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Magic ParticlesProducts
   
  special effects editor + API for game developers:

 
   
   
   
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  allows to playback the special effects from own programs  
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  universal wrappers for API integration into most popular graphics engines  
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  special effects editor for designers  
     
Magic ParticlesGallery
   
  List of commercial games using Magic Particles technology  
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  Some video clips of games that use Magic Particles technology  
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  Video of special effects created with the help of Magic Particles  
     
Magic ParticlesFeedback
   
  Forum on Magic Particles usage  
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  Developers e-mail  
     


 
Magic Particles - History of versions
 
   List of versions

Magic Particles 3.54 - 15.07.2018
Magic Particles 3.53 - 22.02.2018
Magic Particles 3.52 - 27.01.2018
Magic Particles 3.51 - 25.12.2017
Magic Particles 3.5 - 18.12.2017
Magic Particles 3.45 - 29.06.2017
Magic Particles 3.44 - 02.05.2017
Magic Particles 3.43 - 16.01.2017
Magic Particles 3.42 - 19.12.2016
Magic Particles 3.41 - 24.10.2016
Magic Particles 3.37 - 17.09.2016
Magic Particles 3.34 - 18.02.2016
Magic Particles 2.25 - 04.07.2014
Magic Particles 2.24 - 04.04.2014
Magic Particles 2.22 - 31.10.2013
Magic Particles 2.18 - 28.09.2012
Magic Particles 2.17 - 23.10.2011
Magic Particles 2.0 - 11.11.2010
Magic Particles 1.72 - 24.10.2009

 
 
   Magic Particles 3.54 - 15.07.2018

The bug in material editor was fixed.The bug in material editor was fixed.

 
 
   Magic Particles 3.53 - 22.02.2018

Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.

 
 
   Magic Particles 3.52 - 27.01.2018

Several bugs were fixed in editor.Several bugs were fixed in editor.

 
 
   Magic Particles 3.51 - 25.12.2017

Several bugs were fixed in editor.Several bugs were fixed in editor.

 
 
   Magic Particles 3.5 - 18.12.2017

Multithreading was added in API.Multithreading was added in API.

Contexts are were added in API. Now emitters may be loaded in different contexts.Contexts are were added in API. Now emitters may be loaded in different contexts.

The possibility to select any sequence of the frames from texture appeared in the editor for visualization of particles.The possibility to select any sequence of the frames from texture appeared in the editor for visualization of particles.

Now editor may be launched in MAC OS with the help of WINE.Now editor may be launched in MAC OS with the help of WINE.

Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.

<b>Note that the new API will not work with the old version of the wrapper.</b>Note that the new API will not work with the old version of the wrapper.

 
 
   Magic Particles 3.45 - 29.06.2017

Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.

 
 
   Magic Particles 3.44 - 02.05.2017

Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.

 
 
   Magic Particles 3.43 - 16.01.2017

Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.

 
 
   Magic Particles 3.42 - 19.12.2016

The new special effects were added: 3d_ktl10.The new special effects were added: 3d_ktl10.

Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.

 
 
   Magic Particles 3.41 - 24.10.2016

Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.

 
 
   Magic Particles 3.37 - 17.09.2016

The new special effects were added: 3d_ktl7, 3d_ktl8, 3d_ktl9.The new special effects were added: 3d_ktl7, 3d_ktl8, 3d_ktl9.

Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.

Memory leak was fixed in the wrapper.Memory leak was fixed in the wrapper.

 
 
   Magic Particles 3.34 - 18.02.2016

The new properties appeared for particle:</br>
      - <b>Trail</b> - particle extends according to the trajectory of the movement. The speed of the reduction of the trajectory is configured by the user.</br>
      - <b>Beam</b> - the user draws the path for the particle, and the particle extends according to this path.  It is possible to use 'Noise', i.e. the path may change itself with the definite rate. The texture may extend gradually from the beginning to the end of the path.</br>
      - <b>Path</b> - the user draws the path for the particle, and the particles move only according to this path. At the end of the path the particles may be destroyed or they may continue the movement or jump over to the beginning of the path.</br></br>

      Trail and Beam for 3D emitter have the additional properties, for instance, for the texturing of the path several surfaces may be used.  The orientation of the surfaces may be chosen by the user too. For example, the surface may be oriented by the camera.</br></br>

      Beam and Path receive the path from the user and this path is built from the animation keys. Every key additionally contains the Time. This Time will be considered, i.e. it is possible to set different speed for different segments of the path.
	  The new properties appeared for particle:
- Trail - particle extends according to the trajectory of the movement. The speed of the reduction of the trajectory is configured by the user.
- Beam - the user draws the path for the particle, and the particle extends according to this path. It is possible to use 'Noise', i.e. the path may change itself with the definite rate. The texture may extend gradually from the beginning to the end of the path.
- Path - the user draws the path for the particle, and the particles move only according to this path. At the end of the path the particles may be destroyed or they may continue the movement or jump over to the beginning of the path.

Trail and Beam for 3D emitter have the additional properties, for instance, for the texturing of the path several surfaces may be used. The orientation of the surfaces may be chosen by the user too. For example, the surface may be oriented by the camera.

Beam and Path receive the path from the user and this path is built from the animation keys. Every key additionally contains the Time. This Time will be considered, i.e. it is possible to set different speed for different segments of the path.

The particles as 3d models were added.  It is necessary to create such particle in advance with the help of 3D Max or Maya.  <i>Magic Particles</i> may load the following formats:  fbx, collada, 3ds, obj and dfx (it is necessary that the mesh should consist of the triangles).</br>
    - Magic Particles allows to load automatically the textures, which are used  by the mesh. The material will be created from these textures.</br>
    - Magic Particles allows to texture one mesh by several textures (i.e. different edges may be textured by different textures). It is possible to select the Color Set for the mesh vertices and use different UV Sets too.</br>
    - Magic Particles allows to change Pivot of the mesh.</br>
    - It is possible to use animation from meshes. The rate of the animation is defined by the user.</br>
    - The physics may influence the meshes.
	The particles as 3d models were added. It is necessary to create such particle in advance with the help of 3D Max or Maya. Magic Particles may load the following formats: fbx, collada, 3ds, obj and dfx (it is necessary that the mesh should consist of the triangles).
- Magic Particles allows to load automatically the textures, which are used by the mesh. The material will be created from these textures.
- Magic Particles allows to texture one mesh by several textures (i.e. different edges may be textured by different textures). It is possible to select the Color Set for the mesh vertices and use different UV Sets too.
- Magic Particles allows to change Pivot of the mesh.
- It is possible to use animation from meshes. The rate of the animation is defined by the user.
- The physics may influence the meshes.

The Materials were added. The Materials allow to manage the texturing of the particle. For example, the multitexturing may be used or several textures may be drawn on the particle independently.</br>
    - It is possible to set the rules of the texture blending for the multitexturing. I.e. the user may choose the source of the color (vertex color, texture color or color from previous  operation) and define the blending operation (multiplication,  addition, subtraction).</br>
    - The way of the texture addressing may be chosen (WRAP, CLAMP, MIRROR).</br>
    - The way of the blending of the final pixel with the pixel on the scene may be set by the user too.</br>
    - For meshes it is possible to select different textures for different edges.</br>
    - Material has the Timeline, which allows to manage the textural coordinates in time. Each texture is managed independently. The properties Position, Rotation and Scale are used for it. Timeline allows to set the animation keys for each property or define the constant speed for change of the property. The property 'Time' may be used in 2 ways: absolute time or time of the particle life in percent.
	The Materials were added. The Materials allow to manage the texturing of the particle. For example, the multitexturing may be used or several textures may be drawn on the particle independently.
- It is possible to set the rules of the texture blending for the multitexturing. I.e. the user may choose the source of the color (vertex color, texture color or color from previous operation) and define the blending operation (multiplication, addition, subtraction).
- The way of the texture addressing may be chosen (WRAP, CLAMP, MIRROR).
- The way of the blending of the final pixel with the pixel on the scene may be set by the user too.
- For meshes it is possible to select different textures for different edges.
- Material has the Timeline, which allows to manage the textural coordinates in time. Each texture is managed independently. The properties Position, Rotation and Scale are used for it. Timeline allows to set the animation keys for each property or define the constant speed for change of the property. The property 'Time' may be used in 2 ways: absolute time or time of the particle life in percent.

The new objects Picture, Text, Video and Model were added. These objects can be shown with the emitter, if they are placed in the same folder. I.e. at present several additional images or videos may be attached to the emitter.</br>
    - These objects have Timeline, that allows to change their position on the scene.</br>
    - These objects (except Video) may be used in API (the property 'Use in API' turns on this possibility).  It means, that the library will use  these objects as the usual emitters.The new objects Picture, Text, Video and Model were added. These objects can be shown with the emitter, if they are placed in the same folder. I.e. at present several additional images or videos may be attached to the emitter.
- These objects have Timeline, that allows to change their position on the scene.
- These objects (except Video) may be used in API (the property 'Use in API' turns on this possibility). It means, that the library will use these objects as the usual emitters.

The new types of the Storages appeared. All background objects will be automatically placed into the corresponding Storage.The new types of the Storages appeared. All background objects will be automatically placed into the corresponding Storage.

Currently some diagrams of Particle Type may be scaled by the axis X. It allows to execute the diagram several times during the particle existence.Currently some diagrams of Particle Type may be scaled by the axis X. It allows to execute the diagram several times during the particle existence.

The properties <b>Velocity</b>, <b>Weight</b>, <b>Spin</b> and <b>Angular velocity</b> received an additionally possibility, which allows to invert their values randomly for each particle.The properties Velocity, Weight, Spin and Angular velocity received an additionally possibility, which allows to invert their values randomly for each particle.

At present the diagram <b>Angular velocity</b> allows to rotate the particles around the emitter.At present the diagram Angular velocity allows to rotate the particles around the emitter.

For the users of API the editor allows to calculate the maximal <b>Bounding Box</b> of any emitter. This info may be used for the optimization, because it allows to detect quickly the location of the emitter relatively to the visible part of the scene.For the users of API the editor allows to calculate the maximal Bounding Box of any emitter. This info may be used for the optimization, because it allows to detect quickly the location of the emitter relatively to the visible part of the scene.

For the users of API the technology of LODs was added. <b>LOD</b> allows according to the distance to the camera to use automatically different variants of the same emitter. I.e. if the emitter is near then this emitter should be drawn in high quality, otherwise if the emitter is far, then the low quality may be used. For levels of LOD the other emitter or the same emitter with the changed properties  may be used. Besides Picture may be used instead of the emitter (it is useful to create simple animation from frames). Additionally for each level of detail several Variants may be defined. API will randomly choose one Variant from the existing Variants.For the users of API the technology of LODs was added. LOD allows according to the distance to the camera to use automatically different variants of the same emitter. I.e. if the emitter is near then this emitter should be drawn in high quality, otherwise if the emitter is far, then the low quality may be used. For levels of LOD the other emitter or the same emitter with the changed properties may be used. Besides Picture may be used instead of the emitter (it is useful to create simple animation from frames). Additionally for each level of detail several Variants may be defined. API will randomly choose one Variant from the existing Variants.

 
 
   Magic Particles 2.25 - 04.07.2014

The object <b>Camera</b> was added in 3D version. Any 3D-emitter can choose any camera for rendering.The object Camera was added in 3D version. Any 3D-emitter can choose any camera for rendering.

Fullscreen mode (F11) get an option for selecting monitors. Option is available in program settings.Fullscreen mode (F11) get an option for selecting monitors. Option is available in program settings.

Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.Several bugs were fixed in editor and API.

Camera properties (position, fov, aspect ratio, viewport) are accessible from API through function Magic_GetView. Camera can be used for rendering 3D-emitters in 2D-games.Camera properties (position, fov, aspect ratio, viewport) are accessible from API through function Magic_GetView. Camera can be used for rendering 3D-emitters in 2D-games.

 
 
   Magic Particles 2.24 - 04.04.2014

Fullscreen mode was added (F11).Fullscreen mode was added (F11).

The abilities to manage orientation particles plane were added. Now it is possible to rotate some orientation planes together with emitter.The abilities to manage orientation particles plane were added. Now it is possible to rotate some orientation planes together with emitter.

The ability to loop emitter in the editor for Dev-version appeared.The ability to loop emitter in the editor for Dev-version appeared.

The abilities to convert ptc-files in API mode using command line were improved. New command line parameter allows to send file with convertation settings. File with convertation settings can be saved from the editor.The abilities to convert ptc-files in API mode using command line were improved. New command line parameter allows to send file with convertation settings. File with convertation settings can be saved from the editor.

API function Magic_SetViewMatrix was changed to Magic_SetCamera, which makes API integration easier into game engine.API function Magic_SetViewMatrix was changed to Magic_SetCamera, which makes API integration easier into game engine.

Function Magic_GetVersion was added in API.Function Magic_GetVersion was added in API.

 
 
   Magic Particles 2.22 - 31.10.2013

Physic objects were added: wind, obstacle and magnet. Wind is external power, obstacle allows to detect the collisions, magnet attracts or repulses the particles. The examples are located in file physics.ptc (folder Samples of installed program).Physic objects were added: wind, obstacle and magnet. Wind is external power, obstacle allows to detect the collisions, magnet attracts or repulses the particles. The examples are located in file physics.ptc (folder Samples of installed program).

Possibility of managing the events was added. For example, it is possible at the moment of particle distruction to create another particle or to destroy the particle at the moment of collision with the obstacle.Possibility of managing the events was added. For example, it is possible at the moment of particle distruction to create another particle or to destroy the particle at the moment of collision with the obstacle.

Custom variables of the type bool, int, float and string appeared for folders, emitters and particle type. These variables are extracted with the help of API. It is possible to use the diagram as variable for emitters.Custom variables of the type bool, int, float and string appeared for folders, emitters and particle type. These variables are extracted with the help of API. It is possible to use the diagram as variable for emitters.

Possibility of objects finding by name was added.Possibility of objects finding by name was added.

At present the user may turn on or turn off the texture optimization in storage.At present the user may turn on or turn off the texture optimization in storage.

Square sizes may be obligitary defined for textural atlases.Square sizes may be obligitary defined for textural atlases.

Magic Particles may be installed into separate folder. It allows not to delete previous version.Magic Particles may be installed into separate folder. It allows not to delete previous version.

Possibility of hiding/showing Timeline was added. Use <i>View->Timeline</i>.Possibility of hiding/showing Timeline was added. Use View->Timeline.

Functions for working with Events appeared. For example, user can get the message about creation of new particle and execute some actions at this moment.Functions for working with Events appeared. For example, user can get the message about creation of new particle and execute some actions at this moment.

Possibility of creating, changing and deleting of physic objects directly with the help of API was added. Magic Particles uses own decision to detect collision, but there is possibility of including external physic engine.Possibility of creating, changing and deleting of physic objects directly with the help of API was added. Magic Particles uses own decision to detect collision, but there is possibility of including external physic engine.

At present user can control every particle directly changing the position, size and other properties of particle.At present user can control every particle directly changing the position, size and other properties of particle.

Functions for I/O streams were added.Functions for I/O streams were added.

Possibility of choosing the direction of axes X,Y,Z was addedPossibility of choosing the direction of axes X,Y,Z was added

Totally approximately 50 new functions were added to API, the description of which is possible to find in the file API.chm.Totally approximately 50 new functions were added to API, the description of which is possible to find in the file API.chm.

Number of the wrappers for fast integration of API into engines was increased. Wrappers for Mac OS, iOS, Android, Windows 8 / RT, Windows Phone 8, Cocos2dx were added.Number of the wrappers for fast integration of API into engines was increased. Wrappers for Mac OS, iOS, Android, Windows 8 / RT, Windows Phone 8, Cocos2dx were added.

 
 
   Magic Particles 2.18 - 28.09.2012

* Some bugs were fixed in visual editor and API.* Some bugs were fixed in visual editor and API.

* The wrapper was improved.* The wrapper was improved.

 
 
   Magic Particles 2.17 - 23.10.2011

* A new property Opacity was added on Timeline.* A new property Opacity was added on Timeline.

* Orientation of particle relative to its movement was added.* Orientation of particle relative to its movement was added.

* Orientation is made for each Particles Type separately.* Orientation is made for each Particles Type separately.

* Scene may be moved by left button mouse holding ALT.* Scene may be moved by left button mouse holding ALT.

* Particles Type may be mixed while drawing.* Particles Type may be mixed while drawing.

* Child particles now may move relatively to parent particles direction.* Child particles now may move relatively to parent particles direction.

* Possibility to control particle size by width and height appeared.* Possibility to control particle size by width and height appeared.

* Editor allows to scale textures visually.* Editor allows to scale textures visually.

* Library is compatible with editor Timeline, i.e. all actions executed in editor with the help of Timeline will be played by library.* Library is compatible with editor Timeline, i.e. all actions executed in editor with the help of Timeline will be played by library.

* Possibility to create TAIL from particles between 2 emitter positions appeared.* Possibility to create TAIL from particles between 2 emitter positions appeared.

* Program work on computer with 2 monitors was improved.* Program work on computer with 2 monitors was improved.

* Possibility to estimate effective usage of textures for special effects was added.* Possibility to estimate effective usage of textures for special effects was added.

* Functions of API working with file names were changed for string format UTF8.* Functions of API working with file names were changed for string format UTF8.

* Functions of translating strings between UTF8 and UTF16 were added in API.* Functions of translating strings between UTF8 and UTF16 were added in API.

* Wrapper was changed for Unicode work.* Wrapper was changed for Unicode work.

* Visual editor cuts off useless places of loaded textures.* Visual editor cuts off useless places of loaded textures.

* Now wrapper is able to restore lost textures in case of changing the screen mode.* Now wrapper is able to restore lost textures in case of changing the screen mode.

* Serious changes were made for textural atlas.* Serious changes were made for textural atlas.

* Wrapper was changed for usage in 2d and 3d mode.* Wrapper was changed for usage in 2d and 3d mode.

* 3D library version appeared.* 3D library version appeared.

* About 40 new functions were added to API.* About 40 new functions were added to API.

 
 
   Magic Particles 2.0 - 11.11.2010

* This version works with 3D-emitters. All forms of emitters exististng for 2D now may work in 3D. There is additional form of emitter Model, that is possible to load from 3DS-file.* This version works with 3D-emitters. All forms of emitters exististng for 2D now may work in 3D. There is additional form of emitter Model, that is possible to load from 3DS-file.

* Timeline was added. It allows to move, rotate and scale the emitter in time. The timeline is made in analogy with program Adobe AfterEffects.* Timeline was added. It allows to move, rotate and scale the emitter in time. The timeline is made in analogy with program Adobe AfterEffects.

* Now Screensaver may be made from emitters automatically.* Now Screensaver may be made from emitters automatically.

* The design and possibilities of scene were improved. It is possible to scale and rotate the scene.* The design and possibilities of scene were improved. It is possible to scale and rotate the scene.

* A lot of new special effects are added into the program.* A lot of new special effects are added into the program.

 
 
   Magic Particles 1.72 - 24.10.2009

*) Work with animate folders was improved:*) Work with animate folders was improved:

a) User's icon was added.a) User's icon was added.

b) It is possible to insert background, as on
the usual emitter.b) It is possible to insert background, as on the usual emitter.

c) Now it is possible to move animated folders on a scene and to
scale them.c) Now it is possible to move animated folders on a scene and to scale them.

d) Export of animated folders was improved.d) Export of animated folders was improved.

* Functional properties of diagrams were improved:* Functional properties of diagrams were improved:

a) New fields were added on the diagrams that allows to edit constant values without maximizing diagram.a) New fields were added on the diagrams that allows to edit constant values without maximizing diagram.

b) The height of the diagram in a normal state can be stretched now by the mouse.b) The height of the diagram in a normal state can be stretched now by the mouse.

* Now it is possible to export uncompressed video with the alpha channel.* Now it is possible to export uncompressed video with the alpha channel.

* The button was added for deleting all textures from particle type.* The button was added for deleting all textures from particle type.

* The program uses the CPU more economically now.* The program uses the CPU more economically now.

* The updating mechanism through the Internet was improved and
possibility to get news was added.* The updating mechanism through the Internet was improved and possibility to get news was added.

* Work with diagrams was altered completely - now red and grey
diagrams are united (it is possible to disconnect this through program
options).* Work with diagrams was altered completely - now red and grey diagrams are united (it is possible to disconnect this through program options).

* By the right button on the diagram the pop-up menu opens (if there is a short
click) . A part of buttons was transferred to this menu. United
diagrams are possible to locate horizontally or vertically.* By the right button on the diagram the pop-up menu opens (if there is a short click) . A part of buttons was transferred to this menu. United diagrams are possible to locate horizontally or vertically.

* Now there is a factor for curves in program options which influences the
strength of curvature.* Now there is a factor for curves in program options which influences the strength of curvature.

* Min/max dialogue was deleted. Now this field varies directly on
diagrams. Sorting of particles is transferred on the diagram Opacity.* Min/max dialogue was deleted. Now this field varies directly on diagrams. Sorting of particles is transferred on the diagram Opacity.

* The base set of special effects was expanded.* The base set of special effects was expanded.

* Texture storage was improved.* Texture storage was improved.

* Now you can see the form of emitter on the scene visually. You can enable/disable this feature with F9 button.* Now you can see the form of emitter on the scene visually. You can enable/disable this feature with F9 button.

* Now it is possible to reduce/increase the height of the scene due to the settings window under the scene.* Now it is possible to reduce/increase the height of the scene due to the settings window under the scene.

 
Magic ParticlesTutorials
   
  Video tutorial about timeline, shows how to add, remove keys. Also explained how to control folders on timeline.  
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  Video tutorial about user interface of the program. Shown the difference between Gray and Red graphs. Explained Emitter Lifetime, Particle lifetime.  
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  Plugin and its description.  
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Magic ParticlesNews
   
   
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