> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://stage-precision.gitbook.io/grid/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://stage-precision.gitbook.io/grid/touch-designer-integration/point-cloud-interaction/send-point-clouds-from-grid-studio.md).

# Send point clouds from Grid Studio

Send point data from a Volume or Point Cloud Volume in Grid Studio and generate simulated points for your first TouchDesigner test.

Grid Studio can send point data to TouchDesigner from two object types:

| Object             | Use it for                                                                                 |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Volume             | Send points received through Map Inputs, including simulated points from a Test Map Input. |
| Point Cloud Volume | Send the processed point data from your point cloud tracking setup.                        |

Both workflows use an **SPNet Point Data Map Output** and an **SPNet Object configured as Sender**.

### 1. Create the SPNet Sender

1. Add an **SPNet Object** to the Project Tree.
2. Configure it as a **Sender**.
3. Configure the destination and port:

| Setting     | Value          |
| ----------- | -------------- |
| Destination | `237.37.37.37` |
| UDP port    | `37373`        |

The SPNet Object provides the network connection used by the Map Output.

### 2. Create a Volume for testing

For this first example, add a **Volume** to the Project Tree.

Keep it near the world origin and size it to cover a small test area. The simulated points will move inside this volume.

### 3. Generate simulated points

Select the Volume and open its **Maps** section.

Add a **Volume Test Map Input**. This generates point data directly inside the Volume.

Start with these settings:

| Parameter   | Value    | Purpose                                    |
| ----------- | -------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Point Count | `3`      | Generates three test points.               |
| Move Points | `Bounce` | Makes the points bounce inside the Volume. |
| Size        | `0.25`   | Sets the size of the generated points.     |

Set **Speed** to a positive value so the points move.

You should now see the simulated points moving in Grid Studio.

#### Other movement options

For a different test, change **Move Points** to **Line**.

Line movement provides controls for:

* **Axis:** Select the XY or XZ plane.
* **Speed:** Adjust the movement speed.
* **Turbulence:** Add variation to the movement.
* **Pos:** Offset the group of points.

{% hint style="info" %}
The Test Map Input lets you test the complete output and TouchDesigner workflow before connecting a sensor.
{% endhint %}

### 4. Add the SPNet Map Output

With the Volume selected:

1. Open its **Maps** section.
2. Add an **SPNet Point Data Map Output**.
3. Assign the SPNet Sender created earlier to this output.
4. Use **Global** coordinates for this first example.

The Map Output forwards the Volume's points through the selected SPNet connection.

The complete test setup is:

```
Test Map Input
    → Volume
    → SPNet Point Data Map Output
    → SPNet Sender
    → TouchDesigner
```

### Using a Point Cloud Volume

If you already have a Point Cloud Volume producing tracking points, add the **SPNet Point Data Map Output** directly to that object and assign your SPNet Sender.

The output sends the processed point positions and sizes from that tracking setup.

### Continue in TouchDesigner

Configure the SPNet Point Cloud POP with the same multicast group and port:

| Parameter       | Value          |
| --------------- | -------------- |
| Multicast Group | `237.37.37.37` |
| Port            | `37373`        |

Set Output Mode to **Spheres** and enable **Use Size**.

The simulated points should now appear as moving spheres in TouchDesigner.