1. Interface Overview
- Open the software and observe the default viewport.
- Learn basic navigation controls:
- Right-click → rotate camera
- Left-click → interact/select
- W, A, S, D → move like a game
- Q → move down
- E → move up
- Ctrl + Space → maximize/minimize panels.
2. Understanding the Main Panels
- Viewport: The main screen where you see your simulation.
- Timeline: Located at the bottom; controls playback and looping.
- Node Graph: Clicking any node shows its properties below.
3. Setting Up a Simulation Container
- Click on Simulation.
- Adjust Container Dimensions (simulation happens inside this box).
- Larger dimensions require more computing power.
- Monitor Voxel Count:
- Higher voxels = slower simulation
- Adjust the size until your system handles it smoothly.
4. Adding a Volume Simulation
- Click Emitter → choose Volume.
- Nothing appears yet because a shape must be connected.
- Go to Shape → Primitives and insert a shape (e.g., Sphere or Box).
- Adjust the shape size based on your needs.
5. Adding Smoke or Fire
- Scroll down to Fuel / Smoke options:
- Set Fuel Image → enables fire
- Set Smoke Image → enables smoke
- You can disable fire or smoke by selecting No Image.
6. Creating a Tornado (Basic Setup)
- Use a Cylinder shape as the emitter.
- Add a Force:
- Go to Forces → add Force Line.
- This controls the movement direction of the smoke/fire.
7. Adjusting Force Settings
- Push Strength:
- Controls how fast the smoke moves upward.
- Twist Strength:
- Controls the rotation of the tornado.
- Negative value = rotates one direction
- Positive value = rotates opposite direction
- Repel Strength:
- Pushes particles outward or inward.
- Positive = tornado widens at the top
- Negative = tornado narrows at the top
8. Hiding the Container Box
- Press B in the viewport to hide the boundary box.
9. Adding Fire for a Better Look
- Go to Fuel Engine.
- Increase fuel values to add visible fire inside the tornado.
10. Final Result
- After adjusting twist, force, and fuel:
- A basic tornado simulation is ready.