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• Pick From Color Range: Particles are tinted at random, with the range of possible colors
defined by the Color Range gradient editor. A point on the gradient is randomly chosen,
so the relative sizes of each color region determine the frequency of the color being
used.
For more information on using the gradient controls, see Using the Gradient Editor.
• Take Image Color: When you choose this menu item, each new particle’s color is based
on the color of the image at the position where the particle was generated. This menu
item is available only when the Shape pop-up menu in the Emitter Inspector is set to
Image.
Color Over Life: The Color Over Life gradient editor, available when the Color Mode is
set to Over Life, defines the range of color that each particle assumes as it ages, beginning
with the leftmost color in the gradient, and progressing through the range of colors until
finally reaching the rightmost color at the end of its life. For more information on using
the gradient controls, see Using the Gradient Editor.
Color Repetitions: Available when Color Mode is set to Over Life, this slider determines
the number of times the gradient color pattern is repeated over the life of the particle.
Color Range: This gradient editor appears when Color Mode is set to Pick From Color
Range. Use it to define a range of colors used to randomly tint new particles. The direction
of the gradient colors is not relevant, only the number of colors that appear in the gradient.
The Color Range parameter has the same controls as the Color Over Life gradient editor.
712 Chapter 14 Working with Particles