Adding Particle Types

You can add a particle type to the selected emitter object to enhance the particle effect. If you select a particle type before you click New Particle Type, a copy is made instead.

Otherwise, a default particle type is created. This means it has no color, uses the first particle shape in the library, and has some simple property settings.

To add or copy a particle type:

1. In the Particle Controls panel, click Shape to show the Shape controls.
2. To add a default particle type, select an emitter object in the Workspace panel, then select the shape you want in the Shape controls.

If you do not select a shape, the particle type will use the first shape in the library.

Note: This is a good reason for setting the first shape in the shape library to something such as a blurred circle.

3. To make a copy of an existing particle type, select the particle type in the Workspace panel.

If you want the copy to use the same shape, do not select a shape in the Shape controls. Otherwise, select a different shape.

4. Click New Particle Type.

The default or copied particle type appears in the Workspace panel above the other particle types.



5. Rename the particle type.
6. To see which shape it uses, click Current or click Particles to show the thumbnail in the Particles controls.