Trapcode Particular

Obscuring Layer

Since Trapcode Particular is applied to a 2D layer and the particles live in their own 3D world, other layers in the composition won't automatically obscure the particles. The Obscuration Layer provides a way to insert a 3D layer into the particles' world.

Any 3D layer in the comp can be used to obscure particles. To do this, place the Obscuration Layer below the particle layer in the Timeline. Make sure its 3D switch is checked in the Timeline. Then select that layer in the Obscuration popup.

 

Also Obscure With

Also Obscure With can additionally tell the Layer Emitter, Text Emitter and/or Bounce Layers to obscure particles.

 

Technical notes:

• The Obscuration Layer must have 'Continuous Rasterize' switched off in the Timeline layer switches.
• The Obscuration Layer must have '3D' enabled in the Timeline layer switches.
• Obscuration does not work with semi-transparent layers.
• This obscuration is not anti-aliased so its effect can look a bit rough on the layer edges. In many cases, this issue doesn't matter because particles are small and move fast.

 

Left to right, before and after Obscuration Layer is enabled.

 

Left to right, before and after Obscuration Layer is chosen.