Break Vector
Splits a Vec2 or Vec3 input into individual scalar component outputs.
Category: Math Menu path: Math > Break Vector
Ports
| Port | Type | Direction | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
in | vec3 | input | Vector to decompose (accepts vec2 -- Z will be 0) |
x | scalar | output | X component |
y | scalar | output | Y component |
z | scalar | output | Z component |
Parameters
None.
How It Works
BreakVector takes a vector input and outputs each component as a separate scalar. The input port accepts vec3 (and vec2 via auto-promotion, where Z defaults to 0).
This is a pure CPU value node with no parameters and no GPU cost. It is evaluated in the pre-pass.
Usage Examples
Basic: Extract position components
Transform2D position -> BreakVector. X and Y outputs can drive separate Math chains or display in Debug nodes.
Selective axis processing
VectorMath.out -> BreakVector -> process X with Math (Clamp) -> MakeVector (with original Y). Constrain only one axis of a vector.
Monitor individual channels
SolidColor (expose channels) -> BreakVector on the RGB vec3 output. Individual R/G/B scalars available for routing.
Tips
- The input port type is vec3, but vec2 connections work via auto-promotion (Z = 0)
- All three outputs are always available -- use only the ones you need
- Pair with MakeVector for "break apart, modify, reassemble" patterns
Related Nodes
- MakeVector -- the inverse operation: combine scalars into a vector
- Math -- process individual scalar components
- VectorMath -- operate on vectors directly without decomposition