Using Help | Contents | Index Back - Adobe AFTER EFFECTS 5.5 Help Manual

Adobe After Effects Help
Using Help | Contents
4 For Use Layer, select a layer from the menu. The menu lists all layers used in the compo-
sition.
5 For Time Offset Type, specify how you want particles to take frames from times other
than the current time. This option applies only when you are mapping particles to a multi-
frame layer, such as a movie or a composition. For more information, see "Specifying the
frames you want to map (PB only)" on page 359.
6 For Time Offset (or Random Time Max), specify a value. This option applies only if you
are mapping particles to a multiframe layer.
Note: The name of this option changes from Time Offset to Random Time Max when you
select either Relative Random or Absolute Random from the Time Offset Type menu.
7 To replace only some of the default particles with the mapped layer, specify the Affects
options as necessary (see "Using Affects options to specify particles (PB only)" on
page 372).
To stop using a mapped layer:
In the Effect Controls window, under Particle Playground, expand the Layer Map property
and choose None from the Use Layer menu.
Replacing default particles with text (PB only)
By default, the Cannon and the Grid create dot particles. However, you can also use text
characters as particles. For example, you can type a message that the Cannon shoots
across the frame. You can also change the properties of any three sets of characters; for
example, you can make some of the characters larger or brighter than others (see "Using
Affects options to specify particles (PB only)" on page 372).
The Cannon shooting characters (left), and the Grid generating the same characters (right)
To replace default Cannon particles with text:
1 In the Effect Controls window, click Options.
2 Click Edit Cannon Text.
3 Type text in the text box, and then set the following options:
For Font/Style, choose the font and style for Cannon characters.
•
For Order, click to specify the sequence in which characters exit the Cannon. The
•
sequence is relative to the character order typed in the text box. For example, if the
Cannon Direction is set to 90 degrees (making it point to the right), English text must
exit the Cannon last letter first to be in readable order. Therefore, select Right to Left.
For Loop Text, select to continuously generate the characters you typed. Deselect to
•
generate only one instance of the characters.
Using Help | Contents
| Index
| Index
Creating Particle Effects (PB only)
Back
Back
361
361