Niagara, a visible results system inside Unreal Engine, permits customers to create and manipulate dynamic particle results. One frequent state of affairs is the necessity to alter the size of a particle system, whether or not to fine-tune the visible impression or reply to gameplay occasions. Thankfully, Unreal Engine offers a number of strategies to regulate the size of Niagara programs, enabling artists and builders to attain the specified visible outcomes.
One easy method to scaling Niagara particles includes modifying the “Preliminary Dimension” parameter throughout the Niagara System’s Particulars panel. This parameter immediately controls the preliminary scale of every particle when it’s emitted. By rising or lowering the worth of “Preliminary Dimension,” you may alter the general dimension of the particle system. Nonetheless, this methodology solely impacts the preliminary scale and doesn’t permit for dynamic scaling over time.
For extra complicated scaling eventualities, Niagara gives the “Scale” module. This module lets you apply a scale transformation to particles over their lifetime. By connecting the “Scale” module to the “Particle Replace” node and setting the specified scale values, you may create dynamic scaling results that adjust primarily based on components comparable to particle age, velocity, or different parameters. Moreover, the “Scale” module permits for particular person management over the size alongside the X, Y, and Z axes, offering larger flexibility in shaping the particle system.
Resizing Niagara Programs
Niagara programs might be resized within the following methods:
- By adjusting the Niagara system’s “Scale” property. This property is positioned within the “Particulars” panel of the Niagara system’s editor. The dimensions property can be utilized to extend or lower the scale of the Niagara system as a complete, in addition to to scale particular person elements of the system.
- By adjusting the “Scale” property of particular person Niagara modules. This property is positioned within the “Particulars” panel of every module’s editor. The dimensions property can be utilized to extend or lower the scale of the module’s output, in addition to to scale the module’s place and rotation.
- By utilizing the “Scale Vector” parameter. This parameter is offered in lots of Niagara modules. The dimensions vector parameter can be utilized to scale the output of the module in several instructions.
The next desk offers a abstract of the other ways to resize Niagara programs:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Adjusting the Niagara system’s “Scale” property | Scales your complete Niagara system, together with all of its elements. |
| Adjusting the “Scale” property of particular person Niagara modules | Scales the output of particular person Niagara modules. |
| Utilizing the “Scale Vector” parameter | Scales the output of Niagara modules in several instructions. |
Setting Scale in Niagara Preview
Within the Niagara Editor, you may alter the size of the preview viewport to get a greater view of your results. To do that, merely hover your mouse over the preview viewport and use the scroll wheel to zoom in or out. It’s also possible to maintain down the Ctrl key and drag the mouse to pan across the viewport.
Setting Scale in Niagara Preview
To vary the size of a Niagara system within the preview viewport, observe these steps:
- Choose the Niagara system within the Content material Browser.
- Click on on the “Preview” button within the Niagara Editor toolbar.
- Hover your mouse over the preview viewport and use the scroll wheel to zoom in or out. It’s also possible to maintain down the Ctrl key and drag the mouse to pan across the viewport.
The dimensions of the Niagara system will likely be up to date in real-time as you make modifications within the Niagara Editor.
| Motion | Keyboard Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Zoom in | Scroll wheel up |
| Zoom out | Scroll wheel down |
| Pan | Ctrl + drag |
Further Data
It’s also possible to alter the size of the Niagara preview viewport utilizing the “View” menu within the Niagara Editor toolbar. To do that, merely click on on the “View” menu and choose the “Zoom” possibility. You may then select from a wide range of zoom ranges, or you may enter a customized zoom degree within the “Zoom to” area.
Scaling A number of Emitters Concurrently
To scale a number of emitters concurrently in Niagara, you should use the next steps:
- Choose a number of emitters: Within the Niagara editor, choose the emitters you need to scale.
- Open the Rework panel: Click on on the “Rework” tab within the Niagara editor.
- Alter the size: Within the Rework panel, alter the “Scale” values for the chosen emitters.
- Apply modifications: Click on on the “Apply Adjustments” button to use the scaling to the chosen emitters.
- Effective-tune particular person emitters: If vital, you may alter the scaling of particular person emitters by right-clicking on the emitter and deciding on “Edit Rework > Scale”. This lets you make extra exact changes to the size of every emitter.
Instance: Scaling a number of emitters with completely different scales
The next desk exhibits an instance of the way to scale a number of emitters with completely different scales:
| Emitter | Scale |
|---|---|
| Emitter_A | 0.5, 1.0, 1.0 |
| Emitter_B | 1.0, 0.5, 1.0 |
| Emitter_C | 1.0, 1.0, 0.5 |
On this instance, Emitter_A is scaled down by half on the X-axis, Emitter_B is scaled down by half on the Y-axis, and Emitter_C is scaled down by half on the Z-axis.
Controlling Scale with Expressions
Niagara gives the pliability to manage the size of results through expressions. Expressions are text-based snippets that carry out mathematical calculations and can be utilized to drive varied parameters, together with scale.
The syntax for scale manipulation in Niagara expressions is:
| Expression | Description |
|---|---|
| GetScale() | Retrieves the present scale of the particle |
| SetScale(new_scale) | Units the size of the particle to the required worth |
| ScaleBy(scale_factor) | Multiplies the particle’s scale by the given issue |
Listed here are some sensible examples:
- To double the size of a particle:
SetScale(GetScale() * 2) - To cut back the size by half:
SetScale(GetScale() * 0.5) - To extend the size step by step over time:
ScaleBy(1 + (Time * 0.1))the place Time is the elapsed time
Using Scale Inheritance
Scale Inheritance in Niagara lets you inherit and scale particle programs primarily based on the size of a specified emitter. This method is especially helpful while you need to create particle results that adapt to the scale of the article they’re connected to. To make the most of Scale Inheritance:
1. Create an emitter in your particle system.
2. Choose the emitter within the Niagara editor.
3. Within the Particulars panel, navigate to the “Scale Mode” property.
4. Choose “Inherited” from the dropdown menu.
5. Specify the emitter whose scale you need to inherit from within the “Mum or dad Emitter” area.
6. Alter the “Scale Issue” property to manage the size of the particle system relative to the dad or mum emitter.
7. Superior Choices: You may additional customise the size inheritance by enabling the next superior choices:
| Possibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Lock Side Ratio | Maintains the side ratio of the particle system |
| Lock X Scale | Prevents scaling the particle system alongside the X-axis |
| Lock Y Scale | Prevents scaling the particle system alongside the Y-axis |
| Lock Z Scale | Prevents scaling the particle system alongside the Z-axis |
By using Scale Inheritance, you may simply create particle programs that scale dynamically primarily based on the scale of the objects they’re connected to, including depth and realism to your visible results.
Animating Scale Over Time
Niagara lets you animate the size of particle programs over time, creating varied results comparable to rising or shrinking particles. This course of includes utilizing the “Set Scale” module within the Niagara system.
Set Scale Module
The “Set Scale” module units the size of the particle system at a particular time limit. By connecting it to the “Replace” occasion within the Niagara graph, you may apply the size transformation to the particles over time.
Customized Scale Curve
You need to use a customized curve to manage the size animation. Proper-click on the “Set Scale” module and choose “Create Curve” to open the curve editor. Alter the curve factors to create the specified scale animation over time.
Static Scale
To set a relentless scale, merely enter a particular worth within the “Set Scale” module. It will outcome within the particles having a set scale all through their lifetime.
Scale by Parameter
It’s also possible to scale the particles primarily based on a Niagara parameter. Create a brand new parameter within the “Parameters” part and assign it to the “Scale” enter within the “Set Scale” module. This lets you dynamically management the size utilizing the parameter.
Scale by Attribute
Alternatively, you may scale the particles primarily based on an present particle attribute. Choose the particle attribute from the “Choose Attribute” drop-down within the “Set Scale” module. This allows the usage of attributes comparable to “Velocity” or “Place” to find out the size.
Scale by System Age
To scale the particles primarily based on their age, join the “Age” system attribute to the “Scale” enter within the “Set Scale” module. It will outcome within the particles beginning with a sure scale at start and altering over time.
Scale by Velocity
By connecting the “Velocity” system attribute to the “Scale” enter, you may scale the particles primarily based on their pace. This could create results comparable to making quicker particles bigger and slower particles smaller.
Scale by Distance to Emitter
Lastly, you may scale the particles primarily based on their distance from the particle system’s emitter. Connecting the “Distance to Emitter” system attribute to the “Scale” enter will lead to particles changing into bigger or smaller as they transfer away from the emitter.
Change Niagara Scale
To vary the size of a Niagara system, you should use the “Scale” property within the “Rework” module. This property lets you specify the size of the system alongside the X, Y, and Z axes.
Frequent Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
1. The system will not be scaling accurately
If the system will not be scaling accurately, it’s potential that the “Scale” property will not be set accurately. Be sure that the property is ready to the specified scale.
2. The system is scaling too slowly or too shortly
If the system is scaling too slowly or too shortly, you may alter the “Scale Over Time” property within the “Rework” module. This property lets you specify the pace at which the system scales.
3. The system is scaling within the incorrect course
If the system is scaling within the incorrect course, you may alter the “Scale Mode” property within the “Rework” module. This property lets you specify the course through which the system scales.
4. The system is scaling inconsistently
If the system is scaling inconsistently, it’s potential that the “Scale Axis” property will not be set accurately. Be sure that the property is ready to the specified axis.
5. The system is scaling incorrectly when the viewport is resized
If the system is scaling incorrectly when the viewport is resized, it’s potential that the “Scale Mode” property will not be set to “Viewport”. Be sure that the property is ready to the specified scale mode.
6. The system is scaling incorrectly when the digital camera is moved
If the system is scaling incorrectly when the digital camera is moved, it’s potential that the “Scale Mode” property will not be set to “World”. Be sure that the property is ready to the specified scale mode.
7. The system is scaling incorrectly when the system is performed again
If the system is scaling incorrectly when the system is performed again, it’s potential that the “Scale Over Time” property will not be set accurately. Be sure that the property is ready to the specified scale.
8. The system is scaling incorrectly when the system is paused
If the system is scaling incorrectly when the system is paused, it’s potential that the “Scale Over Time” property will not be set to “None”. Be sure that the property is ready to the specified scale.
9. The system is scaling incorrectly when the system is stopped
If the system is scaling incorrectly when the system is stopped, it’s potential that the “Scale Over Time” property will not be set to “None”. Be sure that the property is ready to the specified scale.
10. The system is scaling incorrectly when the system is reset
If the system is scaling incorrectly when the system is reset, it’s potential that the “Scale” property will not be set to the default worth. Be sure that the property is ready to the specified scale.
Unreal Engine: How you can Change Niagara Scale
To vary the size of a Niagara system, you should use the next steps:
- Choose the Niagara system within the World Outliner.
- Within the Particulars panel, navigate to the “Scale” property below the “Rework” part.
- Enter a brand new worth for the size. You need to use any mixture of constructive and adverse values to scale the system in several instructions.
Altering the size of a Niagara system will have an effect on the scale and orientation of all of the particles within the system. It may be used to create a wide range of results, comparable to making particles seem bigger or smaller, or to vary the course through which they transfer.
Individuals Additionally Ask About Unreal Engine How To Change Niagara Scale
Can I scale a Niagara system in a different way in several instructions?
Sure, you may scale a Niagara system in a different way in several instructions through the use of the “Scale XYZ” property within the Particulars panel. This property lets you specify a separate scale issue for every of the X, Y, and Z axes.
What occurs if I enter a adverse worth for the size?
In the event you enter a adverse worth for the size, the Niagara system will likely be scaled in the other way. For instance, when you enter a price of -1 for the size, the system will likely be mirrored round its origin.
