Trapcode Form

Base Form Group

The Base Form group defines the original particle grid – called a 'Base Form' – that can be affected by layer maps, particle controls, dispersion fields and every other control in Form. You have control over the size, particle density, position and rotation of the base form in 3D space.

Base Form

This defines the starting point of your particle form. All of the base shapes can have multiple copies by setting Particles in Z to a value greater than 1.

• Box – Grid: Generates a grid of particles.
• Box – Strings: Generates a dense set of horizontal strings.
• Sphere – Layered: Generates concentric spheres.
• 3D Model: Specifies using a 3d model file in your Timeline. The 3D Model Settings group is where you choose the specific file.
• Text/Masks: Specifies using another layer in your Timeline.

Size X, Size Y, Size Z

Sets the size of the form in the X, Y and Z axes. The X and Y dimensions correspond to the size of the form horizontally and vertically, while the Z value determines its depth. Size Z and Particles in Z work together to control the density of the overall form.

At left, Size X at 400, Size Y at 250, Size Z at 1700. At right, Size X at 1200, Size Y at 300, Size Z at 800.

Particles in X, Particles in Y, Particles in Z

Sets the number of particles used to generate the form along the X, Y and Z axes. Render times are directly proportional to the number of particles. Often a particle density of only a few hundred is needed to clearly define a form.

Be careful of high Z values, because the Z value essentially replicates the grid, strings, or sphere, and can cause very slow rendering. Typically, you only need a Z value of 1 to create an interesting surface shape.

Left to right, Particles in X at 300 and 800.

Position X,Y,Z

Positions the form in space. Note that this positioning takes place BEFORE the different distortion fields ( Fractal Field and Spherical Field ) are applied, so the controls here in effect move the form through the fields. If you'd rather move the whole thing with fields applied, use the Offset settings in the Transform controls instead.

Create Null

Clicking this button will add a Null to your composite that is connected via expressions to the Position, Size and Rotation of the Form you selected. Use this null to reposition the Form layer directly in the Composition window with OSC's or create a motion path for your Form.

X Rotation, Y Rotation, Z Rotation

Rotates the form in 3D space. This rotation takes place BEFORE the distortion fields ( Fractal Field and Spherical Field ) are applied, so these controls in effect rotate the form through the fields.

If you would rather rotate the whole form with fields applied, use the Rotation settings in the Transform controls instead.


Left to right, X Rotation is 0 and 100.

String Settings group : When you choose Base Form> Box – Strings, these settings are enabled. Go here to learn more.

3D Model Settings group : When you choose Base Form> 3D Model, these settings are enabled. Go here to learn more.