GET YOUR BEARINGS
Plan your next Chroma Lab session
Our independent guide helps you explore Chroma Lab’s creative possibilities without relying on hidden shortcuts. By focusing on the core tools, visual options, and physics tweaks, you can craft striking simulations and understand how each setting influences the fluid dynamics. Use these exercises to compare approaches, note performance impacts, and develop a personal workflow that maximises both visual appeal and system stability.
01 / THE GUIDE
Shader Comparison
Select two different particle shaders and run the same preset scene. Observe how colour saturation, particle glow, and overall visual intensity differ, noting which shader best complements your music choice.
- Experiment with different shaders to find the most pleasing aesthetic for your setup.
- Use the music‑reactive mode with a high‑quality speaker setup for maximal visual impact.
02 / THE GUIDE
Force Sphere Experiment
Place a force sphere near a dense particle cluster, then add a second sphere linked for teleportation. Watch how particles move between spheres and record the effect of sphere placement on flow patterns.
- Combine the pull tool with force spheres to create complex particle streams.
- Try the explode tool on dense particle clusters for dramatic visual bursts.
03 / THE GUIDE
Physics Parameter Tuning
Start with default physics, then enable optional gravity and later the lava‑lamp mode. Compare particle motion speed, clustering, and visual smoothness to understand each setting’s impact.
- Lower the particle count on older GPUs to maintain smooth performance.
- Use the slow‑time feature to study intricate particle interactions.
04 / THE GUIDE
Performance Scaling Test
Run the simulation at automatic particle count, then manually lower the count by 50 %. Note frame rate changes and visual fidelity loss, helping you find a balance for your hardware.
- Save a scene after creating a unique visual effect to revisit later.
- Load a preset first, then tweak settings for a personalized experience.
05 / THE GUIDE
Mixed‑Reality Presentation
Activate MixCast and stream a scene while adjusting tools in real time. Observe how external viewers perceive the simulation and adjust lighting or camera angles for optimal presentation.
- Use MixCast to showcase your simulations to an external audience.
- Adjust the bounding walls when switching from seated to room‑scale to avoid clipping.
