2009

include multi-shape objects such as groups and hierarchies; see Separate Particles
For group
on page 2908.
After picking a reference object, its name appears on the button.
You can use almost any geometry object as a reference object. By default, the
operator automatically converts closed splines to rendering geometry by “filling
in” the area defined by the shape outline. To use the shape outline instead,
select the original shape and, on the Modify panel > Rendering rollout, turn
on Display Render Mesh. You needn't turn on Renderable, but changes to all
other Rendering rollout settings, such Thickness and Sides, are reflected in
the rendered particles.
Particle Flow does not automatically “fill in” open shapes such as Line
(non-closed) and Arc. To render these shapes when using them as particles,
turn on Modify panel > Rendering rollout > Display Render Mesh.
If a Shape Instance operator is in effect for which the geometry object is not
defined, and the viewport display type is set to Geometry, then the particles
appear in the viewports as X characters.
NOTE If a multi-shape object used as a reference object comprises objects both
with and without materials applied, and Acquire Material is on, Particle Flow will
apply the first available material to any objects without materials applied.
NOTE You can use a NURBS surface as a reference object, but not a NURBS curve.
To use a NURBS curve as particle geometry, first convert it to a surface using a
method such as the Cap function.
TIP For best results, when using an animated reference object, it's highly
recommended that you hide the original object before rendering, or use Object
Properties to turn off its Renderable check box.
NOTE If using a group as a reference object, make sure the group is closed before
selecting it. Selecting an open group will add only the group member you click,
not the entire group.
Separate Particles For group
3ds Max provides a number of methods for combining disparate objects into
single entities, including grouping, building hierarchies with linking, and
attaching. By default, when using such a multi-shape object as particle geometry,
each particle comprises all member objects. Alternatively, you can instruct
Particle Flow to treat each member object as a separate particle with these
options. When on, the software uses each member object as a single particle,
in left-to-right order according to its X-axis position, by default. So, for
2908 | Chapter 14 Space Warps and Particle Systems