How to use the solver

How aspect connections work

Neighboring aspects connect when one is a direct component of the other. For example, Lux is made from Aer and Ignis, so Aer → Lux → Ignis is a valid chain. Two aspects do not connect merely because they share a component. The solver uses these relationships to join the endpoints on your note.

This tool uses a built-in aspect list with Thaumcraft 4 and GTNH extensions. Modpacks can change aspect combinations; compare the library with your in-game recipes before spending research points.

1. Match the note’s grid

Choose Small (19 cells), Medium (37 cells), or Large (61 cells) from the Grid menu. Pick the size before placing endpoints: changing it clears the current note. Match each cell’s position relative to its neighbors rather than relying on the overall outline alone.

2. Place the fixed endpoints

Search the aspect library, then select an aspect and click its cell in Place mode. You can also drag an aspect onto a hex. Repeat for every aspect already printed on the research note. Hover over a populated cell to check its aspect name. At least two endpoints are required.

Only place the fixed aspects at this stage. Leave usable empty cells blank so the solver can fill them.

3. Mark missing cells

Choose Gap mode and click any cells that are unavailable on the in-game note. A gap blocks the solver from routing through that position. Right-clicking a hex also marks a gap. Use Erase mode to remove a misplaced endpoint or gap.

4. Set your available aspects

Use the availability toggle beside an aspect to exclude it from proposed routes. The TC4 and GTNH tabs filter the library display; they do not automatically disable aspects. A fixed endpoint already printed on your note can remain even if that aspect is unavailable for new placements.

Select an aspect and adjust its Rare–Common slider to reflect your stock. This value influences Common ranking; it does not track the number of research points you own.

5. Find and compare routes

Click Find routes, then choose a result to preview its proposed placements on the chart. The solver searches for multiple valid layouts; it does not guarantee every possible layout or the globally cheapest solution.

Cheapest

Prioritizes estimated compound-aspect synthesis cost. This is a recipe-based estimate, not a live measurement of your inventory.

Simplest

Prioritizes fewer different aspect types, which can make transferring the plan to the game easier.

Common

Favors aspects with higher commonness values. Adjust the sliders to match what you can spare.

Read the highlighted plan and place those aspects manually in your in-game note. The website does not control Minecraft or automatically complete research in the game.

If no route is found

Check your endpoint positions, gaps, and available-aspect toggles. When the solver finds a route using excluded aspects, it names the aspects that need to be enabled. A failure to find a result is not a mathematical proof that every possible layout is impossible; the search is bounded. Avoid enlarging the grid unless the in-game note actually has those cells.

Save, clear, and start again

Clear route removes the proposed solutions while keeping your mapped note. Reset grid clears the endpoints and gaps. Export downloads the graph as JSON, including availability and commonness settings; Import JSON reads a saved file and lets you review it before applying it. Graph files are processed in your browser.

The note is held in browser memory, so export it before reloading or leaving the solver. Screenshot scanning is not currently available.