TouchDesigner's native POP operators... pick a sibling instead for non-POP paths: create_gpu_particle_field..., create_particle_flock..., image_to_particles..., create_particle_system...' It also clarifies the tool's limited scope by delegating chain creation to build_pop_chain, so the agent knows exactly when to use this tool.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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