5

Table Of Contents
Important: The emitter parameters in the Properties and Emitter Inspectors can be
keyframed to change values over time.
Emitter Parameters in the Inspector
These parameters (in the Emitter Controls group) determine how particles are distributed
and rendered in your project. The Emitter Inspector has a large number of parameters,
some of which depend on the settings of other parameters in the Inspector. All
combinations of parameters are described below.
Shape: The first parameter in the Emitter Inspector is the Shape pop-up menu. When 3D
is turned off, nine options are available. When the 3D checkbox is selected, two additional
shapes become available. Different shapes significantly alter the distribution of generated
particles. When you choose an emitter shape, different Emitter Inspector parameters
appear that are unique to that shape. For example, when Rectangle is the selected shape,
Outline, Tile Fill, and Random Fill become available in the Arrangement options. When
Spiral is the selected shape, the Arrangement parameter goes away and new parameters
such as Radius, Number of Arms, and Twists become available. These different parameters
provide additional control over the distribution of particles.
In addition, when the 3D checkbox is selected, the Render Particles, Emission Latitude,
Emission Longitude, and Depth Ordered parameters become available for all emitter
shapes.
Point: This is the simplest emitter shape and is the default shape for new emitters. It
specifies a single point of emission for a particle system. There are no additional
parameters for the Point shape.
695Chapter 14 Working with Particles