--- title: "Properties" url: "https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/OFPSPLINEEMITTER-FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES.html" section_path: "Simulate Menu > The Simulation System > Particle Emitter > Spline Emitter > Properties" element_id: "OFPSPLINEEMITTER" group_id: "FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES" description: "By default, this option ensures that the particles are not created with a lifetime limit, i.e., they are not automatically deleted again after a certain …" --- ## Properties ![Image: subgroup.gif](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/subgroup.gif)\ Lifetime ### Limited Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_LIFETIME_LIMITED` By default, this option ensures that the particles are not created with a lifetime limit, i.e., they are not automatically deleted again after a certain period of time. However, if you need the particles to disappear automatically, activate this option and use the following **Expectation** setting to define a lifetime limit. In any case, the lifespan can still be influenced after emission, e.g., via modifiers or a [Destructor Force](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/ODESTRUCTOR.html.md) object. ### Expectation Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_LIFETIME_EXPECTATION` This value, measured in frames, specifies the period of time after which the particles should be automatically deleted. This time period used applies from the moment a particle is created. The lifetime can also use a **Variance** that gets applied randomly per particle. In addition, the lifetime of the particles can be individually extended or shortened by modifiers even after emission. ### Variance Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_LIFETIME_VARIANCE` This value given in frames can be used to randomly vary the life expectancy of the particles. This can result in an extension or shortening of the original **Expectation** by a maximum of the entered value for each particle. Like all variation values, this setting is also based on the **Seed** value of the emitter. A new **Seed** value therefore also results in a redistribution of the **Variance** for the length of the life span of the particles. ### Lifetime Map Parameter ID: `FP_GEOMETRYMAPS_ATTRIBUTEMAPS_LIFETIME_EXPECTATION_MAP` You can assign a *Vertex Map* here. Their values are multiplied by the **Lifetime** setting from the *Properties* page to determine the actual Lifetime of the particles. ![Image: subgroup.gif](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/subgroup.gif)\ Velocity ### Speed Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_VELOCITY_SPEED` · Range: [-∞..+∞m] This is the distance that the particles should travel within one second. This speed can be varied randomly for each particle via the **Speed Variance** or subsequently influenced via modifiers and forces. If the option for **Show Handles** has been activated, this value can also be edited interactively directly in the view by dragging one of the handles. The [Model editing mode](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/5494.html.md) must be active for this. The handles can then be moved - as with the parametric basic objects - using the [Move Tool](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/TOOLMOVE.html.md), for example. This handle can be seen at number **1** in the following illustration. If this handle has been dragged with the `Shift` key held down or a **Speed Variance** has already been configured, two additional handles appear with which the **Speed Variance** can also be set interactively by moving the mouse (see number **2** in the following illustration) if the option for **Enable Variance** is also active. ![Image: 2025-2_Particles_SplineEmitter_01.png](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2025-2_Particles_SplineEmitter_01.png)\ Both the speed of the particles and the variation of this emission speed can be set interactively in the views via handles. In addition to these handles - depending on the selected **Direction** mode for the direction of flight of the particles - additional auxiliary lines are sometimes displayed, which mark the distances covered by the particles within one second. In the following illustration, you can see these brown radii as examples for the **Direction** settings *Radial*, *Random* and *Custom*. The second overlay from the right also shows the display for the *Target* **Direction** mode. The line to the **Speed** handle is automatically aligned with the assigned **Target** object (indicated here by a reddish star). This means that the discharge direction of the particles can still be estimated even if the **Target** object itself is not visible in the view. ![Image: 2025-2_Particles_SplineEmitter_03.png](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2025-2_Particles_SplineEmitter_03.png)\ From left to right, the display of the auxiliary lines for the **Direction**modes Radial, Random, Target and Custom. ### Enable Variance Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_VELOCITY_SPEED_ENABLEVARIANCE` Activate this option if you want each particle to have a random deviation from the average **Speed**. The maximum speed deviation for the particles can then be specified via the subsequent **Variance** value. This option also ensures that additional handles can be used directly in the views to adjust the speed variation interactively with the mouse. In order for these handles and guides to be visible, the **Show Handles** option must also be active. ### Variance Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_VELOCITY_SPEED_VARIATION` · Range: [-∞..+∞m] This value represents the maximum change in velocity and can therefore be used to randomly reduce and increase particle velocities during emission. Like all variation values, this setting is also based on the **Seed** value of the emitter. A new **Seed** value therefore also results in a redistribution of the **Speed Variance** on the particles. The **Speed Variance** can also be configured interactively by dragging the handles in the views, as shown in the illustration above. In order for these handles to be displayed, the option for **Show Handles** must also be active. If these handles are not visible despite the **Enable Variance** option being active, hold down the `Shift` key and drag the handle for the **Speed** of the particles. The [Model editing mode](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/5494.html.md) must be active for this. The handles can then be moved - as with the parametric primitive objects - using the [Move Tool](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/TOOLMOVE.html.md), for example. The **Speed Variance** handles always move symmetrically to the **Speed** handle in between, so it does not matter which of the two handles you move. The handle closer to the center of the emitter shows the smallest, the farthest handle shows the maximum speed of newly emitted particles. ### Speed Map Parameter ID: `FP_GEOMETRYMAPS_ATTRIBUTEMAPS_VELOCITY_SPEED_MAP` You can assign a *Vertex Map* here. Their values are multiplied by the **Velocity** setting from the *Properties* tab to ascertain the actual start speed of the particles. ### Direction Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_VELOCITY_DIRECTION_MODE` Use this setting to define the directions in which the particles fly off. The following options are available: - **Axis**: Use separate buttons for the desired axis direction to select the direction of emission of the particles. The **Space** setting can also be used to select whether the local axes of the spline or the directions of the world axes should be used, in which case the orientation of the spline in space is no longer important. - **Radial**: The particles are accelerated perpendicular to the underlying spline. - **Rail**: An additional link field appears in which you can assign a separate spline object. An enlarged or reduced copy of the emission spline used is often suitable here. This causes the particles to start automatically in the direction of the corresponding section on the assigned **Rail Spline**. The following video shows an example of this. The blue *Flower* spline is used as the Emitter and the purple *Flower* spline as the **Rail Spline**. [Video: 2024-4_Particles_SplineEmitter_Example_02.mp4](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4_Particles_SplineEmitter_Example_02.mp4) - **Random**: The direction in which the particles are emitted is purely random. - **Tangential**: The particles are sent tangentially to the spline. The following video gives an example. Once again, a *Flower* spline was used as the Emitter. [Video: 2024-4_Particles_SplineEmitter_Example_03.mp4](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4_Particles_SplineEmitter_Example_03.mp4) - **Target**: You can specify an object at whose position the travel directions of the particles are aimed. To clarify this, the auxiliary line for the emitter's **Speed** handle is also aligned with the position of the assigned **Target** object. - **Custom**: You define any direction vector that controls the direction in which the particles are emitted. This **Vector** is automatically normalized and therefore does not affect the speed of the particles. The direction can be interpreted either in the axis system of the emitting spline or globally.\ This vector can also be adjusted interactively with the mouse in the views. The [Model editing mode](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/5494.html.md) must be active for this. The handles can then be moved - as with the parametric primitive objects - using the [Move Tool](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/TOOLMOVE.html.md), for example. Simply pull on the corresponding handle to rotate horizontally. By additionally holding the `Shift` key while dragging the handle, it can be moved vertically. ![Image: 2025-2_Particles_SplineEmitter_02.png](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2025-2_Particles_SplineEmitter_02.png)\ In the case of the number **1**, the **Direction**handle can be seen here. This can be moved along circular paths. By holding the `Shift` key, you can switch between horizontal and vertical rotation of the Direction vector. ### Axis Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_VELOCITY_DIRECTION_AXIS` When selecting *Axis* **Direction**, select the axis direction in which the particles are to be emitted. The following **Space** setting then defines whether axes of the Emitter or world axes are meant. ### Vector Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_VELOCITY_DIRECTION_VECTOR` · Range: [XYZ m] Here you can define your own direction vector when selecting **Direction** *Custom*. By using the **Space** setting, this vector can be evaluated in the axis system of the Emitter or also relative to the world axes. As already explained in the explanation of the **Direction** menu, this vector can also be adjusted directly in the views by moving a handle. All you need to do is activate the option for **Show Handles**. ### Vector Space Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_VELOCITY_DIRECTION_SPACE` The reference system can be selected here for the *Axis*, *Radial* and *Custom* **Direction settings**. With *Local*, the evaluation is carried out in the axis system of the Emitter; with *Global*, the world axes are used. ### Target Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_VELOCITY_DIRECTION_TARGET_LINK` After selecting **Direction** *Target*, any object can be assigned here using drag & drop, to whose position the emission directions of the particles should be aimed. ### Rail Spline Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_VELOCITY_DIRECTION_RAIL_LINK` The particles start automatically in the direction of the corresponding section on the spline object assigned here. ### Spread Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_VELOCITY_DIRECTION_FOV` · Range: [0..360°] A maximum deviation from the particle emission direction defined by **Direction** can be selected here. ### Spread Falloff Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_VELOCITY_DIRECTION_FOVFALLOFF` · Range: [0..100%] This value controls the relationship between the direction varied by **Spread** and the original emission direction of the particles. The greater the **Spread Falloff**, the closer the emission angles of the particles return to their original direction. The greatest possible scattering of the particle flight directions is therefore obtained with a value of 0%. ### Direction Map Parameter ID: `FP_GEOMETRYMAPS_ATTRIBUTEMAPS_VELOCITY_DIRECTION_MAP` As a vector is required for the direction of flight, only one *Vertex Color Map* can be assigned here. Their red, green and blue components are interpreted as X, Y and Z directions. Since the color values can only be positive by default, only directions along the positive axis directions can be implemented. However, you can use the subordinate **Mix** setting to smoothly mix between the originally selected flight direction and the direction defined via the *Vertex Color Map*. Remember that the direction can be interpreted both locally in the axis system of the spline and relative to the world axis system. The corresponding option can be found in the *Properties* settings of the Emitter. In the following video, three animated Spherical Fields were used to define the primary colors red, green and blue in a *Vertex Color Map*. The flight directions of the generated particles on the spline change accordingly. [Video: 2024-4_Particles_SplineEmitter_Example_05.mp4](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4_Particles_SplineEmitter_Example_05.mp4) ### Mix Parameter ID: `FP_GEOMETRYMAPS_ATTRIBUTEMAPS_VELOCITY_DIRECTION_MIX` · Range: [0..100%] This controls the influence of the *Vertex Color Map* used to control the flight direction. ### Add Emitter Velocity Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_VELOCITY_ADDSOURCEVELOCITY` · Range: [-∞..+∞%] By default, the Emitter only determines the location of the particle birth and its properties. There is therefore no correlation between an animation of the emitter position and the properties of the particles, for example. However, this can be changed with higher values for this setting. With larger percentage values for **Add Emitter Velocity**, the movement or rotation of the Emitter can also be transferred to the starting speeds of the particles, as shown in the following video. [Video: 2024-4_Particles_AddEmitterVelocity.mp4](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4_Particles_AddEmitterVelocity.mp4) The video shows two randomly oscillating Emitters. The upper Emitter does not use any addition of its transformation velocity to the particle velocities, the lower Emitter has this activated 100%. Note how particles can be emitted towards the rear of the Emitter surface, e.g. by a rapid backward movement of the Emitter.\ Expanding the small arrow in front of the parameter gives you access to the settings for **Linear** and **Angular**, which can also be used to control the effect separately for position and rotation changes. ### Linear Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_VELOCITY_ADDSOURCEVELOCITY_LINEAR` · Range: [-∞..+∞%] ### Angular Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_VELOCITY_ADDSOURCEVELOCITY_ANGULAR` · Range: [-∞..+∞%] When using **Add Emitter Velocity**, you can separately adjust the individual influence of position changes(**Linear**) and rotation changes(**Angular**) on the emitter on the particle speeds. ![Image: subgroup.gif](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/subgroup.gif)\ Alignment Each particle contains a complete axis system and can represent not only a position, but also rotations and orientations. This is important so that, for example, a flock of birds can be animated with particles, in which all birds automatically fly head-first and are aligned appropriately. The alignment of the particles can also be automatically adjusted during the flight through space using the **Look** *Modifier*, for example, so that a specific particle axis always points in the direction of flight. Here, however, the focus is on the initial orientation of the particles at the moment of their birth at the Emitter. ### Forward Vector Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ALIGNMENT_FORWARD_MODE` Various modes are available here for selecting how the axis systems of the particles are to be aligned. The Z-axis of the particle systems is generally aligned. The Y-axis direction of the particles can then be affected indirectly via an **Up Vector**, which ultimately leads to a stable alignment of the particles: - **Axis**: Any axis direction of the spline or the world system can be used for alignment. - **Velocity Direction**: This is often the desired mode, in which the particles are automatically aligned according to the direction of emission on the spline. - **Radial**: The Z-axes of the particles are aligned perpendicular to the spline section on which the particle was created. - **Random**: The alignment is based only on the **Seed** value of the Emitter and is random for each particle. - **Tangential**: The Z-axes of the particles are aligned tangentially, i.e., parallel to the spline section where they are created. - **Target**: The particles can be aligned to the position of an assigned target object. - **Custom**: You can define a **Vector** yourself that is to be used to align the particles. ![Image: 2024-4_Particles_SplineEmitter_02.png](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4_Particles_SplineEmitter_02.png)\ Examples of different orientations, illustrated by the use of axis systems for the particles. On the left a Radial alignment, in the center a Random alignment and on the right a Tangential alignment for the particles. ### Axis Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ALIGNMENT_FORWARD_AXIS` For **Forward Vector** *Axis*, the desired axis direction can be selected here. The separate **Vector Space** setting is used to specify whether the axis system of the emitter or the directions of the world axes are meant. ### Vector Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ALIGNMENT_FORWARD_VECTOR` · Range: [XYZ ] With **Forward Vector** *Custom*, the desired direction can be selected here; the separate **Vector Space** setting determines whether this direction vector is to be interpreted in the axis system of the emitter or in the world system. ### Vector Space Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ALIGNMENT_FORWARD_AXIS_SPACE` The reference system can be selected here for the *Axis*, *Radial* and *Custom* **Forward Vector** settings. With *Local*, the evaluation is carried out in the axis system of the Emitter; with *Global*, the world axes are used. ### Spread Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ALIGNMENT_FORWARD_FOV` · Range: [0..360°] A maximum deviation from the particle orientation defined for the **Forward Vector** can be selected here. ### Spread Falloff Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ALIGNMENT_FORWARD_FOVFALLOFF` · Range: [0..100%] This value controls the relationship between the orientation varied by **Spread** and the original **Forward Vector** of the particles. The greater the **Spread Falloff**, the closer the alignment of the particles approaches their original direction again. The greatest possible spread of particle orientations is therefore obtained with a value of 0%. ### Target Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ALIGNMENT_FORWARD_TARGET_LINK` Any object can be assigned here using drag & drop, and the Z axes of the particles will then continuously target its position. ### Up Vector Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ALIGNMENT_UP` · Range: [XYZ ] The **Z-axis** of the particle axis systems is determined by the settings for the **Forward Vector**. However, the directions for the X and Y axes will still remain. Without further specifications, the axis system of the particles could therefore rotate uncontrolled and freely around its Z-axis, which would make a stable alignment of the assigned particle shapes impossible. Therefore, this specification of a further direction is used for the alignment of the **Y-axes** on the particles. This directional information is not necessarily taken over completely by the Y-axis of the particles, but it helps to calculate a stable position in space. You can imagine this **Up Vector** direction as a magnet that pulls the Y-axis of the particles in its direction and thus stabilizes the position of the particle axes, while the Z-axis of the particles always follows the **Forward Vector** specification absolutely. The remaining direction of the X-axis on the particles then results automatically from the specification that all three axes are always perpendicular to each other by default. Technically speaking, the Z-axis of the particles is defined by the direction of the **Forward Vector**. To determine the X-axis, a vertical vector is then calculated on the plane that runs through the **Forward Vector** and the **Up Vector**. The missing Y-axis results automatically from the condition that all three vectors must be perpendicular to each other. ### Forward Map Parameter ID: `FP_GEOMETRYMAPS_ATTRIBUTEMAPS_ALIGNMENT_FORWARD_MAP` This lets you control the alignment of the newly-created particles individually using a *Vertex Color Map*. The red, green and blue values of the *Vertex Color Map* are interpreted as the X, Y and Z components of a direction vector to which the Z axis of the particles should be aligned. As the color components of the map are only defined as positive, only positive axis directions can be used. Remember that the orientation can be interpreted both locally in the axis system of the geometry and relative to the world axis system. The corresponding option can be found in the *Properties* settings of the Emitter. ### Mix Parameter ID: `FP_GEOMETRYMAPS_ATTRIBUTEMAPS_ALIGNMENT_FORWARD_MIX` · Range: [0..100%] This controls the influence of the *Vertex Color Map* used to control the particle alignment. ![Image: subgroup.gif](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/subgroup.gif)\ Angular Velocity These settings can be used to control the intrinsic rotation of the particles. The direction of movement remains unaffected. As already mentioned in the settings for the alignment of the particles, only the initial rotation of the particles is defined at this point, which is applied at the time the particles are created. How the rotation should be changed after the particles have been created must be implemented separately using Modifiers such as *Spin*. ### Speed Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ANGULARVELOCITY_SPINSPEED` · Range: [-∞..+∞°] This controls the speed of the rotations. This is defined as the angle of rotation, which is evaluated per second. A value of 360° therefore leads to a complete rotation of the particles around the separately specified **Spin Vector** per second of the simulation. ### Speed Variance Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ANGULARVELOCITY_SPINSPEED_VARIANCE` · Range: [-∞..+∞°] This specification is used to randomly vary the rotation speeds of the particles. The value indicates the maximum deviation from the specified **peed**. As with all variation values, this is also based on the **Seed** value of the emitter. A new **Seed** value also leads to new variations for the particle rotational speeds. ### Angular Speed Map Parameter ID: `FP_GEOMETRYMAPS_ATTRIBUTEMAPS_ANGULARVELOCITY_SPINSPEED_MAP` You can assign a *Vertex Map* here. Their values are multiplied by the **Speed** setting from the *Angular Velocity* section of the *Properties* page to determine the actual spin speed of the particles. ### Spin Vector Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ANGULARVELOCITY_SPINVECTOR_MODE` The rotation of the particles takes place around an axial direction, the direction of which can be specified here: - **Axis**: You define one of the particle axes, an axis of the Emitter or one of the global axis directions for the rotations. - **Velocity Direction**: The particle rotation takes place around the direction of travel of the particles. This would be, for example, the usual direction of rotation for a projectile that is stabilized by this rotation during flight. - **Radial**: The axis of rotation runs through the center of the Emitter and the initial position of each particle. - **Random**: The axis of rotation is defined randomly for each particle. As with all randomness, this calculation is also based on the **Seed** value of the Emitter. A change in the **Seed** value therefore also leads to a recalculation of the axes of rotation. - **Tangential**: The axis of rotation of each particle is aligned tangentially to the spline. - **Target**: Here you link any object whose position is evaluated. The direction between each particle and the defined object position is used as the axis of rotation. - **Custom**: You can define any **Vector** to be used as the rotation axis. The length of this vector is irrelevant. The vector can be evaluated either in the system of the particle, in the system of the emitting spline or also in the global world system. ### Axis Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ANGULARVELOCITY_SPINVECTOR_AXIS` For **Spin Vector** *Axis*, the desired axis direction can be defined here. The **Vector Space** setting is also used to specify whether the axis system of the particle, the emitter or the directions of the world axes are meant. ### Vector Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ANGULARVELOCITY_SPINVECTOR_VECTOR` · Range: [XYZ ] For **Spin Vector** *Custom*, the direction of the desired rotation axis can be entered here. The separate **Vector Space** setting is used to specify whether this direction vector is to be interpreted in the axis system of the particle, the emitter or in the world system. ### Vector Space Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ANGULARVELOCITY_SPINVECTOR_SPACE` The reference system can be selected here for the **Spin Vector** settings *Axis*, *Radial* and *Custom*. The particle matrices' own axis system is used for *Alignment*. With *Local*, the evaluation takes place in the axis system of the Emitter; with *Global*, the world axes are used. ### Target Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ANGULARVELOCITY_SPINVECTOR_TARGET_LINK` Here you can use **Spin Vector** *Target* to assign any object whose position is evaluated using drag & drop. The imaginary connecting line between each particle and the specified object position is used as the axis of rotation. ### Spread Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ANGULARVELOCITY_SPINVECTOR_FOV` · Range: [0..360°] Here you specify a maximum direction variation for the axes of rotation. As with all random variation values, this calculation is also based on the **Seed** value of the emitter. A new **Seed** value therefore also leads to a new variation of the axes of rotation. ### Spread Falloff Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_ANGULARVELOCITY_SPINVECTOR_FOVFALLOFF` · Range: [0..100%] This value controls the ratio between the rotation axis of the particles varied by **Spread** and the original **Spin Vector** of the particles. The greater the **Spread Falloff**, the closer the rotational axes of the particles return to their original direction. The greatest possible spread of the rotational axis directions is therefore obtained with a value of 0%. ### Spin Vector Map Parameter ID: `FP_GEOMETRYMAPS_ATTRIBUTEMAPS_ANGULARVELOCITY_SPINVECTOR_MAP` This lets you control the direction of the rotation axis for the newly-created particles individually using a *Vertex Color Map*. The red, green and blue values of the *Vertex Color Map* are interpreted as the X, Y and Z components of a direction vector around which the particles are to rotate. As the color components of the map are only defined as positive, only positive direction vectors can be implemented. Remember that the axis of rotation can be interpreted both locally in the axis system of the geometry or the particles and relative to the world axis system. The corresponding option can be found in the *Properties* settings of the Emitter. ### Mix Parameter ID: `FP_GEOMETRYMAPS_ATTRIBUTEMAPS_ANGULARVELOCITY_SPINVECTOR_MIX` · Range: [0..100%] This controls the influence of the *Vertex Color Map* used to control the particle rotation axis. ![Image: subgroup.gif](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/subgroup.gif)\ Color In this area, you define the start color of the particles and their **Alpha** value. This **Color** is read out automatically, e.g. by the *MoGraph Cloner* or the *Redshift Object Tag*. In addition, this particle color can also be read directly via a *Color User Data* Node in Redshift materials. The **Alpha** value of the particles can be read out separately via a *Scalar User Data* Node. ### Sample Mode Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_COLOR_MODE` Here you can select how colors should be generated and assigned to the particles: - **Constant**: The values set with **Color** and **Alpha** are assigned to all particles. This is the default setting. - **Random**: In this mode, an individual color gradient with colors and alpha values can be defined. The colors and alpha values are then read out randomly from this gradient for each particle. - **Noise**: This mode works in a similar way to *Random* and also uses an individually configurable color and alpha gradient. This time, however, the assignment of colors and alpha values is not purely random, but based on common noise patterns and can therefore also be configured with transitions. - **Along**: The colors of the color gradient are applied to the particles along the spline. A Repeat value can also be used to repeat the color sequence of the gradient several times along the spline. ![Image: 2024-4_Particles_SplineEmitter_03.png](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4_Particles_SplineEmitter_03.png)\ At the top left you can see the Constant color mode and next to it the Random color assignment. At the bottom left, the gradient colors are selected using a Noise structure and used Along the spline to the right. ### Repeat X times Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_COLOR_SPLINE_REPEAT` · Range: [1.00..+∞] This setting allows the selected color **Gradient** to be repeated along the spline as often as required in **Sample Mode** *Along*. ### Color Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_COLOR_COLOR` In *Constant* **Sample Mode**, select the color value that should be assigned to all particles when they are created. Click on the arrow symbol next to the color field to access the standard color controllers and color selection systems. Alternatively, different color selectors can also be displayed in a separate dialog box when clicking directly on the color field.\ The pipette symbol to the right of the color field also allows you to pick up a color value directly from another location on your monitor with a simple left-click. This color recording mode can also be ended early by pressing the `Esc` key. ### Alpha Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_COLOR_COLOR_ALPHA` · Range: [0..100%] In *Constant* **Sample Mode**, select the alpha value that should be assigned to all particles when they are created. This property is not displayed directly on the particles in the viewports, but can be read out, for example, within Redshift materials with the *Scalar User Data* Node and its *Particles*/*Transparency (XP)* preset and thus also used to control material properties. Its use is not limited to specifying the color opacity, but can also control the roughness of a reflection or the intensity of lights, for example. This is because an **Alpha** value represents regular floating point values between 0 and 1 (or converted values between 0% and 100%). ### Color Map Parameter ID: `FP_GEOMETRYMAPS_ATTRIBUTEMAPS_COLOR_MAP` If you want an individual color distribution of the particles on the Emitter, you can assign a *Vertex Map* or a *Vertex Color Map* here. The latter has the advantage that you can, for example, paint any color values directly onto a surface using the *Paint Tool* from the *Tools* menu. As these colors are stored per point on the surface, no UV coordinates are required on the geometry. Here, too, there is a separate **Mix** slider, which will be made visible after clicking on the arrow next to the field for the color map. ### Mix Parameter ID: `FP_GEOMETRYMAPS_ATTRIBUTEMAPS_COLOR_MIX` · Range: [0..100%] This controls the influence of the *color map* used to control the particle colors. ![Image: 2024-4_Particles_MeshEmitter_06.png](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4_Particles_MeshEmitter_06.png)\ On the left 0%, in the middle 50% and on the right 100% were used for the mixing value of the color map. ### Gradient Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_COLOR_GRADIENT` This element is offered in the *Random*, *Noise* and *Along* **Sample Modes** and allows you to define several color and alpha values from which values are then selected randomly or based on a noise structure for the particles. ![Image: 041407.jpg](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/041407.jpg) **Gradients** are used at many locations in Cinema 4D and make it possible to use color and alpha values to create linear gradients that run from left to right. Various types of interpolation are available, which can also be used to calculate automatic transitions between the colors and alpha values you have placed. Note that you can access further parameters (described below) by clicking on the small arrow to the right of the **color gradient**. The small, square color fields directly below the gradient (called Knots) determine the colors and their positions in the gradient. To add a new Knot, simply place your mouse pointer just below the gradient. A semi-transparent color tab appears, which can be moved sideways together with the mouse pointer. A click then creates a new color tab. To remove excess color tabs from the gradient, simply drag them up or down out of the gradient with the mouse.\ To change the color of a color tab, select it by simply clicking on it. Below the gradient, settings for the exact position of this color on the gradient, the interpolation used on this tab to the neighboring color on the left and, of course, the standard color sliders for adjusting the color are displayed. Some interpolation types also offer additional Knots on the gradient, which are visible as small circles between the color tabs. This can be used to change the mixing point at the color transition between the colors. These *Bias Handles* can also be moved directly with the mouse or placed with numerical precision by simply clicking on a numerical value for the **bias position**. If you also hold the `Shift key` when moving color, alpha or Bias Handles, the movement will be performed in 5% increments. Several Knots can also be selected at the same time. To do this, you can select the Knots one after the other using `Shift + click` (or remove them from the selection again using `Ctrl-click`) or hold down the left mouse button directly in the color gradient and drag a selection frame over the desired Knots from there. Orange brackets appear around the selected Knots below the gradient. All Knots contained in such a bracket can be moved together along the course if you place the mouse pointer between the brackets and then drag them with the left mouse button held down. Pulling on the Knots will scale the distances between the Knots within the brackets. The colors cannot be placed outside the boundaries of the gradient. If you move a group of color tabs too far to the left or right, the outer color tabs will automatically stop at the edges of the gradient and their distance to the subsequent colors may be reduced as a result.\ Similarly, the bias Knots can be selected in groups and then moved together. However, no separate Knot symbols will be displayed. Selected Bias Handles can be recognized by the black coloring, whereas unselected Knots use a white circle as a symbol. A double-click in the color gradient selected all Knots, a single click deselects everything. Double-click on a Knot to display all settings in a separate window. If there are several Knots on top of each other, they can be right-clicked to select one of them from a list that appears (selected Knots are enclosed in square brackets). The gradient can be moved or scaled horizontally (see below). In the latter case, brackets appear around the color gradient (red marking at the top of the image). Clicking on these brackets scales the color gradient back to 100%. Selected Knots can also be moved using the cursor keys (left, right). `Shift` also quantizes in 5% steps here. The cursor up and down keys adjust the Knot brightness (old color gradient only). The following buttons apply for navigation within the color gradient - similar to the Timeline: - `1`, Middle mouse button: Move (only possible with enlarged color gradient) - `2`, Mouse wheel, Alt + right mouse button: zoom in and out - `S`: Show selected - `H`: Show all or scale to 100%. Right-click on the color gradient to open a context menu with the following commands: ### Invert Gradient This reverses the color gradient and thus the order of the colors. ### Double Knots This defines the current color gradient to its own end, doubling the Knots and the color gradient. ### Distribute Knots This sets the Knot distances to identical values. ### Bias Handle If Bias Handles (the small circles in the color gradient) are to be displayed, this option must be activated. ### Interpolation of all Knots This lets you set the interpolation of ALL Knots - regardless of the selection - at the same time. ### Size This can be used to define the vertical size of the color gradient in 3 stages. This setting is also available as a program default setting (Units tab). ### Interpolation Several interpolation methods are available to control the behavior of the color values between the Knots. Each Knot can have its own interpolation! ### Soft/Cubic/Cubic Bias/Linear/Step/Blend The color transition from one selected Knot to the next takes place as indicated by the small curve symbols in front of each option. Most interpolation types also use the Bias Handles to place the color transition between the adjacent colors as desired. Only with *Step interpolation* will there be no Bias Handles, as the color change will always take place abruptly when the next color Knot to the right is reached. ### Step There is no interpolation at all. The color changes abruptly without transition at the position of the next touch. ### Knot position The position of selected Knots can be defined numerically here. 0% = left edge, 100% = right edge. ### Bias position This parameter defines the position of selected Bias Handles between the adjacent colors. 0% = left color or alpha Knot, 100% = right color or alpha Knot. ### Brightness **Brightness** can also be used to control the brightness of selected Knots above 100%. They generate overbright colors (HDR) that the color selector cannot provide on its own. ### Edit Alpha Activate this option to work on the alpha values associated with the color gradient. The creation, placement and setting are carried out in the same way as already described for the color Knots. The only difference is that only percentage values and therefore no colors can be assigned for the alpha Knots via a **Brightness value**. The curve interprets 0% as black and 100% as white. Values between 0% and 100% are often used here by default, but brightness values above 100% can also be assigned.\ The alpha Knots can be placed completely independently of the colors. Therefore, all color Knots and their gradients are also hidden by default in this mode. ### Display Result This option displays the color gradient taking the alpha channel into account. This means you can practically display the opacity of the alpha Knots overlaid with the colors while you work on the placement and values of the alpha Knots. ### Load Preset ### Save Preset Color gradients can be saved and reloaded at any time using these two commands. When the **Save Preset** command is executed, a small dialog window will open where the preset name and other information can be entered. Click on **Load Preset** to open a small selection window where you can load the corresponding preset with a single click. There you will already find a selection of common color gradients, even if you have not yet saved your own. General details regarding the [Preset System](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/html/5825.html.md) in Cinema 4D can be found there. ![Image: subgroup.gif](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/subgroup.gif)\ Noise These settings are only used in the *Noise* **Sample Mode**. The selected Noise pattern generates black and white values that are used to read the matching entries from the color gradient. With a black section in the Noise, the colors and alpha values from the left edge of the color gradient are used for the particles; with white Noise, the colors and alpha values from the right edge of the gradient are used. Gray intermediate values address corresponding sections in the middle part of the gradient. ### Noise Enabled Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_ENABLED` This option must be switched on so that a Noise structure is used to determine the color and alpha values of the color gradient. If this option is switched off despite the selection of **Sample Mode** *Noise*, all particles will receive the same color from the left edge of the gradient. ### Seed Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_SCALE_SEED` · Range: [-2147483648..2147483647] The calculation of the Noise pattern is based on this value. A change in the **Seed** value therefore also leads to a recalculation of the selected Noise structure. ### Noise Type Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_MODE` Here you can choose the right one from the various patterns. These are three-dimensional structures that can be configured in the axis system of the emitter or the world and with individual scaling along all axis directions. Automated modification and animation of these patterns is also possible: ![Image: 2024-4_Particles_BasicEmitter_04_.png](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4_Particles_BasicEmitter_04_.png) ![Image: 2024-4_Particles_BasicEmitter_05_.png](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4_Particles_BasicEmitter_05_.png) ![Image: 2024-4_Particles_BasicEmitter_06_.png](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4_Particles_BasicEmitter_06_.png) ![Image: 2024-4_Particles_BasicEmitter_07_.png](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4_Particles_BasicEmitter_07_.png) ### Noise Space Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_SPACE` Here you can select whether the Noise structure should move with the axis system of the emitter or whether it should be a stationary Noise whose origin lies in the global world axis system. ### Octaves Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_OCTAVES` · Range: [1.00..20.00] This defines the amount of detail in the Noise structure. Larger values produce more variations in the Noise pattern. Small values lead to a loss of contrast and details, as well as to a softening of the structure. This setting is not available for the Noise Types *Box*, *Cell*, *Mod Noise*, *Perlin* and *VL Noise*. ### Relative Scale Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_GLOBAL_SCALE` · Range: [XYZ %] You can use these values to scale the Noise structure individually along the three spatial directions. Proportional scaling is also possible via the separate **Scale** value. ### Scale Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_SCALE` · Range: [-∞..+∞%] This allows the Noise structure to be scaled proportionally. Individual scaling for each of the three axis directions is also possible using the separate **Relative Scale**. ### Animation Speed Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_FREQUENCY` · Range: [-∞..+∞] The Noise structures can also be changed over time. Use this value to specify the speed of these changes. By default, 0 is used here, which results in a static structure. ### Loop Period Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_LOOP_PERIOD` · Range: [0.00..+∞] Almost all Noise types (exception: *Electric* and *Gaseous*) have this parameter, which causes the noise to loop after the specified time in seconds (the **Animation Speed** must be greater than 0). The Noise state then repeats itself in the bars of the **Loop Period**, which is specified in seconds. A value of 0 turns this effect off. ### Movement Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_MOVEMENT` · Range: [XYZ m] ### Speed Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_SPEED` · Range: [-∞..+∞%] These two parameters are used to move the Noise through the 3D space. **Movement** is used to set the direction in which the Noise structure is moved. Use the **Speed** value to regulate the movement speed of the Noise structure. Please note that the **Movement** is also dependent on **Noise Space**, as the coordinate systems defined there can differ greatly from one another. ### Low Clip Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_MIN` · Range: [0..100%] ### High Clip Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_MAX` · Range: [0..100%] This can be used to limit the brightness values that the Noise should provide. By default, **Low Clip** is 0% and **High Clip** is 100%. This means that all brightnesses can be output unchanged between 0% and 100% by the Noise. Increasing the **Low Clip** results in all brightnesses that are lower than **Low Clip** being output as black (or 0%). Similarly, a reduction of **High Clip** results in all gray values above the brightness of **High Clip** already being output as white (or 100%). In fact, this mechanism can be used not only to sharpen a Noise structure and to strengthen the contrast, but also to invert the brightness values. To do this, simply reverse the original arrangement of the clipping values. With **Low Clip** 100% and **High Clip** 0%, you get an inverted noise. ### Brightness Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_BRIGHTNESS` · Range: [-100..100%] This is used to adjust the general brightness value of the Noise. Values above 0% increase the brightness, values below 0% reduce it. ### Contrast Parameter ID: `NOISE_OBJECT_NOISE_CONTRAST` · Range: [-100..100%] This allows us to reduce or increase the contrast of the **Noise** brightnesses. The **Contrast** describes the range of brightness values output. With a low contrast, the differences between the **Noise** brightnesses supplied are therefore smaller. Greater **Contrast** leads to greater differences in brightness between the Noise brightnesses calculated. This often results in the brightness transitions being more abrupt and less smooth compared to using a lower **Contrast**. ![Image: subgroup.gif](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/subgroup.gif)\ Radius ### Radius Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_RADIUS_RADIUS` · Range: [0..+∞m] This regulates the scaling of the particles. The size of the particles can also be displayed directly in the editor if you have activated the option to draw the radius in the *Particle Group*. The Radius of a particle is also automatically used for scaling the shapes that are bound to the particle via a *Redshift Object Tag*, for example.\ The **Radius** can also be varied per particle during emission with the following **Variance** value. It is also possible to adjust the **Radius** at any time using various particle modifiers. ### Variance Parameter ID: `FP_EMITTER_ATTRIBUTES_RADIUS_VARIANCE` · Range: [0..+∞m] Here you can define a maximum deviation from the defined radius per particle. Negative radii will automatically be avoided for the particles. Particles can therefore never have a negative radius. ![Image: 2024-4_Particles_BasicEmitter_08.png](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4_Particles_BasicEmitter_08.png)\ Here, a Radius of 1 was combined with a Variance of 5. This results in particles with sizes between 0 and 6. ### Radius Map Parameter ID: `FP_GEOMETRYMAPS_ATTRIBUTEMAPS_RADIUS_MAP` You can assign a *Vertex Map* here. Their values are multiplied by the **Radius** from the *Properties* settings determine the actual radius of the particles. The following video shows an example of this. There, the radii were controlled with a random field in a Vertex Map. [Video: 2024-4_Particles_MeshEmitter_Radius_01.mp4](https://help.maxon.net/c4d/en-us/Content/Resources/Images/2024-4_Particles_MeshEmitter_Radius_01.mp4)