Recording Particles

After animating particles to your satisfaction within Particle Storm, we need to save out the Particle Storm data. Particle Storm has a VCR-style interface which allows you to play back and record Particle Storm animations (see above graphic). Think of it as if you were recording something on tape. When you record particles, Particle Storm streams data to a .psm file. The PSM file is used to displace particles in Layout using the Displacement Map plug-in.

Steps to Record Particles

Step 1: Make sure you have specified an Effect File Base for all of your Particle Objects.

Step 2: Create the particle object. [Particle Groups/Create Effect Object].

Step 3: Make sure Simulate is on for the Particle Groups you want simulated. Make sure that the simulate button is active in the preview control bar.

Step 4: Click the rewind button on the preview control bar.

Step 5: Select Record.

Step 6: Press Play. You should see your particles playing. Particle Storm is saving data to the PSM file for each of your particle groups.

Step 7: Press Stop at any point, or let it continue to the end, where it will automatically stop. The PSM file will contain only the number of frames recorded.

NOTE: The simulate button determines if anything is to be simulated. When this button is off, nothing is simulated. All playback is based on previously recorded frames (if any).