Autodesk 62205-051408-9001 User Guide - Page 388

14 Creating Particle Effects 3. Click Add Current to Library. The selected emitter object is saved with its particle types (and their shapes). If the shape is from an operator, the name New Shape is used for the shape. If the shape was imported, the name is set to the filename without the extension. Names of shapes in the library can be the same, so do not worry that a new shape will overwrite a shape with the same name. Deleting Shapes from the Library Periodically, you should go through the library and see if there are any shapes that are not being used. You may want to consider deleting an unused shape from the library to conserve memory, especially if the shape is multi-frame. Note: You can use the same procedure to delete a folder of shapes. To delete a shape from the library: 1. Select the shape. 2. Choose Delete from the Library menu. A confirmation message lists the number of particle types in the emitter library that use the shape. 3. Click Yes or No. 4. If you confirm the deletion when particle types still use the shape, the shape is replaced with one the following: • If one exists, the shape before the deleted one in the same folder • Otherwise, the shape after the deleted one in the same folder if one exists • If the two previous shapes do not exist, the first shape in the library. Exporting Shapes Click Export to save the selected shape to an image file. You should always use a file format that can save alpha channel (transparency) information. Modifying an Image Sometimes, you want to fix a shape image after it has been used in one or more emitters. You may also want to blur it or color correct it. For example, an image may not be pure black at the edges, so when several particles that use that shape overlay, you see the edge of the particle square. To fix this problem, you can export the shape image, correct the colors so the edges are fully black, then import the shape (using the Replace Current Shape in Library option). Using Deflectors The only thing that can stop a particle is a deflector. Deflectors are objects that particles can collide with. For example, you want to use the Heavy Fire Sparkles emitter to simulate molten metal pouring onto the floor. The molten metal part is not too difficult, but to get the effect of the liquid hitting the floor, you need a deflector. Adding Deflectors Adding a deflector is similar to adding a line emitter. The deflector needs at least two points, and once you create it, you can add and move the control points. The lines you draw are red to differentiate the deflector from a line emitter. 372