AA LIGHTNINGGEN · DOCUMENTATION

From Setup to First Strike

Create animated lightning, electric arcs and energy effects using ready-made presets and editable Geometry Nodes generators.

01 / Import the Package

1. Download the product ZIP archive.
2. Drag and drop the ZIP archive into Blender and follow the import prompts.
3. Choose an included preset to get started.

The package includes ready-made effect presets and editable Geometry Nodes generators.

02 / Start with a Preset

1. Select the effect object.
2. Open the Modifiers tab.
3. Adjust the settings in its Geometry Nodes modifier.
4. Play the timeline to preview the animation.

Use a preset as your starting point, then customize its timing, shape, motion and materials.

03 / Choose Your Generator

04 / Assign Your Geometry

Set the source and target references required by your preset in the Geometry Nodes modifier.

When transferring an effect to another scene, include the objects, collections and helper objects it uses. Check the modifier references after transferring and assign your own geometry where needed.

05 / Shape the Lightning

Spawn Modes

• Fixed — keep spawn positions consistent.
• Random — vary positions between strikes.
• Wandering — animate positions across the surface.

Source and target positions can be controlled separately. Use the wandering controls to adjust movement speed and amount.

Timing

Adjust when strikes appear and how long they remain visible. Use always-on mode for a sustained electrical connection.

Branches, Noise & Thickness

Adjust branching, noise and bolt thickness to change the character of the effect. Use random thickness controls to add variation between main bolts.

Curved Arcs

Assign the arc control object and move it to shape a curved electrical connection.

Obstacle Avoidance

Enable avoidance and assign an obstacle object to guide bolts around it. Adjust clearance to control the gap around the obstacle. Use self-collision controls to help prevent bolts from passing through the source.

06 / Add Impact Particles

Enable impact particles for lightning strikes. Particles have their own lifetime and continue moving after the lightning disappears.

• Lifetime — how long particles remain visible.
• Gravity — how particles fall.
• Curl Noise — swirling movement and spread.
• Random Size — size variation between particles.
• Size by Life — how particle size changes as particles age.

Always-on mode: impact particles are disabled while lightning is continuously active.

07 / Choose a Material

Start with one of six editable lightning materials:

Select a material preset, then customize its shader if you want to adjust its color or emission.

08 / Preview & Render

1. Return to the scene start.
2. Play the timeline to build the particle simulation.
3. After changing simulation settings, return to the beginning and replay.
4. Bake the simulation before rendering frames out of order.

Troubleshooting

The effect does not appear

Check that the modifier is enabled and the required source and target references are assigned. Play the timeline to reach an active strike.

Particles are missing

Check that particles are enabled and always-on mode is disabled. Restart playback from the scene start.

The effect changes after transferring it

Check the object and collection references in the modifier. Include any helper objects used by the preset.

Obstacle avoidance looks unnatural

Adjust clearance and avoidance direction. Inspect the animation, especially when using complex meshes.

Video Tutorial

See the workflow and controls in action.

Watch the tutorial on YouTube →