Trapcode Particular 2.

0 | Using Animation Presets

Using Presets in Particular

Animation Presets are a fast way to get started with Particular 2.0.
A ‘preset’ is a saved file that holds setting combinations for the
plugin. When you apply a Particular preset, you set down parameter
values, Timeline keyframes, layer properties, and even expression
scripting. Basically, you are applying a particle animation that has
already been created.

Use the shipped presets

Particular 2.0 ships with hundreds of Animation Presets that you
The ‘ExplodeOut’ preset is
can apply to your project. Use the preset animation as it appears,
already set to burst into smoke
or modify to fit your design by changing the settings, keyframes
and other properties.
Shipped Particular presets always start with the prefix ‘t2’. They are stored in the
‘After Effects/Presets/Particular 2 Presets’ folder on your hard drive. If you create
your own presets, it’s a good idea to name them without that prefix to distinguish
between the shipped and custom presets. You should also create a separate folder
for the new presets.

Mac location: AE/ Presets/ Trapcode 2 Presets

Windows location: Adobe/AE/ Presets/ Trapcode Presets

File format for presets

You may want to share presets, especially ones that you create, between users and
computers. Animation presets can be saved and transferred from one computer to
another. The filename extension is .ffx.

PAGE 1 © 2010, DanCor | Particular 2.0

Trapcode Particular 2.0 | Using Animation Presets

Apply a Preset
There are a few ways to apply a preset. One way is to click on the Animation
Presets popup box that’s at the top of the Effect Controls panel. A menu of
presets will open. Just choose the preset that you want, then drag the Time
Marker in the Timeline to see its animation.
You can alternately use the Effects & Presets panel to apply a preset. Just drag-
and-drop the preset from the panel to a layer in the Timeline or Comp window.
Once the preset is applied, it behaves like any other animation and is not tied to
the Preset feature.

Animation Presets popup in Effect Controls panel Choices in Effects & Presets panel

TECH NOTE: Set Time Marker to Frame 1

When you apply a shipped Particular preset, the Time Marker must be set to Time
00:00. This applies the Particular preset to the first frame of the layer. Many of the
preset animations are designed to work from the very beginning of the Timeline.
Before selecting a preset, make sure the Time Marker is at Frame 1 of the work area:

PAGE 2 © 2010, DanCor | Particular 2.0

Trapcode Particular 2.0 | Using Animation Presets

Create your own Presets

You can save an animation for later use as a
new custom preset. In the Effect Controls panel,
choose the ‘Save Selection...’ item from the Save Selection option in the Presets popup
Animation Presets popup.
Presets should go in one of two locations on
your hard drive. Put them in the After Effects/
Presets directory in a folder or subfolder. (In our
examples below, we created subfolders called
‘trapcode by me’ and ‘my custom trapcode’.)
Alternately, put the custom preset in the User
Presets folder that Particular automatically points
to in your User directory.

Mac path: Save preset to custom folder Windows path: Save preset to custom folder

Mac path: Save preset to User/Presets folder

Windows path: Save preset to User/Presets folder

PAGE 3 © 2010, DanCor | Particular 2.0