Constant
Constant nodes are a way to create a static value for use inside Substance function graphs. Unlike variables, they cannot be modified externally.
Additionally, this page provides some extra information for each data type and common use cases.
Integers
Constant integers generate whole numbers, and have a step of 1.
They can be converted to Float, which is recommended to do when performing any operation more complex than additions, subtractions and simple comparisons.
Integer
An integer has a single component. It is useful as an index for making selections, such as:
- selecting an option presented to the user as a drop down menu (see ‘Drop down list’ in this page).
- selecting the input of a Multi switch node.
| note important |
|---|
| IMPORTANT |
| Negative integers in parameter functions are not supported. See this page in the ‘Technical issues’ section for a workaround. |
Integer2
An Integer2 node generates a static 2-component integer vector with (X, Y) components.
Integer2 is not common, but is used for example to set X and Y 2D tiling in a Tile generator.
Integer3
An Integer3 node generates a static 3-component integer vector with (X, Y, Z) components.
Integer 3 is not common and is unlikely to be encountered much.
Integer4
An Integer4 node generates a static 4-component integer vector with (X, Y, Z, W) components.
Integer 4 is not common and is unlikely to be encountered much.
Floats
Constant Floats generate fractional numbers, not wholenumbers, which means they will always have values after the decimal sign, and can in- or decrease by steps smaller than 1 (default 0.01).
Floats can be converted to Integers but they will be rounded up or down to the nearest Integer, meaning data and accuracy is lost.
Float
A Float, has a single component, the (1) is omitted from the name for brevity. Float is very common and used for any value that requires precise control in the form of a slider or Angle. You can find it in almost every Node’s parameters. It is also the preferred data type for a grayscale value!
Float2
A Float2 node generates a static 2-component Float Vector. Components are named X, Y. Float2 is quite common and is used for sampling coordinates, and for Transformation Offsets
Float3
A Float3 node generates a static 3-component Float Vector. Components are named X,Y,Z. Float3 is uncommon, it is mainly used to represent 3D scale coordinates, and as a simpler way to store color without Alpha data.
Float4
A Float4 generates a static 4-component Float Vector.Components are named X,Y,Z,W. Float4 is very common, as it is the preferred way to store and set Color information, where XYZW data represents RGBA values.
Others
Two additional data types exist inside Substance function graphs: booleans and strings. Strings were introduced alongside the Text node in Designer version 6.
Boolean
A Boolean is the simplest data type there is, knowing only two states: True or False, 1 or 0. It is represented by the color white. It is not possible to interchange between Boolean and Integer without Casting, or by using Logical Nodes. A Boolean is quite common and it’s an excellent way to control the flow of a function or graph, a typical use would be for a Switch Node.
String
A String Node generates a static String, a piece of text. It is the most exotic type of Data available in Functions, and generally can not be used much in conjunction with other Function nodes. It’s main goal is to function as a final output for the Text Node.