Advanced Features

Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/ivan-1f/phichain/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

​

Easing Functions

Easing functions control how values transition in events, creating natural-looking motion. The editor supports a wide variety of easing types.

​

Available Easing Types

​

Choosing the Right Easing

​

Complex Line Animations

​

Multi-Event Coordination

Create sophisticated animations by layering multiple events on the same line.

​

Circular Motion Pattern

To create a line that moves in a circle:

1. Create a Move X event with sine wave values (use multiple events to approximate)
2. Create a Move Y event with cosine wave values (phase-shifted by 90°)
3. Synchronize the timings perfectly
4. Use EaseInOutSine for smooth circular motion

​

Wave Effects

Create oscillating motion:

1. Create alternating Move events:
   • Beat 0-4: Move from 0 to 0.5 (EaseInOutSine)
   • Beat 4-8: Move from 0.5 to 0 (EaseInOutSine)
   • Beat 8-12: Move from 0 to -0.5 (EaseInOutSine)
   • Beat 12-16: Move from -0.5 to 0 (EaseInOutSine)
2. Repeat the pattern as needed
3. Combine with rotation for spiral effects

​

Multiple Line Coordination

​

Master-Detail Pattern

Create a main line and several detail lines that follow it:

1. Create a “master” line with primary movement
2. Create 2-4 “detail” lines
3. Copy the master’s Move events to detail lines
4. Offset the detail lines spatially (different Y positions)
5. Add phase-shifted animations (detail lines react slightly after master)

​

Symmetrical Lines

Create mirror-image lines for balanced visuals:

1. Create Line A and Line B
2. Add Move X event to Line A: 0 → 0.5
3. Add Move X event to Line B: 0 → -0.5 (opposite direction)
4. Use identical timings and easings
5. Place mirrored notes on each line

​

Line Handoff

Transition notes smoothly between lines:

1. Line A active with notes (Alpha = 1)
2. Line B starts invisible (Alpha = 0)
3. At beat X:
   • Line A fades out (Alpha: 1 → 0)
   • Line B fades in (Alpha: 0 → 1)
   • Position lines at same location during transition
4. Continue charting on Line B

​

Chart Optimization

​

Event Consolidation

Reduce event count for better performance:

• Remove redundant events: Events that don’t change values
• Merge sequential events: Combine events with same value into one
• Simplify constant events: Single constant event instead of multiple short ones
• Approximate curves: Use fewer events with better easing instead of many linear segments

​

Note Optimization

• Consistent spacing: Keep notes at similar densities to avoid sudden difficulty spikes
• Lane utilization: Spread notes across available lanes
• Hand balance: Consider left/right hand distribution (though less critical than traditional rhythm games)

​

Performance Considerations

​

Timeline Settings Deep Dive

​

Beat Density

Controls sub-beat division visibility:

• 1/4: Common for most charts
• 1/8: For moderately fast patterns
• 1/16: For very fast or swing rhythms
• 1/32: For extreme precision

Higher density = smaller snap increments when moving notes with arrow keys.

​

Lane Configuration

Set the number of note lanes (columns):

• 3 lanes: Minimal, for simple charts
• 5 lanes: Standard
• 7-9 lanes: For complex, dense patterns

Lanes are evenly distributed across the line width.

​

Snap Settings

• Enable Snapping: Notes/events snap to beat grid
• Disable Snapping: Free placement (use for very specific timings)

​

Custom Event Techniques

​

Stutter Effect

Rapid position changes:

1. Create very short Move events (1/8 or 1/16 beat duration)
2. Alternate between two positions rapidly
3. Use Linear or Steps easing
4. Combine with rotation for chaotic effect

​

Perspective Illusion

Simulate 3D depth:

1. Decrease Size as line moves “away” (up on screen)
2. Increase Speed to maintain note readability
3. Decrease Alpha slightly for atmospheric depth
4. Use EaseInOutQuad for natural perspective

​

Freeze Frame

Pause line motion during intense sections:

1. Set Speed to 0 (constant event)
2. Keep notes visible but non-approaching
3. Add rotation or other effects during freeze
4. Return Speed to 1+ to resume

​

Curve Note Tracks

Curve note tracks allow notes to follow curved paths (advanced feature):

• Create smooth arcs for notes
• Visualize curved trajectories in Game View
• More complex than standard notes
• Use sparingly for emphasis

​

Workflow Tips

​

Iterative Design

​

Organization

• Name lines descriptively: “Verse Main”, “Chorus Top”, “Bridge Spin”
• Group related events: Keep Move X/Y events aligned
• Document complex patterns: Add notes in Chart Settings about technique used
• Save versions: Use Save As to create checkpoints

​

Testing

• Test frequently during creation
• Playtest at different skill levels (if possible)
• Watch for readability issues (overlapping lines, too-fast speed)
• Verify all notes are hittable (not off-screen or impossible timing)

​

Export and Distribution

Once your chart is complete: For CLI-based export options, see the Converter Tool documentation.

​

Next Steps