Understanding Particle Systems II properties
Particle systems have a unique vocabulary. Some of the key settings are explained here for
your reference. They’re listed in the order in which they appear (top to bottom) in the Effect
Controls panel.
Birth Rate Controls the number of particles generated per second. The value itself is
arbitrary and does not equal the actual number of particles being generated. However, the
higher the number, the more densely packed the particles become.
Longevity Determines how long the particles are visible.
Producer Position Controls the center point or origin of the particle system. The position is
set based on the x, y coordinates. All particles emanate from this single point. You can
control the size of the producer by making adjustments to the x and y radius settings. The
higher these values, the larger the producer point will be. A high x value and a y value of
zero (0) result in a line.
Velocity Controls the speed of particles. The higher the number, the faster the particles
move.
Inherent Velocity % Determines how much of the velocity is passed along to the particles
when the Producer Position is animated. A negative value causes the particles to move in
the opposite direction.
Gravity Determines how fast particles fall. The higher the value, the faster the particles fall.
A negative value causes particles to rise.
Resistance Simulates particles interacting with air or water, slowing over time.
Direction Determines which direction the particles flow. Use with the Direction Animation
type.
Extra Introduces randomness into the movement of the particles.