5

Tip: You can use the Make Clone Layer command to clone an emitter and then use the
Retiming controls or Retiming behaviors to create unique animations. For example, you
can create a starburst that explodes outward, then retracts, then explodes, and so on.
For more information on cloning, see Making Clone Layers.
Example 1: Creating an Animated Background
This first example describes how to create an animated background using a single still
image. By using the parameters available in the Emitter Inspector, a single image can be
turned into a complex animated texture.
To create an animated background from a single image
1 Drag a file into the Canvas.
This example uses a simple star graphic.
2 With the new layer selected, click the Make Particles button in the toolbar (or press E).
When you add an emitter to the project, the following occurs:
• The emitter appears in the Layers list and is selected.
• A cell containing the image to be “particle-ized” appears underneath the emitter.
• The original source layer (cell source) is disabled.
• In the Canvas, the emitter bounding box appears, which can be transformed using the
onscreen controls.
• The first particle appears in the Canvas in the same location as the original object.
Although it appears as if the particle is selected, it is the bounding box for the emitter.
• The Emitter HUD appears. If you have hidden the HUD, press D or F7.
Note: For projects with a frame rate greater than 30 fps, at times only the bounding box
(not the particle cell) might appear at the first frame of your project. Because particles
are generated at a rate of 30 per second, there is no guarantee a particle will appear on
every frame.
3 In the Emitter Inspector, choose Circle from the Shape pop-up menu.
4 Choose Tile Fill from the Arrangement pop-up menu.
723Chapter 14 Working with Particles