User Manual

Attract Strength
This value represents the strength of attraction between particles. When a particle moves
farther from other particles than the Maximum Space defined in the pFlock node, it will attempt
to move closer to other particles. Higher values cause the particle to maintain its spacing
energetically, resolving conflicts in spacing more rapidly.
Repel Strength
This value represents the force applied to particles that get closer together than the distance
defined by the Minimum Space control of the pFlock node. Higher values will cause particles to
move away from neighboring particles more rapidly, shooting away from the pack.
Minimum/Maximum Space
This range control represents the distance each particle attempts to maintain between it and
other particles. Particles will attempt to get no closer or farther than the space defined by the
Minimum/Maximum values of this range control. Smaller ranges will give the appearance of
more organized motion. Larger ranges will be perceived as disorganized and chaotic.
Common Controls
Conditions, Style, Region, and Settings Tabs
The Conditions, Style, Region, and Settings tabs are common to all Particle nodes, so their
descriptions can be found in “The Common Controls” section at the end of this chapter.
pFollow [pFo]
The pFollow node
pFollow Node Introduction
Inserting the pFollow node into a particle branch causes the particles to spring back and forth
toward a follow object. The follow object can be positioned in 3D or animated to create a new
motion path for the particles.
Inputs
The pFollow node has a single orange input by default. Like most particle nodes, this orange
background input accepts only other particle nodes. A green bitmap or mesh input appears on
the node when you set the Region menu in the Region tab to either Bitmap or Mesh.
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Input: The orange input takes the output of other particle nodes.
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Region: The green or magenta region input takes a 2D image or a 3D mesh
depending on whether you set the Region menu to Bitmap or Mesh. The color of
the input is determined by whichever is selected first in the menu. The 3D mesh or a
selectable channel from the bitmap defines the area where particles will follow the
position point.
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