FX-Map
Designer node that spawns patterns iteratively
Also known as: Substance Designer FX-Map · FX Map node · Designer FX Map · Quadrant Iterate Switch · Designer pattern spawner
Definition
The FX-Map is a Substance Designer node that builds images by spawning patterns step by step, using a small graph made of Quadrant, Iterate and Switch nodes. Quadrant divides the image into smaller areas, Iterate repeats a pattern a set number of times, and Switch picks between options. It powers many of the library's pattern generators and can create more complex layouts than the Tile Sampler, such as cracked ground, brick patterns and organic distributions, with control over every step.
In production
FX-Maps are powerful but harder to learn, so start with the Tile Sampler and look at how library nodes are built. Use them when a pattern needs a custom layout, such as bricks that vary in size or a scatter with rules. They can be slow if the number of iterations is large, so test at low resolution. Many nodes in the Substance library are FX-Maps inside.
