Dustsim compared with Algodoo, The Powder Toy and Particle Illusion| Dustsim | Algodoo | The Powder Toy | Particle Illusion |
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| Physical model and scale: Particles are computed on the GPU, with 262,144 particles by default and a higher count possible in the settings if the device allows. You place sources and attracting masses, and there are no hard walls or similar boundaries. | Physical model and scale: Physical systems are drawn and simulated in 2D, with gears, motors, water, lenses and laser beams. Graphs and force visualization help to read the results. | Physical model and scale: The simulation includes air pressure and velocity, heat and gravity, with many interactions between substances such as liquids, gases and electronic components. | Physical model and scale: It is a GPU accelerated generator of 3D particle effects built from emitters, forces and deflectors, with fluid dynamics presets. It is aimed at motion graphics and visual effects rather than at measured physical quantities. |
| Erforderliche Fachkenntnisse: Little. The interface is mouse only, and you can start from a scenario or from a blank page. | Erforderliche Fachkenntnisse: Beginner level. Tutorials cover educational scenes such as gears, motors and turning objects into water. | Erforderliche Fachkenntnisse: Beginner level for playing with materials, with more depth for users of the Lua API. | Erforderliche Fachkenntnisse: Intermediate. The node based workflow assumes some experience with compositing and effects. |
| Customization and scripting: A scenario editor was added in version 1.03, so setups can be modified or created. No scripting interface is described. | | Customization and scripting: A Lua API lets users automate work or write plugins, and community made saves can be browsed and uploaded. | Customization and scripting: A large preset library is provided, and some emitter libraries come as a separate download. |
| Plattform und Installation: It runs in the browser as an HTML5 page, with no download described. | Plattform und Installation: Desktop versions for Windows and Mac are downloaded from the Algodoo site, and an iPad version is on the App Store. | Plattform und Installation: Versions exist for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android, as well as Steam, and a browser version can be played online. | Plattform und Installation: Windows 10 or 11 and macOS 10.15 or later are supported. It runs standalone or inside the Continuum plugin set. |
| Lizenz und Kosten: It is listed as free, with a donation link. The licence is not stated. | Lizenz und Kosten: It is now free, with a donation button. A separate product, Algoryx Momentum, adds 3D simulation inside SpaceClaim. | Lizenz und Kosten: It is free, and the source code is distributed under the GNU General Public License. | Lizenz und Kosten: The standalone application has a free trial for personal and non commercial use, with background layer import disabled. Pro is a paid subscription. |