Layout 2D along X,Z

[emdax]

This lib is genius. A gem on GitHub.
Quick question on the physics settings:

 this.physicsSettings = {
      dimensions: 2,   
      timeStep: 0.5,
      gravity: -12,
      theta: 0.8,
      springLength: 20,
      springCoefficient: 0.8,
      dragCoefficient: 0.9,
  };

I noticed that starting nodes in a flat plane, initial positions scattered on X and Z plane, everything lays out flat as expected. ( like on a table top ). But adding nodes at run-time everything goes 3D.

Is there a way to set dimensions:2 and have the constraint be the X and Z axis instead of the X and Y axis?
It appears they capability is already in the lib. Just not sure how to access it.
Setting dimensions to 2 seems to constrain it along X and Y. Would love to constrain it to X and Z.

Cheers and Thanks You!

[anvaka]

Thank you for your kind words.

It sounds like you only need 2 dimensions for layout but your rendering engine expects three coordinates. Is this correct?

If yes, then you can set the z value to y value and still keep 2d layout. Something like:

layout.step();
layout.forEachBody(body => {
  body.pos.z = body.pos.y;
})

Alternatively, If you want a 3d layout but keep all nodes in Y = 0 plane you can do the same trick, but instead of reassigning coordinates, set y to 0:

layout.step(); // assuming this has 3 dimensions.
layout.forEachBody(body => {
  body.pos.y = 0;
})

Note though that 3D layout is slower than 2D, so if the first option suits your case - use it.

[emdax]

Thank You very much.
Indeed I am using Three.JS and hoping to do a 2D layout presented on a flat plane , like a tabletop.
I notice this totally works when dimensions:3 and all the node starting positions have Y:0.
This way the layout does 2D layout on the tabletop plane.
If I set dimensions:2 It starts to lay things out along X,Y axis like the table top is vertically oriented and facing the camera.

I will look at the examples you posted to checkout how to set it up.