Perplexity AI Animation Generator with Processing

Creating animations using open-source Processing software has never been easier with AI tools like Perplexity.

This guide walks you through using Perplexity AI to generate Java code for Processing, allowing anyone—even people without coding experience—to craft interactive visuals.

This step-by-step guide helps you use Perplexity AI with Processing to bring your creative ideas to life.

Create a Perplexity Account

Install Processing Software

  • Download the free IDE from processing.org/download (supports Windows/macOS/Linux)
  • Open the application and create a new sketchbook: 
    File > New
  • You will copy the java code you create in Perplexity to the Processing sketchbook.

Basic Animation Starter

Creates Rainbow Mouse Trails

Prompt:
“Generate Java code for a Processing sketchbook where white ellipses follow the mouse cursor. Make the circles change colors dynamically based on the mouse position. Leave a trail of 50 circles. Each circle should shrink over time and display different colors. The goal is to create a color-shifting circle that tracks mouse movement.”

ArrayList<Circle> circles = new ArrayList<Circle>();

void setup() {
  size(800, 600);
  colorMode(HSB, 360, 100, 100);
  noStroke();
}

void draw() {
  background(255);
  
  circles.add(new Circle(mouseX, mouseY));
  
  for (int i = circles.size()-1; i >= 0; i--) {
    Circle c = circles.get(i);
    c.update();
    c.display();
    if (c.alpha <= 0) circles.remove(i);
  }
  
  if (circles.size() > 50) circles.remove(0);
}

class Circle {
  float x, y, size, hue, alpha;
  
  Circle(float x, float y) {
    this.x = x;
    this.y = y;
    size = 50;
    hue = random(360);
    alpha = 100;
  }
  
  void update() {
    size *= 0.95;
    alpha -= 2;
  }
  
  void display() {
    fill(hue, 80, 90, alpha);
    ellipse(x, y, size, size);
  }
}

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Advanced Algorithm

Creates Particle Systems

Advanced prompt:
“Generate a Processing particle system with these features:

  • 500 particles with random velocities
  • Gravity effect pulling particles downward
  • Color transitions based on particle lifespan
  • Automatic regeneration when particles exit screen”
ArrayList<Particle> particles = new ArrayList<Particle>();

void setup() {
  size(1200, 800);
  colorMode(HSB, 360, 100, 100);
  for (int i = 0; i < 500; i++) {
    particles.add(new Particle());
  }
}

void draw() {
  background(0);
  
  for (Particle p : particles) {
    p.update();
    p.display();
    p.checkEdges();
  }
}

class Particle {
  PVector pos, vel;
  float lifespan, hue;
  
  Particle() {
    pos = new PVector(random(width), random(height));
    vel = PVector.random2D().mult(random(1, 3));
    lifespan = 255;
    hue = random(360);
  }
  
  void update() {
    vel.add(0, 0.1);
    pos.add(vel);
    lifespan -= 1.5;
  }
  
  void display() {
    noStroke();
    fill(hue, 80, 90, lifespan);
    ellipse(pos.x, pos.y, 8, 8);
  }
  
  void checkEdges() {
    if (pos.y > height || lifespan <= 0) {
      pos.set(random(width), random(-100, 0));
      vel = PVector.random2D().mult(random(1, 3));
      lifespan = 255;
    }
  }
}

Export for Web (p5.js Conversion)

Prompt:
“Convert this Processing Java code to p5.js format for web embedding. Maintain all visual effects and interaction.”

Learn how to embed Processing animations on a WordPress website.

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