Particle flow: Discreet's new particle system extension proves to be priceless.(Product/Service Evaluation)

Previously provided through a subscription service for registered users, Discreet's Particle Flow extension has been incorporated into the newest version of its powerful 3ds max software. (For a full review of Discreet's 3ds max 6, see the December issue.) Particle Flow invokes a flowchart-style work flow for creating complex and powerful dynamic particle systems within 3D animations.

Particle Flow enables animators to create complex particle systems, add events, and route results wherever they wish. Using a schematic approach to particle system design, animators are able to design particle systems with complete ease and control. And Particle Flow is integrated tightly into 3ds max as a core component, blending with internal forces, deflectors, materials, MAXScript, and rendering solutions.

After installation, I accessed the Particle Flow system by selecting Particle Systems from the drop-down list in the Create\Geometry rollout. I dragged the cursor within my scene to create the Particle Flow icon, just as I would any other particle system, and placed the icon exactly where I needed it.

Once a Particle Flow icon was created in my scene, I then opened the Particle View window, which is what truly separates Particle Flow from similar products. Clicking on the button in the modifier panel of Particle Flow or pressing the "6" key opens the Particle View window. The window is divided into four sections. The first section, the event display, contains the particle diagram or fire flowchart of the particle system. Next, the Depot houses all the available operators used in creating and setting up the dynamics of the particle system. Running along the right-hand side of the window is the Parameters panel, which looks exactly like the Parameters Modifier panel in the 3ds max interface. Located beneath Parameters, a small Operator Description panel offers text descriptions of the selected operators. Most are self-explanatory as to their function, but some might require a brief read in the online reference manual.

Creating and modifying within Particle Flow could not be easier. The Particle View window opens with a default event in place. The entry consists of a global event followed by a birth event, containing a Birth operator and several other operators to define the system's initial properties. I was able to modify and delete elements to suit my needs. I could add other operators to this first event or ...