Getting Started
Subjective is a real-time VFX node editor for Apple platforms. If you’ve used TouchDesigner, Houdini, Blender shader nodes, or Notch, you’ll feel right at home — connect nodes, see results instantly.
How It Works
You build effects by connecting nodes in a graph. Data flows left-to-right through three types of nodes:
Source Nodes
SOURCEData enters the graph. These nodes generate values, read from devices, or provide geometry.
Examples: Time, Float, Color, Sphere, Camera Capture, UV Grid
Transform Nodes
TRANSFORMData is shaped. These nodes process, combine, or modify values flowing through the graph.
Examples: Add, Mix, Noise, Blur, Transform 3D, Particle Forces
Output Nodes
OUTPUTData becomes pixels or leaves the system. These nodes render to screen or apply effects.
Examples: Draw Geometry, Draw Fullscreen, Bloom, FXAA, Draw Particles
Shader Chains
Connect surface shader nodes together and Subjective compiles them into Metal shaders automatically — no code required:
Time (Source) → Cos (Transform) → Abs (Transform) → Mix (Transform) → Draw Fullscreen (Output)
└──────────── Surface Shader Chain ─────────────────┘Value Types
Data flows through the graph as typed values:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Float | Single number |
| Float2/3/4 | Vector types (positions, directions) |
| Color RGB/RGBA | Color values |
| Float4x4 | Transformation matrices |
| Mesh | 3D geometry |
| Texture | Image data |
Connections are type-safe — Subjective shows you which inputs and outputs are compatible.
What’s in v1
- 157 nodes across math, geometry, effects, particles, instancing, and more
- GPU particle system with forces, attributes, and spawn control
- Video export for sharing your work
- Camera and audio input for reactive effects
- Sample projects to learn from and remix
Ready to explore? Browse the Node Library to see what you can build.