Particle Network Screensaver
Particle Network is a free, in-browser screensaver that drifts a field of glowing points across the screen and draws lines between any two that pass close enough. It's the calm, modern 'constellation' look you've seen on countless website backgrounds, running here full-screen for free. Nothing to install, and ESC exits whenever you like.
How the Particle Network screensaver works
Every particle is just a point with a position and a constant velocity. On each frame the screensaver nudges each point by its velocity, and when a point reaches an edge of the screen it bounces straight back by flipping that axis of its velocity. There's no gravity or attraction between points, so the motion stays gentle and even — a slow, aimless drift.
The web of lines is pure distance. For every pair of particles the screensaver measures the gap between them; if it's shorter than the Link distance you set, it draws a line. The closer the two points, the more opaque the line, so connections fade in as particles approach and dissolve as they pull apart, giving the network its breathing, living quality.
The Particles control sets how many points populate the field, and Drift speed scales their velocity. Because links are tested between every pair, more particles and a longer link distance mean a denser, busier web — and a heavier draw — while fewer points with a short link distance give you sparse, occasional flickers of connection.
Both the dot Color and the Background are yours to set, and the line color is derived from the dot color so the whole piece stays in one palette. Resize the window and the field simply adds or removes points to keep your chosen count.
A worked example
Defaults give you 110 particles at Drift speed 3 with a 130px link distance, in soft blue (#8ab4ff) on a near-black navy. That produces a steady, readable constellation where clusters form and break apart every few seconds. For a denser, more electric web, push Particles toward 260 and Link distance to 200px; for a minimal, sparse feel drop to 30 particles and a 60px link distance so lines only flicker when points nearly touch.
Settings & tips
- Keep Particles under about 150 if you want maximum smoothness — every extra point multiplies the number of distance checks for the links.
- A longer Link distance dramatically thickens the web; pair a short link distance with a low particle count for a clean, minimal look.
- Match the dot Color to your wallpaper and pick a dark Background so the glowing links read clearly.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Particle Network screensaver free?
- Yes, it is completely free and runs in your browser with no download or sign-up. Open the page, let it go full-screen, and press ESC to exit.
- What makes the lines appear between particles?
- A line is drawn between any two particles whose on-screen distance is shorter than the link distance you set. The closer the two points are, the brighter the connecting line.
- Do the particles attract each other?
- No. Each particle drifts at a constant speed and simply bounces off the edges of the screen. The lines are based only on distance, not on any force between points.
- How do I make the network look denser?
- Increase the Particles count and the Link distance. More points and a longer link range create many more connecting lines and a busier web.
- Can I change the colors?
- Yes. You can set both the particle color and the background color, and the connecting lines automatically take on the particle color.