www.astralax.com

I just purchased this software (Magic Particles) only to discover that there is absolutely nothing available to educate the purchaser on how to ever begin using the software properly. So we have to learn "by guess and by golly"? Why? The first software of this caliber that I feel is everything I have been wanting for such a long time AND at a reasonable price, and now I have to fumble around to learn it. This is truly frustrating and annoying!!!

The basics of Magic Particles: http://www.astralax.com/articles/videoguide
Creating Fire in a Particle Editor: http://www.astralax.com/articles/inflames
F1 - Manual

I hope will be created more video-tutorials for a new version of program.

Thank you for your response. I noticed in one example that there are letters that look like they are burning. (Astralax web page, gallery 1, top row, second video). Can you please explain in detail how this is accomplished? This is EXACTLY the effect I'm trying to achieve. Or is there a tutorial on how to do this? And what if I want fire to appear behind lettering? I have Photoshop CS4 and I know how to create .gifs, png's, etc. in order to achieve any transparency necessary. Again, thank you for getting back to me so quickly.

Thank you for your response.

You are welcome.

Or is there a tutorial on how to do this?

File->Open Sample->jellyfish.ptc
Select the emitter 'Astralax'. You can change type of emitter 'Text' (first diagram) and enter any text.

And what if I want fire to appear behind lettering?

Magic Particles is editor of special effects. This program can't edit layers of video. You can export special effect in png or avi with alpha channel. Use Adobe After Effects to unite layers of avi and png.
You can create 'Animate folder' in Magic Particles too. It allows to play some emitters simultaneously.

Or is there a tutorial on how to do this?

File->Open Sample->jellyfish.ptc
Select the emitter 'Astralax'. You can change type of emitter 'Text' (first diagram) and enter any text.

Unlike the emitter "Zero", there is no way to select the text "Astralax". Please advise if there is some other way to do this that is different than with the "Zero" emitter. Thank You.

Please advise if there is some other way to do this that is different than with the "Zero" emitter.

Select type "Text" for emitter 'Astralax':

You sure don't waste any time getting back to us. Awesome! Thanks!

Ok, so I'm a few steps into what I need to accomplish with these deterrents.
1. I have the paid version on my pc, which is being repaired as of yesterday, and I have the free version of Magic Particles on my laptop. I accomplished what I needed (with your help, thank you very much) with the free version on my laptop, but it seems I'm not able to save it or export it. Can I install the paid version on my laptop as well as my pc?
2. My goal is the creation of a banner for an online game I play which will be posted to a web page. Can it be posted on a web page or is it for videos only? (Sorry I'm such a noob).
3. Is there a way that I can have the flames on the lettering without the smoke? Or at least is there a way to cut the smoke emitters to a minimum?

You sure don't waste any time getting back to us. Awesome! Thanks!

You are welcome!

Can I install the paid version on my laptop as well as my pc?

Yes.

Can it be posted on a web page or is it for videos only?

Web page works with JPG and GIF only (if you do not use flash). JPG can't contain of the animation. Magic Particles can't export in GIF. But you can use any 'GIF animator' in order to translate png or avi in animate gif.

Is there a way that I can have the flames on the lettering without the smoke? Or at least is there a way to cut the smoke emitters to a minimum?

Open emitter 'Astralax' and delete first and second 'Particle Type'.