Trapcode Particular – emitter movement?

[Jacob Wessler]

Yes, it’s possible.

Don’t keyframe the position of the Layer in the timeline.

Select the layer that has Particular applied to it.
Hit F3 to bring up the effects window.
Find the Center (or Emmiter Position) value. Keyframe this movement.
If you have motion tracking data from a null or other object, you can paste this information into the Emitter position values.

Select your layer with particular applied to it.
Hit E to show your effects
Twirl down your effects
Find Particular and twirl it down
Find the emitter position.
Set a keyframe at the place you want your movement to begin.
Select that keyframe and then paste your position keyframes into it.
(you will need to select your position keyframes from your null or other object, copy them, and then paste them into the emitter position)

This will allow your Emitter to move.

Now, set the velocity parameter to zero.

Increase your gravity to taste.

Of course, a little velocity, and a little velocity from motion will add some life to the particles, but it all depends on what you are trying to do.

You should NEVER animate the position of your Particular LAYER!! Only animate the Particular emitter position. (of course, now that I’ve said that, there’s likely some case where you would want to, but I can’t think of one off the top of my head)

Good Luck,
Jacob

[Darby Edelen]

You can also use a light as an emitter, if that works better for what you’re trying to do. The benefit is that the light has it’s own 3D position within AE, so it’s a lot like having a Null, but you don’t have to worry about expressions to link it to the Emitter position.

Darby Edelen
DVD Menu Artist
Left Coast Digital
Aptos, CA

[Aaron Bear]

Hah, I had a feeling it was something simple like that. Thanks for the tips, it worked like a charm.