Custom Nodes are modules that look and behave just like built-in Nodes, but are customizable and reconfigurable on a deep level, and also come with a customizable appearance.
This article explains how to pick an existing custom Node, and edit not only its appearance, but also its internal behavior. Like most advanced resources around custom Nodes, this article assumes you are familiar with the basics, such as using the Patcher.
Custom Nodes & Where to Find Them
Several Nodes you find in the Node browser are custom Nodes. This is indicated by a “puzzle” icon next to the Node:
You can add these custom Nodes into your project, the same way you add built-in Nodes (i.e. just click it in the Node browser, and that’ll place it on the Patcher). You can also find more custom Nodes under More Nodes & Snippets, or simply by searching in the Node browser.
Each custom Node has an editable internal patch, composed of other Nodes. You can edit this internal patch and customize the Node to do exactly what you need it to.
Editing the Internal Patch
At its root, each custom Node is a Subpatch Node in disguise. This means you can:
- Edit the internal subpatch by right clicking the Node, then clicking Edit patch
- On touch screens: tap the Node, then tap the gear button near the top right corner, then on Node properties, tap the triple-dot button, then finally tap Edit patch
- Create subpatch input/output Nodes in the subpatch, which will, in turn, create inputs/outputs on the Subpatch Node itself (or the custom Node itself)
When inside the subpatch, all the typical Patcher tooling is available as usual.
Editing the Node Appearance
In addition to the editable internal patch, all custom Nodes have an editable patcher Node appearance as well. This is accessible by the top left corner when inside a subpatch:
The article on Custom Node Designer explains all there is to know about it.