Text
Renders text as vector paths for laser output. Supports font selection, anchoring, scaling, letter spacing, and a trim parameter for typewriter-style reveal animation.
Inputs
| Port | Type | Default | Range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Font | Scalar | 0.0 | — | Font selection. Pick from installed fonts in the dropdown on the node |
| Text | Scalar | 0.0 | — | Text content. Set the string in the editor on the node |
| Anchor | Scalar | 0.0 | — | Horizontal anchor (Left, Center, Right) |
| Scale X | Scalar | 1.0 | −2–2 | Horizontal scale. At 1.0 text fits the frame at its natural aspect ratio; negative mirrors |
| Scale Y | Scalar | 1.0 | −2–2 | Vertical scale. At 1.0 text fits the frame at its natural aspect ratio; negative mirrors |
| Trim | Scalar | 0.0 | −1–1 | Reveals the text along its path. Animate from −1 to 1 for a typewriter effect |
| Spacing | Scalar | 1.0 | −0.5–2 | Letter spacing multiplier. 1 is the font's default, lower tightens, higher widens |
Outputs
| Port | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Frame | Vector text as laser paths |
Ideas
- Animate Trim with a Phasor for a typewriter effect that draws each letter in sequence, then erases it from the other end.
- Modulate Scale X and Scale Y with slow oscillators for dynamic titling that pulses or breathes.
- Drive Spacing from an envelope so words spread apart on a hit and snap back together.
Tips
- Text content and font are configured on the node itself. The scalar inputs allow modulation of the selection.
- Complex text with many characters uses more points and scanner time. Keep messages short for live performance.
- At Scale 1.0 the text is normalized to its longer axis. A single tall character fills the frame vertically and is narrower horizontally; a wide string fills the frame horizontally and is shorter vertically. Use Scale X and Scale Y independently to stretch or squash.