Transforming Deflectors

Deflectors can be transformed and animated just like line emitters. For example, you can adjust deflector control points or move the entire deflector at different keyframes to control the particles created by a moving emitter.

Deflectors can be curved like line emitters, but curved deflectors are essentially a series of line segments. The number of line segments used is relatively low, so the curve is approximate. Deflectors process better when there are fewer segments.

To edit a deflector:

1. Click the Arrow tool and select the deflector.
2. Use the Arrow tool options to edit the deflector.
3. As you edit the control points, you can do any of the following:
• To add a control point, click on the line.
• To delete a control point, select it and press Delete.
• To extend the tangent handles, Ctrl-drag a control point.
• To hide the tangent handles, Ctrl-click a control point.
• To break the tangent handles, Ctrl-drag a tangent handle.
• To move it, drag a tangent handle.

You can add and arrange several deflectors with thickness to slow down particles over an area as they go through the "buffer zone." Use the appropriate bounce properties to create the desired damping effect.