Enter chain code and click Analyze to see commands
ChainFactory Help
What is ChainFactory?
ChainFactory is a visual editor for creating LiquiFire Image Chains. Image Chains define dynamic image rendering pipelines that combine multiple elements like text, images, shapes, and effects into a final output image.
Instead of writing chain code by hand, ChainFactory provides a visual wireframe interface to design and structure your Image Chains. Since most data is dynamic, the wireframe helps you think through the rendering process and layer relationships. Actual previews can be rendered in LiquiFire Orb using the chains you create.
Getting Started
Configure Server Settings – Enter your LiquiFire server hostname and URI
Set Project Name – Give your chain project a descriptive name
Define Canvas – Set the output dimensions and optional base image
Add Elements – Use the element palette to add text, images, shapes, etc.
Arrange Layers – Reorder and configure each layer's properties
Export – Download the Image Chain or copy the generated code
Interface Overview
Left Panel
Configuration sections for server, project, canvas, output settings. Element palette and layer list for managing your composition.
Center Panel
Wireframe view showing your canvas layout. Switch between Canvas View for positioning elements and Flow View for visualizing the layer stack.
Right Panel
Generated chain code output. View as raw chain syntax, data table, JSON, or full URL. Copy or download your work.
Properties Panel
Floating panel that appears when you select a layer. Edit position, size, style settings, and element-specific properties.
Basic Elements
Text
Add dynamic text with customizable font, size, color, alignment, and effects. Supports variable substitution with global.* syntax.
Block
Solid color rectangles for backgrounds, overlays, or design elements. Configure color, size, and position.
Logo
Place logo images with automatic scaling and positioning. Supports file: and http: URLs.
Photo
Add product photos or images. Supports dynamic sizing and various fit modes.
Color
Color adjustment and effects. Apply hue shifts, saturation changes, or color overlays.
Drape
Advanced texture mapping for realistic product visualization. Map images onto 3D surfaces.
Write custom chain commands directly. Full access to all LiquiFire operations.
Advanced Elements
Source
Load external images as named layers. Essential for composite operations. Images are stored with a layer name for later reference.
Blank
Create empty named layers with specific dimensions. Use for masks, buffers, or intermediate compositions.
Composite
Combine layers using blend modes (over, multiply, screen, etc.). Control opacity, position, and conditional rendering.
Command
Execute arbitrary chain commands. Access the full LiquiFire command library including filters, transforms, and effects.
Working with Layers
Layers are processed in order from top to bottom. Each layer adds operations to the rendering pipeline. The final output combines all layers according to their settings.
Reorder – Drag the ≡ handle to change layer order
Select – Click a layer to edit its properties
Toggle Visibility – Click the eye icon to show/hide a layer
Delete – Click the × button to remove a layer
Duplicate – Right-click for context menu options
Layer Properties
Click any layer to open its properties panel. Common properties include:
Position (X, Y) – Coordinates relative to canvas or alignment point
Size (Width, Height) – Dimensions in pixels or percentages
Rotation – Angle in degrees
Alignment – Anchor point for positioning (center, top-left, etc.)
Style – Element-specific visual variations
Variables – Dynamic values using global.variableName syntax
Composite Operations
Composite layers combine images using blend modes:
over – Standard layering (default)
multiply – Darkens by multiplying colors
screen – Lightens by inverting and multiplying
overlay – Combines multiply and screen
add – Adds color values
difference – Subtracts colors
mask – Use one layer as transparency mask
Flow View
Flow View provides a 3D visualization of your layer stack. It helps understand the rendering order and relationships between layers, especially useful for complex chains with many layers.
Navigation Controls
Drag – Click and drag anywhere to rotate the 3D view
Scroll – Mouse wheel to zoom in/out
Zoom Buttons – Use +/- buttons for precise zoom control (hold for continuous zoom)
Reset – Click ⟲ to return to default view angle and zoom
View Options
Isolate (◎) – Fade out all layers except the selected one. Helps focus on specific layer details.
Flip Stack (⇅) – Toggle between top-down and bottom-up layer ordering.
Gap Slider – Adjust spacing between layers. Useful for dense stacks or detailed inspection.
Layer Cards
Each layer appears as a card in the 3D stack:
Blue card (base0) – The canvas base layer
Gray cards – Regular layers with ADV/BAS badges indicating type
Green card (Output) – Final output settings
Click any card – Opens its properties panel for editing
Layer nav (left side) – Quick navigation to any layer
Output Formats
Chain
Raw .chain file format. Upload to your LiquiFire server's chain directory for use in Image Chain rendering URLs.
Table
Tab-separated data table. Use with lookup mode for data-driven rendering from spreadsheets or databases.
JSON
JSON format for API integration. Use with JSON mode for programmatic control.
URL
Complete rendering URL. Copy directly into browser or use in img src for immediate preview.
Export Options
Copy Chain Code – Copy the chain syntax to clipboard
Download Chain File – Save as .chain file for LiquiFire server upload
Download All Factory Settings – Export complete project including all settings and templates as JSON
Import
Drag and drop a ChainFactory JSON file onto the upload area, or click "browse" to select a file. This restores all settings, layers, guides, and custom templates.
Keyboard Shortcuts
General
Ctrl+Z Undo
Ctrl+Y Redo
? Open this help
Esc Close modals/panels
Canvas View
Scroll Zoom in/out
Drag Move elements
Flow View
Drag Rotate 3D view
Scroll Zoom in/out
Layers
Click Select layer
Drag ≡ Reorder
Tips & Tricks
Use Undo/Redo buttons or Ctrl+Z/Ctrl+Y to revert changes (up to 50 steps)
Check the Variables panel to see all global.* variables used in your chain
Validation warnings appear on layers with issues (missing sources, undefined references)
Use guides by dragging from the rulers to align elements precisely
Enable snap for automatic alignment to guides and canvas edges
Variables use the format global.variableName for dynamic content
Save your work frequently using Download All Factory Settings
Use Flow View to understand complex layer relationships
Create custom command templates for frequently used operations