Node Graph

The node graph is a visual programming canvas where you wire nodes together to build laser visuals from scratch. Think of it as patching a modular synth, but for lasers.

Every layer in Modulaser is powered by a graph under the hood. Simple layers use preset graphs; the Node Graph layer lets you edit that graph directly.

To convert an existing Simple layer, right-click the layer and choose Convert to Node Graph.

Effects use node graphs too. Open an effect's graph editor when you want to change how an output-group effect works or publish custom controls for the FX board.

Three Signal Types

Wires carry one of three signals. The editor color-codes them so you always know what's flowing through a wire.

Scalar (yellow): a single value, or a value that varies per point in the frame. Oscillators, noise, math, and channel splitters all produce scalars. When a frame node samples a scalar input, it evaluates at every point. That's how an oscillator becomes a waveform shape.

Frame (pink): a collection of laser points that form paths. Shape generators, file loaders, and video inputs produce frames. Effect nodes like Camera Projection, Colorize, and Duplicator take a frame in and pass a transformed frame out.

Color (red): a packed RGB color, or a per-point color that varies along the frame. The Color node produces one and feeds the Colorize node directly. The To Channels (RGB) node splits a Color back into three scalars when you need to drive other signals from a hue.

You can only connect matching types: yellow to yellow, pink to pink, red to red. When you drag a wire to empty space, the creation menu filters to compatible nodes only.

Building a Patch

Every graph ends at an Output node. Work backwards from there: what shape do you want, how should it move, what color should it be?

A typical patch might look like:

1. A shape node (Circle, Polygon, Star, etc.) generates the base geometry.
2. A Colorize node applies color, driven by a Color node converting HSL to RGB.
3. An Oscillator or Phasor modulates a parameter (scale, rotation, hue) to add motion.
4. The Output node positions and scales the final result.

The power is in the wiring. The same oscillator that drives position can also drive color. A single Phasor can rotate a shape, cycle its hue, and phase-offset across multiple lasers, all at once.

Adding and Connecting Nodes

A few ways to add a node:

• Right-click empty space, press Tab, or double-click empty space to open the node creation menu. The new node lands at the cursor.
• Drag a pin to empty space to open a filtered menu showing only compatible nodes. The wire auto-connects.
• Double-click a wire to insert a new node inline between two connected nodes.

To disconnect a wire, right-click it.

Navigating the Graph

• Space + drag pans the view.
• Scroll to zoom.

Editing Selections

• CmdCtrlCmd/Ctrl + C / CmdCtrlCmd/Ctrl + X / CmdCtrlCmd/Ctrl + V: copy, cut, paste.
• CmdCtrlCmd/Ctrl + D: duplicate.
• Backspace or Delete: delete. The Output node is protected.
• Hold Alt and drag a modulation routing to clone it onto another target.

See Keyboard Shortcuts for the full list.

Node Reference

Generators

Signal sources that produce values over time or across a frame.

Frame

Nodes that produce, transform, and combine laser frames.

Math

Arithmetic, trigonometry, coordinate conversion, and color construction.