Particle Effects – Arma 3

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==Intro==
{{TOC|side|0.86}}
Please be aware of our Arma 3 modding license: http://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Arma_3_Modding_License<br><br>
== Definition of effect ==


==Related links==
Definition of an effect in a script:
* [[ParticleArray]]
* [[ParticleTemplates]]
<br/>
==Definition of effect==
There are two ways how to define particle effect in Arma 3 - script and config. <font color="green">Pros</font> and <font color="red">cons</font> of config defined effects:
There are two ways how to define particle effect in Arma 3 - script and config. <font color="green">Pros</font> and <font color="red">cons</font> of config defined effects:
* <font color="red">difficult editing</font> (every change in any parameter requires restart of the game)
* <font color="red">difficult editing</font> (every change in any parameter requires restart of the game)
* <font color="red">posibility to change the effect outside of the effect's definition is limited</font>
* <font color="red">possibility to change the effect outside of the effect's definition is limited</font>
* <font color="green">more parameters</font> (some advanced parameters are present only in config)
* <font color="green">more parameters</font> (some advanced parameters are present only in config)
* <font color="green">better performance</font> (this is not true for each effect)
* <font color="green">better performance</font> (this is not true for each effect)
* <font color="green">calling of an effect can be used in a specific engine-supported parameter</font>
* <font color="green">calling of an effect can be used in a specific engine-supported parameter</font>
''Technology of '''scripted effects''' is older and the documentation is already present on wiki (see [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects#Related_links|Related links]]).''<br>
{{Feature|informative|''Technology of '''scripted effects''' which is possible to make and tweak on-the-fly is older and the documentation is already present on wiki (see [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects#See also|See also]] part).''}}<br>
 
=== Config ===


===Config===
Each complex effect (CE) is created by part-effects (PE) (defined in CfgCloudlets) and light (defined in [[Arma_3:_CfgLights|CfgLights]]).
Each complex effect (CE) is created by part-effects (PE) (defined in CfgCloudlets) and light (defined in CfgLights).


====Definition of complex effect====
==== Definition of complex effect ====
Class of effect is defined directly in configFile and consists of classes that link PE (or light) to the parent effect.
Class of CE is defined directly in configFile and consists of classes that link PE (or light) to the parent effect.
<br/>
<syntaxhighlight lang="cpp">
class Example
class ComplexEffect
{
{
    simulation = "particles";   //type of simulation - particles or light
class Example1
    type = "Default";           //name of PE's class defined in CfgCloudlets or light's class defined in CfgLights
{
    position[] = {0, 0, 0};     //position related to the default position or memorypoint
simulation = "particles"; // type of simulation - particles or light
    lifeTime = 0.05;           //life time of emitter
type = "Default"; // name of PE's class defined in CfgCloudlets or light's class defined in CfgLights
position[] = {0, 0, 0}; // position related to the default position or memorypoint
    qualityLevel = -1;          //effect is used when the particle quality option is -> -1 everytime, 0 low, 1 normal, 2 high
lifeTime = 0.05; // life time of emitter
    start = 1;                  //is used only if the lifeTime parameter is defined, if value is changed from negative to positive then the effect is triggered
    enabled = 1;                //1 effect is enabled, -1 effect is disabled
};
''Parameters simulation, type, qualityLevel, enabled are used everytime. Using of other parameters depends on calling of the effect (see [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects#Calling_of_effect|Calling of effect]]).''


====Definition of part-effect====
qualityLevel = -1; // effect is only used when the the particle quality option [[particlesQuality]] in user settings matches this qualityLevel.
// -1 play everytime, 0 play only on low, 1 play only on normal, 2 play only on high. Default: -1
 
start = 1; // is used only if the lifeTime parameter is defined, if value is changed from negative to positive then the effect is triggered
enabled = 1; // 1 effect is enabled, -1 effect is disabled
};
};
</syntaxhighlight>
''Parameters simulation, type, qualityLevel, enabled, smokeGenMinDist, smokeGenMaxDist, smokeSizeCoef and smokeIntervalCoef are used everytime.
Using other parameters depends on calling of the effect (see [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects#Calling_of_effect|Calling of effect]]).''
 
==== Definition of part-effect ====
Class of PE must be in configFile class CfgCloudlets.
Class of PE must be in configFile class CfgCloudlets.
<br/>
<syntaxhighlight lang="cpp">
class Default
class SomeClass
{
{
    interval = "0.5 * speedSize + 0.5";     //interval of particle's creation
interval = "0.5 * speedSize + 0.5"; // interval of particle's creation
    circleRadius = 0;     //radius around emitter where particles are created
circleRadius = 0; // radius around emitter where particles are created
    circleVelocity[] = {0, 0, 0};     //direction and speed of movement of particle's circle
circleVelocity[] = {0, 0, 0}; // direction and speed of movement of particle's circle
    particleShape = \A3\data_f\ParticleEffects\Universal\Universal; //path and name of file
 
    particleFSNtieth = 16;     //coef; size of one particle's texture in pixels = 2048/coef
particleShape = \A3\data_f\ParticleEffects\Universal\Universal; // path and name of file
    particleFSIndex = 12;     //index of start line on texture
particleFSNtieth = 16; // How many rows there are in the texture. For example Universal is 16x16, so particleFSNtieth is 16. Default: 1
    particleFSFrameCount = 8;     //count of pictures in animation (starts on first picture in defined line - particleFSIndex)
particleFSIndex = 12; // Row index 0 based, so particleFSIndex 12 will mean 13th row from the top. Default: 0
    particleFSLoop = 1;             //loop of animation (0 - false, 1 - true)
particleFSFrameCount = 8; // How many frames from the start of the chosen row to animate (particleFSFrameCount 8 means animate frames 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7 in sequence). Default: 1
    angle = 0;     //angle of particle
particleFSLoop = 1; // Whether or not to repeat from the beginning when all frames got played (0 - false, 1 - true). If particleFSLoop is 0 animation sequence is played only once. Default: 1
    angleVar = 0;     //variability in angle of particle
animationSpeed[] = {3,2,1}; // interpolated speed of animation in animation cycles per second.
// e.g if particleFSFrameCount is 8 and animationSpeed at the time is 0.4 result in 8 * 0.5 = 4 frame changes per second.
    animationName = "";
// Value 1000 is a special value but only when combined with particleFSLoop 0;
    particleType = "Billboard";             //type of animation (Billboard (2D), Spaceobject (3D))
// this will instruct the engine to play only the last frame of the given count, so if particleFSFrameCount is 5, animationSpeed[] is {1000} and particleFSLoop is 0 only 5th frame will be played.
    timerPeriod = 1;     //interval of timer (how often is called script defined in parameter onTimerScript)
 
    lifeTime = 1;     //life time of particle in seconds
angle = 0; // angle of particle
    moveVelocity[] = {0, 0, 0};             //direction and speed of movement of particle [x,z,y]
angleVar = 0; // variability in angle of particle
    rotationVelocity = 0;     //direction and speed of rotation of particle [x,z,y]
animationName = "";
    weight = 1;             //weight of particle (kg)
particleType = "Billboard"; // type of animation (Billboard (2D), Spaceobject (3D))
    volume = 1;             //volume of particle (m3)
timerPeriod = 1; // interval of timer (how often is called script defined in parameter onTimerScript)
    rubbing = 0.05;     //how much is particle affected by wind/air resistance
lifeTime = 1; // life time of particle in seconds
    size[] = {1,1};     //size of particle during the life
moveVelocity[] = {0, 0, 0}; // direction and speed of movement of particle [x,z,y]
    color[] = {{1,1,1,1},{1,1,1,0}};     //color of particle during the life (r,g,b,a)
rotationVelocity = 0; // direction and speed of rotation of particle [x,z,y]
    animationSpeed[] = {1};     //speed of animation (number of animation cycles in 1s)
weight = 1; // weight of particle (kg)
    randomDirectionPeriod = 0;     //interval of random speed change
volume = 1; // volume of particle (m3)
    randomDirectionIntensity = 0;     //intensity of random speed change
rubbing = 0.05; // how much is particle affected by wind/air resistance
    onTimerScript = "";             //script triggered by timer (in variable "this" is stored position of particle)
size[] = {1,1}; // size of particle during the life
    beforeDestroyScript = "";     //script triggered before destroying of particle (in variable "this" is stored position of particle)
color[] = {{1,1,1,1},{1,1,1,0}}; // color of particle during the life (r,g,b,a)
    lifeTimeVar = 0;     //variability in lifetime of particle
randomDirectionPeriod = 0; // interval of random speed change
    positionVar[] = {0, 0, 0};     //variability in position of particle (each part of vector has it's own variability)
randomDirectionIntensity = 0; // intensity of random speed change
    positionVarConst[] = {0, 0, 0};     //variability in position of particle (variablity of all parts of vector is the same)
onTimerScript = ""; // script triggered by timer (in variable "this" is stored position of particle)
    moveVelocityVar[] = {0, 0, 0};     //variability in direction and speed of particle (each part of vector has it's own variability)
beforeDestroyScript = ""; // script triggered before destroying of particle (in variable "this" is stored position of particle)
    moveVelocityVarConst[] = {0, 0, 0};     //variability in direction and speed of particle (variablity of all parts of vector is the same)
lifeTimeVar = 0; // variability in lifetime of particle
    rotationVelocityVar = 0;     //variability in rotation of particle
position[] = {0, 0, 0}; // defines position of effect
    sizeVar = 0;     //variability in size of particle
positionVar[] = {0, 0, 0}; // variability in position of particle (each part of vector has it is own variability)
    colorVar[] = {0, 0, 0, 0};     //variability in color of particle
positionVarConst[] = {0, 0, 0}; // variability in position of particle (variablity of all parts of vector is the same)
    randomDirectionPeriodVar = 0;     //variability in interval of random speed change
moveVelocityVar[] = {0, 0, 0}; // variability in direction and speed of particle (each part of vector has it is own variability)
    randomDirectionIntensityVar = 0;     //variability in intensity of random speed change
moveVelocityVarConst[] = {0, 0, 0}; // variability in direction and speed of particle (variablity of all parts of vector is the same)
    sizeCoef = 1;                           //size of particle = size parameter value * this coef
rotationVelocityVar = 0; // variability in rotation of particle
    colorCoef[]={1,1,1,1};                   //size of particle = color parameter value * this coef
sizeVar = 0; // variability in size of particle
    animationSpeedCoef = 1;                 //size of particle = animationSpeed parameter value * this coef
colorVar[] = {0, 0, 0, 0}; // variability in color of particle
randomDirectionPeriodVar = 0; // variability in interval of random speed change
    destroyOnWaterSurface = 0;               //particle can exist - only underwater (-1), only above the water (1), everywhere (0)
randomDirectionIntensityVar = 0; // variability in intensity of random speed change
    destroyOnWaterSurfaceOffset = 0;         //offset of water surface in destroyOnWaterSurface parameter
sizeCoef = 1; // size of particle = size parameter value * this coef (works only in some effects)
    onSurface = true;                       //placing of particle on (water) surface on start of it's existence
colorCoef[]={1,1,1,1}; // color of particle = color parameter value * this coef (works only in some effects)
    keepOnSurface = false;                   //true for particle is stay on water surface - see notes bellow
animationSpeedCoef = 1; // animation speed of particle = animationSpeed parameter value * this coef (works only in some effects)
    surfaceOffset = 0;                       //offset of water surface in keepOnSurface parameter
 
    bounceOnSurface = 0.6;                   //coef of speed's loosing in collision with ground, 0-1 for collisions, -1 disable collision
destroyOnWaterSurface = 0; // particle can exist - only underwater (-1), only above the water (1), everywhere (0)
    bounceOnSurfaceVar = 0.0;               //variability in speed's loosing in collision with ground
destroyOnWaterSurfaceOffset = 0; // offset of water surface in destroyOnWaterSurface parameter
    postEffects = "IEDMineFlame";           //effect triggered before destroying of particle
destroyAfterCrossing = false; // if true, destroy when the whole particle is on the other side of the water surface. Only when _destroyOnWaterSurfaceOffset is enabled,
    particleEffects = "ExplosionShardsFire"; //emitter of effect defined in this parameter is attached to each particle
onSurface = true; // placing of particle on (water) surface on start of it is existence, default value is true, works only if circleRadius > 0
};
keepOnSurface = false; // true for particle is stay on water surface - see notes below
'''Notes:'''
surfaceOffset = 0; // offset of water surface in keepOnSurface parameter
* '''MoveVelocity''' parameter affects only initial phase of movement of a particle. Movement in later phase is affected by air resistance, wind and collisions.
bounceOnSurface = 0.6; // coef of speed's loosing in collision with ground, 0-1 for collisions, -1 disable collision
* Ascent/descent of a particle is affected by ratio bewteeen particle's density ('''weight'''/'''volume''') and density of air (it's 1.275 kg/m3 in Arma).
bounceOnSurfaceVar = 0.0; // variability in speed's loosing in collision with ground
* Parameters ending with "Coef" are used only in some effects, see [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects#Calling_of_effect|Calling of effect]].
postEffects = "IEDMineFlame"; // effect triggered before destroying of particle
particleEffects = "ExplosionShardsFire"; // emitter of effect defined in this parameter is attached to each particle
ignoreWind = false; // if true, wind will not be applied on the particle
blockAIVisibility = true; // sets if particles are in the AI visibility tests (default true) - false for better performance but AI is able to see through particles
emissiveColor[] = {{30,30,30,0},{0,0,0,0}}; // sets emissivity of particle, 4th number has no meaning for now
 
// --- fire damage related parameters (optional)
damageType="Fire"; // damage type, only available option is "Fire" so far
coreIntensity = 1.25; // damage coeficient in the center of fire
coreDistance = 3.0; // how far can unit get damage
damageTime = 0.1; // how often is unit getting damage
 
// --- override of global particle quality params
// --- current values are in, for example:
// --- getNumber (((configFile >> "CfgVideoOptions" >> "Particles") select particlesQuality) >> "smokeGenMinDist");
smokeGenMinDist = 100; // for more info see "Changes dependent on distance"
smokeGenMaxDist = 500; // for more info see "Changes dependent on distance"
smokeSizeCoef = 2.0; // for more info see "Changes dependent on distance"
smokeIntervalCoef = 4.0; // for more info see "Changes dependent on distance"
};
</syntaxhighlight>
 
; Notes:
* Ascent/descent of a particle is affected by ratio between particle's density ('''weight'''/'''volume''') and density of air (it's 1.275 kg/m3 in Arma).
* Parameters ending with "Coef" are used only in some effects, see info about [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects#Config_parameters|Config parameters]].
* Only 3D particles ('''particleType''' = "SpaceObject") can use materials.
* Only 3D particles ('''particleType''' = "SpaceObject") can use materials.
* You can use single frame in middle of line on texture as texture of particle. Just set '''particleFSLoop''' = 0 and '''animationSpeed[]''' = {1000}, then paremeter '''particleFSFrameCount''' is number of frame in given line.
* You can use single frame in middle of line on texture as texture of particle. Just set '''particleFSLoop''' = 0 and '''animationSpeed[]''' = {1000}, then paremeter '''particleFSFrameCount''' is number of frame in given line.
<br/><br/>
{{Feature | important | All [x,y,z] values have y and z swapped and are {x,z,y} when used in config}}
 
==== Evaluation in definition of part-effect ====
There can be inserted string instead of number in most of parameters used in definition of part-effect.
This string is evaluated and in this string can be used engine-defined variables from [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects:_Config_Parameters|this list]].
 
; List of parameters which don't support this type of evaluation:
particleShape
particleFSNtieth
particleFSIndex
particleFSFrameCount
particleFSLoop
angleVar
animationName
particleType
color
onTimerScript
beforeDestroyScript
sizeVar
destroyOnWaterSurface
destroyOnWaterSurfaceOffset
onSurface
keepOnSurface
surfaceOffset
bounceOnSurface
bounceOnSurfaceVar
postEffects
particleEffects
 
'''Operators which can be used in evaluated strings''': [[Simple_Expression|Simple Expression]]
 
 
== Behaviour of particles ==
 
=== Speed of rotation depends on ===
 
* initial rotation speed (parameters ''rotationVelocity'' and ''rotationVelocityVar'')
* air friction (rotation is slowed more with bigger value of ''rubbing'', rotation is slowed less with bigger value of ''weight'')
 
=== Speed and direction of movement depends on ===
 
* initial speed of movement (parameters ''moveVelocity'', ''moveVelocityVar'' and ''moveVelocityVarConst'')
* wind/air friction (particle is more affected with bigger ''rubbing'' value, particle is less affected with bigger ''weight'' value)
* buoyancy (ratio between density of air and particle - density of particle = ''weight'' / ''volume'')
* randomDirection parameters (''randomDirectionPeriod'', ''randomDirectionPeriodVar'', ''randomDirectionIntensity'' and ''randomDirectionIntensityVar'')
* collisions
 
=== Changes dependent on distance ===
 
Particles are simplified with bigger distance between particles and observer.
Particles have a significant impact on performance and this helps to get better performance, so be careful with any change in the parameters below.
 
; Parameters:
* smokeGenMinDist - ''defined in [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects#Definition_of_complex_effect|Definition of complex effect]], default values in config class CfgDefaultSettings''
* smokeGenMaxDist - ''defined in [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects#Definition_of_complex_effect|Definition of complex effect]], default values in config class CfgDefaultSettings''
* smokeSizeCoef - ''defined in [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects#Definition_of_complex_effect|Definition of complex effect]], default values in config class CfgDefaultSettings''
* smokeIntervalCoef - ''defined in [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects#Definition_of_complex_effect|Definition of complex effect]], default values in config class CfgDefaultSettings''
* dist - ''distance between camera and particle emitter, cut to interval <smokeGenMinDist, smokeGenMaxDist>''
* currentZoom - ''zoom currently used''
* smokeZoomCoef - ''defined in config class CfgDefaultSettings''
 
; Calculations:
* distCoef = (dist - smokeGenMinDist) / (smokeGenMaxDist - smokeGenMinDist)
* coef = distCoef * currentZoom * smokeZoomCoef
** coef is cut to interval <0,1>
* sizeCoef = 1.0 + coef * (smokeSizeCoef - 1.0)
* intervalCoef = 1.0 + coef * (smokeIntervalCoef - 1.0)
 
; Changes in particles are made according to these coef values:
* sizeCoef - size of particle is multiplied by this value
** value is cut to interval <1, smokeSizeCoef>
* IntervalCoef - interval (how often is particle created by emitter) is multiplied by this value
** value is cut to interval <1, smokeIntervalCoef>  


==Calling of effect==
There are two ways how to call a particle effect defined in config. You can use script or one of the engine-provided config parameters. Using of a config parameter (if there is one you can use) is usually recommended, because of better performance and an efficient use of engine-provided variables in PE definitions (see the list bellow).


===Script===
== Calling of effect ==
 
There are two ways how to call a particle effect defined in config.
You can use script or one of the engine-provided config parameters.
Using of a config parameter (if there is one you can use) is usually recommended, because of better performance and an efficient use of engine-provided variables in PE definitions (see the list below).
 
=== Script ===
 
There is script command [[setParticleClass]]. This command can use only a class of PE.
There is script command [[setParticleClass]]. This command can use only a class of PE.
<br/>
Example:
Example:
_source01 = "#particlesource" createVehicleLocal _pos01;
<sqf>
_source01 setParticleClass "ObjectDestructionFire1Smallx";
_source01 = "#particlesource" createVehicleLocal _pos01;
_source01 attachto [_object,[0,0,0]];
_source01 setParticleClass "ObjectDestructionFire1Smallx";
_source01 attachTo [_object, [0,0,0]];
</sqf>
 
{{Feature|informative|You can use this way of particle definition and then overwrite some parameters by script command [[setParticleParams]].
This way you can get some pros of config-defined (access to parameters which are not present in [[ParticleArray]]) and scripted (dynamic changes of parameters in script) effects at once.}}
 
=== Config parameters ===
 
These engine-provided parameters have already set conditions for using of particle effect.
For example parameter for exhaust effect is triggered when the engine of vehicle is running.
Each parameter has engine-provided variables which can be used in some parts of definition of particle effect.
 
There are two types of emitter when you call an effect via config parameter.
The type of emitter is specified in the engine for each parameter and behaviour of each emitter type is different:
* '''constant emitter''' (CE)
** variables used in [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects#Definition_of_part-effect|definition of part-effect]] are evaluated when the emitter is created - they are the same during its entire life
** parameters ending with "Coef" in [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects#Definition_of_part-effect|definition of part-effect]] are NOT evaluated
* '''real-time emitter''' (RE)
** variables in [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects#Definition_of_part-effect|definition of part-effect]] are evaluated for each single particle<br><font color="gray">(it's each frame actually - if you create more than one particle in single frame, then variables are the same for all these particles)</font>
** parameters ending with "Coef" in [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects#Definition_of_part-effect|definition of part-effect]] ARE evaluated
 
See the [[Arma_3_Particle_Effects:_Config_Parameters|list of config parameters]] for more information.
 
 
== Specials ==
 
=== Refraction (heat) effect ===
 
You can create refraction effect which simulates movement of hot air (around exhausts, fires, etc.). There is special texture for this purpose.
; How to create refract effect:
* in config-defined particle effect set:
particleShape = \A3\data_f\ParticleEffects\Universal\Refract;
particleFSNtieth = 1;
particleFSIndex = 0;
particleFSFrameCount = 1;
particleFSLoop = 0;
* in scripted particle effect set the first item in the [[ParticleArray]] (used by script command [[setParticleParams]] or [[drop]]) to:
<sqf>["\A3\data_f\ParticleEffects\Universal\Refract",1,0,1]</sqf>
 
; Important notes:
* First three items (RGB) in color array have no meaning with refract effect, last item (alpha) defines refraction index (basically visibility of effect).
* All other parameters have the same meaning as in any other particle effect.
 
 
== See also ==
 
Definition of an effect in a script:
* [[ParticleArray]]
* [[Particles Tutorial]] ({{arma2}} &amp; {{arma3}})
* [[ParticleTemplates]] ({{arma1}})


===Config parameters===
These engine-provided parameters have already set conditions for using of particle effect. For example parameter for exhaust effect is triggered when the engine of vehicle is running. Each parameter has engine-provided variables which can be used in some parts of definition of particle effect.
<br/><br/>
For more info see '''[[Arma_3_Particle_Effects:_Config_Parameters|List of config parameters]]'''.


[[Category:Arma 3: Editing]]
[[Category: Particle System]]

Latest revision as of 09:45, 31 August 2024

Definition of effect

There are two ways how to define particle effect in Arma 3 - script and config. Pros and cons of config defined effects:

  • difficult editing (every change in any parameter requires restart of the game)
  • possibility to change the effect outside of the effect's definition is limited
  • more parameters (some advanced parameters are present only in config)
  • better performance (this is not true for each effect)
  • calling of an effect can be used in a specific engine-supported parameter
ⓘ
Technology of scripted effects which is possible to make and tweak on-the-fly is older and the documentation is already present on wiki (see See also part).


Config

Each complex effect (CE) is created by part-effects (PE) (defined in CfgCloudlets) and light (defined in CfgLights).

Definition of complex effect

Class of CE is defined directly in configFile and consists of classes that link PE (or light) to the parent effect. 

class ComplexEffect
{
	class Example1
	{
		simulation = "particles";	// type of simulation - particles or light
		type = "Default";			// name of PE's class defined in CfgCloudlets or light's class defined in CfgLights
		position[] = {0, 0, 0};		// position related to the default position or memorypoint
		lifeTime = 0.05;			// life time of emitter

		qualityLevel = -1;			// effect is only used when the the particle quality option [[particlesQuality]] in user settings matches this qualityLevel.
									// -1 play everytime, 0 play only on low, 1 play only on normal, 2 play only on high. Default: -1

		start = 1;					// is used only if the lifeTime parameter is defined, if value is changed from negative to positive then the effect is triggered
		enabled = 1;				// 1 effect is enabled, -1 effect is disabled
	};
};

Parameters simulation, type, qualityLevel, enabled, smokeGenMinDist, smokeGenMaxDist, smokeSizeCoef and smokeIntervalCoef are used everytime. Using other parameters depends on calling of the effect (see Calling of effect).

Definition of part-effect

Class of PE must be in configFile class CfgCloudlets. 

class SomeClass
{
	interval = "0.5 * speedSize + 0.5";	// interval of particle's creation
	circleRadius = 0;					// radius around emitter where particles are created
	circleVelocity[] = {0, 0, 0};		// direction and speed of movement of particle's circle

	particleShape = \A3\data_f\ParticleEffects\Universal\Universal;	// path and name of file
	particleFSNtieth = 16;				// How many rows there are in the texture. For example Universal is 16x16, so particleFSNtieth is 16. Default: 1
	particleFSIndex = 12;				// Row index 0 based, so particleFSIndex 12 will mean 13th row from the top. Default: 0
	particleFSFrameCount = 8;			// How many frames from the start of the chosen row to animate (particleFSFrameCount 8 means animate frames 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7 in sequence). Default: 1
	particleFSLoop = 1;					// Whether or not to repeat from the beginning when all frames got played (0 - false, 1 - true). If particleFSLoop is 0 animation sequence is played only once. Default: 1
	animationSpeed[] = {3,2,1};			// interpolated speed of animation in animation cycles per second.
										// e.g if particleFSFrameCount is 8 and animationSpeed at the time is 0.4 result in 8 * 0.5 = 4 frame changes per second.
										// Value 1000 is a special value but only when combined with particleFSLoop 0;
										// this will instruct the engine to play only the last frame of the given count, so if particleFSFrameCount is 5, animationSpeed[] is {1000} and particleFSLoop is 0 only 5th frame will be played.

	angle = 0;							// angle of particle
	angleVar = 0;						// variability in angle of particle
	animationName = "";
	particleType = "Billboard";			// type of animation (Billboard (2D), Spaceobject (3D))
	timerPeriod = 1;					// interval of timer (how often is called script defined in parameter onTimerScript)
	lifeTime = 1;						// life time of particle in seconds
	moveVelocity[] = {0, 0, 0};			// direction and speed of movement of particle [x,z,y]
	rotationVelocity = 0;				// direction and speed of rotation of particle [x,z,y]
	weight = 1;							// weight of particle (kg)
	volume = 1;							// volume of particle (m3)
	rubbing = 0.05;						// how much is particle affected by wind/air resistance
	size[] = {1,1};						// size of particle during the life
	color[] = {{1,1,1,1},{1,1,1,0}};	// color of particle during the life (r,g,b,a)
	randomDirectionPeriod = 0;			// interval of random speed change
	randomDirectionIntensity = 0;		// intensity of random speed change
	onTimerScript = "";					// script triggered by timer (in variable "this" is stored position of particle)
	beforeDestroyScript = "";			// script triggered before destroying of particle (in variable "this" is stored position of particle)
	lifeTimeVar = 0;					// variability in lifetime of particle
	position[] = {0, 0, 0};				// defines position of effect
	positionVar[] = {0, 0, 0};			// variability in position of particle (each part of vector has it is own variability)
	positionVarConst[] = {0, 0, 0};		// variability in position of particle (variablity of all parts of vector is the same)
	moveVelocityVar[] = {0, 0, 0};		// variability in direction and speed of particle (each part of vector has it is own variability)
	moveVelocityVarConst[] = {0, 0, 0};	// variability in direction and speed of particle (variablity of all parts of vector is the same)
	rotationVelocityVar = 0;			// variability in rotation of particle
	sizeVar = 0;						// variability in size of particle
	colorVar[] = {0, 0, 0, 0};			// variability in color of particle
	randomDirectionPeriodVar = 0;		// variability in interval of random speed change
	randomDirectionIntensityVar = 0;	// variability in intensity of random speed change
	sizeCoef = 1;						// size of particle = size parameter value * this coef (works only in some effects)
	colorCoef[]={1,1,1,1};				// color of particle = color parameter value * this coef (works only in some effects)
	animationSpeedCoef = 1;				// animation speed of particle = animationSpeed parameter value * this coef (works only in some effects)

	destroyOnWaterSurface = 0;			// particle can exist - only underwater (-1), only above the water (1), everywhere (0)
	destroyOnWaterSurfaceOffset = 0;	// offset of water surface in destroyOnWaterSurface parameter
	destroyAfterCrossing = false;		// if true, destroy when the whole particle is on the other side of the water surface. Only when _destroyOnWaterSurfaceOffset is enabled, 
	onSurface = true;					// placing of particle on (water) surface on start of it is existence, default value is true, works only if circleRadius > 0
	keepOnSurface = false;				// true for particle is stay on water surface - see notes below
	surfaceOffset = 0;					// offset of water surface in keepOnSurface parameter
	bounceOnSurface = 0.6;				// coef of speed's loosing in collision with ground, 0-1 for collisions, -1 disable collision
	bounceOnSurfaceVar = 0.0;			// variability in speed's loosing in collision with ground
	postEffects = "IEDMineFlame";				// effect triggered before destroying of particle
	particleEffects = "ExplosionShardsFire";	// emitter of effect defined in this parameter is attached to each particle
	ignoreWind = false;							// if true, wind will not be applied on the particle 
	blockAIVisibility = true;					// sets if particles are in the AI visibility tests (default true) - false for better performance but AI is able to see through particles
	emissiveColor[] = {{30,30,30,0},{0,0,0,0}};	// sets emissivity of particle, 4th number has no meaning for now

	// --- fire damage related parameters (optional)
	damageType="Fire";					// damage type, only available option is "Fire" so far
	coreIntensity = 1.25;				// damage coeficient in the center of fire
	coreDistance = 3.0;					// how far can unit get damage
	damageTime = 0.1;					// how often is unit getting damage 

	// --- override of global particle quality params
	// --- current values are in, for example:
	// --- getNumber (((configFile >> "CfgVideoOptions" >> "Particles") select particlesQuality) >> "smokeGenMinDist");
	smokeGenMinDist = 100;				// for more info see "Changes dependent on distance"
	smokeGenMaxDist = 500;				// for more info see "Changes dependent on distance"
	smokeSizeCoef = 2.0;				// for more info see "Changes dependent on distance"
	smokeIntervalCoef = 4.0;			// for more info see "Changes dependent on distance"
};
Notes
  • Ascent/descent of a particle is affected by ratio between particle's density (weight/volume) and density of air (it's 1.275 kg/m3 in Arma).
  • Parameters ending with "Coef" are used only in some effects, see info about Config parameters.
  • Only 3D particles (particleType = "SpaceObject") can use materials.
  • You can use single frame in middle of line on texture as texture of particle. Just set particleFSLoop = 0 and animationSpeed[] = {1000}, then paremeter particleFSFrameCount is number of frame in given line.
⚠
All [x,y,z] values have y and z swapped and are {x,z,y} when used in config

Evaluation in definition of part-effect

There can be inserted string instead of number in most of parameters used in definition of part-effect. This string is evaluated and in this string can be used engine-defined variables from this list.

List of parameters which don't support this type of evaluation
particleShape
particleFSNtieth
particleFSIndex
particleFSFrameCount
particleFSLoop
angleVar
animationName
particleType
color
onTimerScript
beforeDestroyScript
sizeVar
destroyOnWaterSurface
destroyOnWaterSurfaceOffset
onSurface
keepOnSurface
surfaceOffset
bounceOnSurface
bounceOnSurfaceVar
postEffects
particleEffects

Operators which can be used in evaluated strings: Simple Expression


Behaviour of particles

Speed of rotation depends on

  • initial rotation speed (parameters rotationVelocity and rotationVelocityVar)
  • air friction (rotation is slowed more with bigger value of rubbing, rotation is slowed less with bigger value of weight)

Speed and direction of movement depends on

  • initial speed of movement (parameters moveVelocity, moveVelocityVar and moveVelocityVarConst)
  • wind/air friction (particle is more affected with bigger rubbing value, particle is less affected with bigger weight value)
  • buoyancy (ratio between density of air and particle - density of particle = weight / volume)
  • randomDirection parameters (randomDirectionPeriod, randomDirectionPeriodVar, randomDirectionIntensity and randomDirectionIntensityVar)
  • collisions

Changes dependent on distance

Particles are simplified with bigger distance between particles and observer. Particles have a significant impact on performance and this helps to get better performance, so be careful with any change in the parameters below.

Parameters
  • smokeGenMinDist - defined in Definition of complex effect, default values in config class CfgDefaultSettings
  • smokeGenMaxDist - defined in Definition of complex effect, default values in config class CfgDefaultSettings
  • smokeSizeCoef - defined in Definition of complex effect, default values in config class CfgDefaultSettings
  • smokeIntervalCoef - defined in Definition of complex effect, default values in config class CfgDefaultSettings
  • dist - distance between camera and particle emitter, cut to interval <smokeGenMinDist, smokeGenMaxDist>
  • currentZoom - zoom currently used
  • smokeZoomCoef - defined in config class CfgDefaultSettings
Calculations
  • distCoef = (dist - smokeGenMinDist) / (smokeGenMaxDist - smokeGenMinDist)
  • coef = distCoef * currentZoom * smokeZoomCoef
    • coef is cut to interval <0,1>
  • sizeCoef = 1.0 + coef * (smokeSizeCoef - 1.0)
  • intervalCoef = 1.0 + coef * (smokeIntervalCoef - 1.0)
Changes in particles are made according to these coef values
  • sizeCoef - size of particle is multiplied by this value
    • value is cut to interval <1, smokeSizeCoef>
  • IntervalCoef - interval (how often is particle created by emitter) is multiplied by this value
    • value is cut to interval <1, smokeIntervalCoef>


Calling of effect

There are two ways how to call a particle effect defined in config. You can use script or one of the engine-provided config parameters. Using of a config parameter (if there is one you can use) is usually recommended, because of better performance and an efficient use of engine-provided variables in PE definitions (see the list below).

Script

There is script command setParticleClass. This command can use only a class of PE. Example:

_source01 = "#particlesource" createVehicleLocal _pos01; _source01 setParticleClass "ObjectDestructionFire1Smallx"; _source01 attachTo [_object, [0,0,0]];

ⓘ
You can use this way of particle definition and then overwrite some parameters by script command setParticleParams. This way you can get some pros of config-defined (access to parameters which are not present in ParticleArray) and scripted (dynamic changes of parameters in script) effects at once.

Config parameters

These engine-provided parameters have already set conditions for using of particle effect. For example parameter for exhaust effect is triggered when the engine of vehicle is running. Each parameter has engine-provided variables which can be used in some parts of definition of particle effect.

There are two types of emitter when you call an effect via config parameter. The type of emitter is specified in the engine for each parameter and behaviour of each emitter type is different:

  • constant emitter (CE)
  • real-time emitter (RE)
    • variables in definition of part-effect are evaluated for each single particle
      (it's each frame actually - if you create more than one particle in single frame, then variables are the same for all these particles)
    • parameters ending with "Coef" in definition of part-effect ARE evaluated

See the list of config parameters for more information.


Specials

Refraction (heat) effect

You can create refraction effect which simulates movement of hot air (around exhausts, fires, etc.). There is special texture for this purpose.

How to create refract effect
  • in config-defined particle effect set:
particleShape = \A3\data_f\ParticleEffects\Universal\Refract;
particleFSNtieth = 1;
particleFSIndex = 0;
particleFSFrameCount = 1;
particleFSLoop = 0;

["\A3\data_f\ParticleEffects\Universal\Refract",1,0,1]

Important notes
  • First three items (RGB) in color array have no meaning with refract effect, last item (alpha) defines refraction index (basically visibility of effect).
  • All other parameters have the same meaning as in any other particle effect.


See also

Definition of an effect in a script:

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