Working with Particle Layers
A particle layer is a layer that can hold multiple sublayers. From each sublayer a group of particles is emitted from a local source in a specified direction and spread angle. These particles continue along the defined path until the layer is turned off or until some other property interacts with them.
To create a particle layer, click the New Layer drop-down list at the top of the Layers palette and choose the Particles option. Now layers can be dropped onto the particle layer to add them as sublayers to the particle layer.
The particles are defined by the objects contained on the sublayer. For example, if you create a small circle on a vector layer that is a sublayer of a particle layer, then the small circle is repeatedly emitted and moved around the scene, as shown in Figure 31.1.
Note
The Library palette includes a folder of sample particle layers including explosions, rain, and clouds.