What is the Particle Info Node in Blender?

The Particle Info node in Blender is a specialized Shader Editor node that extracts dynamic data from an active particle system to drive material properties. By providing real-time outputs such as a particle's age, total lifetime, velocity, location, and unique index, this node allows 3D artists to create advanced, animated materials that automatically change appearance based on how individual particles move, grow, or age over time.

Key Outputs of the Particle Info Node

The node features several output sockets, each serving a specific function for material customization:

  • Index: Gives a unique integer ID to every individual particle in the system. This is commonly used to introduce random variations in color, rough texture, or brightness across instanced objects.
  • Age: Outputs the current age of the particle (in frames or seconds, depending on render settings) since its birth.
  • Lifetime: Outputs the total lifespan assigned to the particle.
  • Location: Provides the exact 3D world coordinates (X, Y, Z vector) of the individual particle center.
  • Size: Outputs the scale or radius of the particle.
  • Velocity: Outputs a vector representing the direction and speed at which the particle is currently moving.
  • Angular Velocity: Provides the rotational speed and axis vector of the particle.

Practical Use Cases

1. Color Changes Over Time (Fading Fire or Smoke)

By connecting the Age output into a Math Node (Divide) and placing Lifetime in the second socket, you calculate a normalized value from 0 to 1 (representing the percentage of life lived). Plugging this result into a ColorRamp node enables sparks to transition from bright yellow to red, and finally to black smoke before disappearing.

2. Randomizing Instanced Objects

When using a particle system to scatter objects (like leaves, pebbles, or debris), connecting the Index output into a White Noise node generates a unique random color or texture offset for every instance, preventing repetitive visuals.

3. Speed-Based Shading Effects

Passing the Velocity output through a Vector Math Node (Length) calculates the scalar speed of each particle. Using this value to drive a material's emission intensity causes fast-moving particles (such as intense sparks or light trails) to glow brighter than slower ones.

Limitations to Consider

  • Shader Editor Only: The Particle Info node works exclusively inside the Shader Editor for Cycles and EEVEE. It cannot be used inside Geometry Nodes.
  • Emitter Systems: The node works best with classic Blender Particle Emitter systems. For Geometry Nodes instances, alternative attributes (like instance ID or custom attributes) must be passed to the material via an Input Attribute node instead.