NGModifiers: Procedural Modifiers and Deformers (Preset Window)

What is NGModifiers?

NGModifiers (Node Graph Modifiers) is a preset window intended for procedural effects that affect the shape or geometry of a model. In the code, they are often called “Deformers”.

Instead of painting color or specular highlights, these node graphs typically work with the Displacement (Depth) channel or directly transform coordinates (UV or 3D space coordinates). They can create procedural reliefs, dents, bulges, or deform patterns before they are even rendered.

How it works

1. Application: Presets from this window are usually applied globally to a layer or object. They modify the input data for further calculations.
2. Affecting Displacement: Most modifiers generate a grayscale height map using noise nodes (e.g., SoftNoise3D or Voronoi3D) and connect it to the outDisplacement node.

Usage Examples

Although the preset library may vary depending on your settings, most often you will find here:

• Global Noise: Procedural surface irregularities to simulate forged metal or stone.
• Ripples and Distortion: Effects that deform the mesh.

Creating your own NGModifier

1. In the Node Editor, create a graph that calculates a mathematical deformation or relief (for example, by combining object coordinates inPosition with a noise generator).
2. Connect the final result to the depth output node (outDisplacement).
3. Save the graph as a preset in the Modifiers window.
4. The file will appear in UserPrefs\NodeGraphs\NGModifiers.