decorative banner

Using Min and Max options to adjust the output range of a layer map (PB only)


    When the overall range of layer map brightness values is too wide or narrow, use the Min and Max options to stretch, compress, or shift the range of values produced by the layer map. The following examples describe when you might want to adjust Min and Max:

    • You want to set the smallest font size for your text to be 10 points and the largest size to be 96 points. Set the Min value to 10 and the Max value to 96.
    • You set the initial color of a particle and then use a layer map to change particle colors. If you find that the color changes aren't dramatic enough, you can lower the Min value and raise the Max value to increase the contrast of the color changes.
    • You set the initial velocity of a particle and then use a layer map to affect the X Speed property. However, you find that the difference between the fastest and slowest particles is too great. By raising the Min value and lowering the Max value for the layer map channel that is mapped to the X Speed property, you narrow the resulting range of particle speeds.
    • You use a layer map to affect the Scale property of particles and find that the smallest particles aren't small enough while the largest resulting particles are too large. In this case the entire output range needs to be shifted down; lower both the Min and Max values.
    • You have a layer map that modifies particles in the opposite direction from the one you want. Swap the Min and Max values, which will have the same effect as inverting the layer map.

    Note: The alpha channel of the layer map is used as the selection map for the Persistent and Ephemeral Property Mappers. See Using Affects options to specify particles (PB only).