Particle code questions

Madin · Plasma Trooper **Joined**: 05 Apr 2009

I am wondering about an element that I do not understand that is used in the 'ParticleFX' code.
It's the 'ColorScale' element, any idea what it does?

Also is there any clear explanation has to what the 'SortLevel' attribute does, and what the significance of the numbers used in this attribute are?

Thanks!

Golan · Flamethrower **Joined**: 21 Nov 2007

ColorScale is a ClientRandomVariable, meaning it asks for a minimum and maximum value and picks a random number in between. From the sound of it, it scales the brightness/intensity of the color set in the Color keyframes.

Say you cave ColorScale set to 0.75 to 1.25 and the first keframe is RGB 1.0;0.5;0.0 then the actual Color is picked randomly from the range of 0.75;0.375;0.0 to 1.25;0.625;0.0 , i.e. dark orange to dark yellow.

SortLevel appears to be used to determine the depth level for transparent objects, additive and multiply shaded objects in particular. By default, such objects will be rendered as if they were positioned in front of the ground but behind solid objects. SortLevel=1 makes sets them to the same plane as regular objects, values greater than one might be used force their position to be before other transparent objects.

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Off Duty.

Madin · Plasma Trooper **Joined**: 05 Apr 2009

Thanks for the reply!

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