The new Shape operator, which replaces the original version, expands the choices of ready-made geometry for use in the particle system. You can specify particles in a number of different predefined 2D and 3D shapes, such as geometric primitives, alphanumeric characters, and musical notes, as well as particle size and scale.
Primitive particles created with Shape have pivot points at their geometric centers. They also have UVW mapping assigned according to the vertex position in the local 3D particle space.
2D particles have zero thickness, and are invisible when the back of the particle faces the camera unless a double-sided material is assigned to the particles or emitter.
Interface
- 2D/3D
- Makes available a drop-down list of pre-built 2D or 3D objects for use as a particle shape. The thumbnail image is color-coded to indicate its relative complexity to other pre-built objects. Simpler shapes are blue or green, while more complex shapes are purple or red. There are 20 shapes of each type.
For each type (2D or 3D), 20 shapes are available. For sequential shapes such as digits, letters, and notes, you can produce a random sequence by turning on Multi-Shape Random Order (see following).
- Size
- Sets the overall size of the particles in system units. Default=10.0.
- Scale
- Turn on to set the size of the particles as a percentage of the Size value. Use the numeric field to set the Scale percentage value. Default=100.0. Note: Scale is animatable, while Size is not. Turning on Scale creates scale data that Scale operators later in the flow can work with.
- Variation
- Varies the overall particle size with a percentage value. The resulting scale factor is set only once, when a particle enters the event. Available only if Scale is turned on. Tip: To control the scale factor continuously, use the Scale operator.
- Multi-Shape Random Order
- When on, assigns shapes to particles in random order. This option is available only for multi-shape forms. When off, the shapes are assigned in their natural order, such as A, B, C for letters, and 1, 2, 3 for digits.
- Generate Mapping Coords
- When on, applies mapping coordinates to each particle.
- Fit Mapping
- When on, adjusts each particle's mapping coordinates to its size. Available only when Generate Mapping Coords is on.
Uniqueness group
The options in the Uniqueness group are available only when Multi-Shape Random Order is on (see preceding).
- Seed
- Specifies a randomization seed for particles generated in random order.
- New
- Calculates a new seed using a randomization formula.