MacroSystem Particle Magic - Manual (Page 8)

5
3. The individual effect options
3.1 Particle
Material
This button opens the
"Select Pattern" window.
You will find suitable particles listed under the
"Particle Magic" product. There are 81
multicolored and 11 monochromatic particles
that can be selected (though you can apply any
color tone you want to the latter).
Images from other products are hardly ever
suitable but the specialists amongst us can
certainly try them out to create unusual results.
If large numbers of particles overlay one another
in an effect, they will become very bright and
generally almost white. The original color will
usually only be retained at the edges where the
particles are less dense.
Quantity
This is where you can select the quantity of
particles. Since the actual number depends very
strongly on the type of effect, the setting is only
defined in percent. The higher the value the larger
the number of particles. A large number of
particles will require more time for calculation
(sometimes considerably more time), so you
should hardly ever use values above 30%. The
particles are often very close together, which
means you will not be able to work out their
actual number.
Life Span
The life span, i.e. the time during which the
individual particles remain visible, can be
adjusted using this value. This setting is also
defined by percentages.
Intensity
This is where you can set (in percent) how intense
you want the individual particles to appear. This
setting can roughly be compared with the alpha
value that is used in other areas of the
Casablanca. The lower the intensity, the more
transparent the particles.
Starting Size
This value defines the size of the particle when it
is formed. As the particle develops, its size changes
until it reaches its final size as defined by
"Final
Size ".
Final Size
The size of the individual particles will approach
this value near the end of the effect’s duration.
The relationship of
"Starting Size" to "Final Size"
and the selected lifespan will determine whether
the particles increase or decrease in size or remain
constant for the duration of the effect.
3.2 Source / Effect
This menu is different for all four effects.
In the case of
"PM Fly Away" and "PM Transit-
ion, " you will see the "Effect" button which you
can use to open the "Effect Settings" window.