In the previous review, we discussed the first half of the Effects, Particles and Replicators Motion^R 5 training video from macProVideo and taught by Michael Wohl. The second half is a lot more fun as we start to play with Generators, Particle Systems and Replicators.

Generators
Wohl begins with Generators, giving several examples from the Library. As with filters, he demonstrates how to customize the parameters in the HUD and Inspector. He uses as an example a text generator, which many animators will find useful. He covers the various parameters in the Layout, Style and Format panes, especially the Start and End parameters for animating.

Particle Systems
Next, Wohl covers Particle Systems. I was surprised that he started this section with a demonstration of how to create your own particle systems from a simple object and followed with a discussion of preset Partical Systems, which is the opposite of most training videos. He begins by discussing the parts of the particle system that appear in the Layers pane and how to customize their parameters, such as the Shape parameter, with the HUD and Inspector Emitter controls. He also covers how to turn an image or video clip into a Particle System.

Moving on to more advanced Emitter settings, Wohl covers how to customize the Cell and Emitter parameters, especially the Randomness, Color Mode and Additive Blend controls which add realism to your Particle System. He also discusses how to use animated objects, video clips and multiple objects as the Cell source for your Particle System.

Introducing some advanced systems, Wohl discusses some of the preset animated and multi-cell Emitters and how to customize these for your project. He breaks down a flame Emitter, which is made from three cells and shows how to customize the Master Controls for each.

Replicators
In the last section of this training video, Wohl covers Replicators. He begins with how to customize a few preset Replicators using the HUD, Inspector and on screen controls. Next, he discusses more advanced settings, such as Additive Blend and Color Mode, for the Replicator and Cell. As with the Particle System, Wohl demonstrates how to create simple animation by using one or multiple video clips as the source for your cell. Finally, he demonstrates how to customize some of the preset Replicators in the Inspector and HUD.

Although Wohl uses simple examples for the purpose of teaching, I found them less than inspiring. I wish that he had a minute or so at the end of each section to show some real world examples, such as a snow fall particle system.

← Part One

https://www.macprovideo.com/tutorials/motion-application

Disclosure: I was given free access to the video training for the purpose of this review article. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.