Replacing default particles with text (Pro only)

You can use text characters as particles. For example, you can type a message that the Cannon shoots across the frame. You can also change the attributes of any three sets of characters. For example, you can make some of the characters larger or brighter than others. (See Affects controls for Particle Playground (Pro only).)

To replace default Cannon particles with text:

1. In the Effect Controls window, click Options.
2. Click Edit Cannon Text.
3. Type text in the text box, and then set the following options:
• For Font/Style, choose the font and style for Cannon characters.
• For Order, click to specify the sequence in which characters exit the Cannon. The sequence is relative to the character order typed in the text box. For example, if the Cannon Direction is set to 90 degrees (making it point to the right), English text must exit the Cannon last letter first to be in readable order. Therefore, select Right to Left.
• For Loop Text, select to continuously generate the characters you typed. Deselect to generate only one instance of the characters.
4. Click OK to close the Edit Cannon Text dialog box, and then click OK to close the Particle Playground dialog box.
5. Click the right-facing triangle next to Cannon so that it points downward.
6. Click the Font Size value, type a value of 10 or greater, and press Enter (Windows) or Return (Mac OS).

To replace default Grid particles with text:

1. In the Effect Controls window, click Options, and then click Edit Grid Text.
2. Set the following options:
• For Font/Style, choose the font and style for Grid characters.
• For Alignment, click Left, Center, or Right to position text in the text box at the Position specified in the Grid control, or click Use Grid to position each letter in the text on consecutive grid intersections.
• For Loop Text, select to repeat the characters you typed until all the grid intersections contain one character. Grid intersections are specified by the Particle Across and Particle Down controls. (See Grid controls for the Particle Playground effect (Pro only).) Deselect to generate only one instance of the text. (This option is available only if you select Use Grid alignment.)
3. Type text in the text box. If Use Grid alignment is selected and you want to skip a grid intersection, type a space. To force the next character down to the next grid row, press Enter (Windows) or Return (Mac OS).
4. Click OK to close the Edit Grid Text window, and then click OK to close the Particle Playground dialog box.
5. Click the right-facing triangle next to Grid so that it points downward.
6. Click the Font Size value, type a value of 10 or greater, and press Enter (Windows) or Return (Mac OS).

To stop replacing default particles with text:

1. In the Effect Controls window, click Options.
2. Click Edit Cannon Text or Edit Grid Text, delete all text from the text box, and click OK.