View source for Particle Editor

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{{For|about={{source|4|nt=3}} version of Particle Editor|the {{source2|4}} version|[[Particle Editor (Source 2)]]|}}

The '''Particle Editor''' is an [[Engine tools|engine tool]] available since {{src}}[[Source 2007]] on Windows machines. To use it, run your game or mod with {{code|'''-tools -nop4'''}} on the [[command line]] and select 'Particle Editor' from the Tools menu. Make sure that {{code|sv_lan}} is set to 1 in the console located in the lower-left corner ({{code|sv_lan 1}}).


To load a map into the engine viewport, look to the console window at the bottom of the screen and type {{code|map <levelname>}}.

{{tip|Earlier particle editor builds never refresh particles in the current map. To work around this, execute {{code|bind h "ent_fire info_particle_system stop;wait 120;ent_fire info_particle_system start"}} in the console then use {{key|H}}.}}

== Currently Supported Games ==
*{{as|4}}
*{{Bms|4}} ''Not compatible with [[Qt]] UI, add {{code|'''-oldgameui'''}} to launch game with [[VGUI]]. Support [https://developer.download.nvidia.com/whitepapers/2007/SDK10/SoftParticles_hi.pdf soft particles] since [https://steamcommunity.com/games/362890/announcements/detail/1715207569423590279?fbclid=IwAR0bdoW2MW8HfG0a2vPVPADFQUe5j2YAmsTvYO8b7tPfk_bkjJhKpxBs5Po Xen Engine update].''
*{{css|4}}
*{{csgo|4}} ''See [[Fixing CSGO particle editor]].''
*{{dods|4}}
*{{ddd|4}} ''Must use "toolload pet" console command to launch''
*{{GMOD|4}}
*{{HL2|4}}
*{{hl2ep1|4}}
*{{hl2ep2|4}}
*{{l4d|4}}
*{{l4d2|4}}
*{{nd|4}}
*{{portal|4}}
*{{P2CE|4}}
*{{tf2|4}}
{{bug|The 64-bit particle editor is currently broken. The 32-bit version of TF2 must be started, this can be done by creating a .bat file beside the executable with these contents: <code>tf.exe -tools</code> and launching that.}}
*{{sfm|4}}
*{{src07|4}} Mods
*{{src09|4}} Mods
*{{src13|4}} Mods

== Interface guide ==

This screenshot is from Alien Swarm. Earlier versions of the editor look different, but work in the same way.

[[File:Particles asw.jpg|1000px|center]]

The top edge of the screen is the main menu. From here you can load and save PCF files, undo and redo actions, and configure your workspace.

# The '''browser''' shows the contents of the current PCF file. You can store any number of particle systems in the same PCF. The numbers of parents and children are shown beneath the preview.
# The '''engine viewport''' shows whatever the game is currently rendering. You can flip control to and from the game with {{key|F10}}, and maximise your view with {{key|F11}}.
# '''Properties''' is where the current particle system is edited. You can add, remove and configure new functions and children. Whenever you make a change, all instances of the particle system restart. {{tip|You can use your scroll wheel to increase or decrease most values. There are three modifier keys to help with this:
#* For increments of 0.1, use {{key|Ctrl}}
#* For increments of 10, use {{key|Shift}}
#* To lock the value to 0-1, use {{key|Alt}}}}
# The '''preview window''' shows the current system and its children up close. You can manipulate your view by holding {{key|LMB}} to rotate, {{key|RMB}} to zoom, and {{key|MMB}} to pan. The "Ctrl Pnts" tab lets you configure temporary [[Control Point (particles)|control points]] for the preview. The "Lock Preview System" checkbox stops the preview from updating when you select a new system, making it easy to edit child systems and see the result in its proper context. To 

The bottom edge of the screen contains a compact [[developer console]]. Commands are entered into the left box, while the last line of output is displayed in the right.

== See also ==
*[[Particle System Overview]]
*[[Particle System]]
*[[Creating A Fire Particle]]
*[[info_particle_system|info_particle_system]]
*[[SFM/List of useful SFM tutorials|List of useful SFM tutorials]]

[[Category:Engine Tools]]