Apple Motion 4 - Manual (Page 629)

Emitter Parameters in the Inspector
These parameters determine how particles are distributed and rendered in your project.
The Emitter tab of the Inspector has a large number of parameters, some of which depend
on how certain parameters are set within the tab itself. All the various combinations of
parameters are described below.
Shape: The first parameter in the Emitter tab 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 tab parameters appear
that are unique to that shape. For example, when Rectangle is the selected Emitter Shape,
Outline, Tile Fill, and Random Fill become available in the Arrangement options. When
Spiral is the selected Emitter 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 newly created
emitters. It specifies a single point of emission for a particle system. There are no
additional parameters for the Point shape.
629 Chapter 11 Working with Particles