Fireworks effect?

[Brian Charles]

Without 3rd party effects like Particular you can still create something that resembles fireworks with a bit of effort.

The stock out-of-the box version of After Effects contains several particle effects.

Begin by setting a hold keyframe for production rate at 0 particle per second, move a few frames ahead in the timeline and increase production rate to 20 or 30 then move a few frames forward set it to 0 again.

CC Particle Systems II is a good one to start with if you’re just begining with particles.

Adjust gravity and air resistance until you have the basic look you want, then add glow and blur (even 1 pixel) and experiment. You may need to overlay several layers of particles to achieve the desired result. Use the Add blend mode on these overlayed layers. If its still not bright enough use animate Levels to push the luminance values.

Adobe Studio has a beginners tutorial on using particles.

https://www.adobe.com/designcenter/dialogbox/all_broken_up/

[Mike Clasby]

Hey, Brian, thanks for the Adobe link for CC Particle Sysytems, I hadn’t seen that.

Besides the afore-mentioned Particular, Particle Illusion is another favorite and comes with many presets. The demo SE version (intro level, PI-3 is tops) is fully functional for 30 days and no watermarks. You’ll have fireworks in minutes.

https://www.wondertouch.com/index.asp

Click on Downloads>Demos

Also, click on Dan Ebbert’s head and scroll down to “Building a 3D Particle Generator”, no plugins needed, all done with expressions and is truly 3D, you can fly a camera through the fireworks, comes with a basic fireworks explosion and a fountain. Enjoy.