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Choosing Layer Map options (PB only)


    After you have created default particles, use the Layer Map to replace dots with a particle source layer.

To replace default particles with a layer:

  1. If necessary, import the source footage and add it to the composition.
  2. In the Timeline window, click the layer's eye icon ( the Video icon) to hide it.
  3. In the Effect Controls window under Particle Playground, expand the Layer Map property.
  4. For Use Layer, select a layer from the menu. The menu lists all layers used in the composition.
  5. For Time Offset Type, specify how you want particles to take frames from times other than the current time. This option applies only when you are mapping particles to a multiframe layer, such as a movie or a composition. For more information, see Specifying the frames you want to map (PB only).
  6. For Time Offset (or Random Time Max), specify a value. This option applies only if you are mapping particles to a multiframe layer.
  7. Note: The name of this option changes from Time Offset to Random Time Max when you select either Relative Random or Absolute Random from the Time Offset Type menu.

  8. To replace only some of the default particles with the mapped layer, specify the Affects options as necessary (see Using Affects options to specify particles (PB only)).

To stop using a mapped layer:

    In the Effect Controls window, under Particle Playground, expand the Layer Map property and choose None from the Use Layer menu.