Niagara, a visible results system inside Unreal Engine, permits customers to create and manipulate dynamic particle results. One widespread state of affairs is the necessity to alter the size of a particle system, whether or not to fine-tune the visible affect or reply to gameplay occasions. Fortuitously, Unreal Engine offers a number of strategies to regulate the size of Niagara methods, enabling artists and builders to realize the specified visible outcomes.
One simple strategy to scaling Niagara particles includes modifying the “Preliminary Measurement” parameter throughout the Niagara System’s Particulars panel. This parameter immediately controls the preliminary scale of every particle when it’s emitted. By growing or reducing the worth of “Preliminary Measurement,” you may alter the general measurement of the particle system. Nevertheless, this technique solely impacts the preliminary scale and doesn’t enable for dynamic scaling over time.
For extra complicated scaling eventualities, Niagara presents the “Scale” module. This module allows you to 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 fluctuate based mostly on elements equivalent 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 Methods
Niagara methods may be resized within the following methods:
- By adjusting the Niagara system’s “Scale” property. This property is situated within the “Particulars” panel of the Niagara system’s editor. The size property can be utilized to extend or lower the dimensions 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 situated within the “Particulars” panel of every module’s editor. The size property can be utilized to extend or lower the dimensions of the module’s output, in addition to to scale the module’s place and rotation.
- Through the use of the “Scale Vector” parameter. This parameter is offered in lots of Niagara modules. The size 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 methods:
| Methodology | Description |
|---|---|
| Adjusting the Niagara system’s “Scale” property | Scales the 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, comply with 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 size of the Niagara system can 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 |
Extra 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” choice. You’ll be able to then select from a wide range of zoom ranges, or you may enter a customized zoom stage within the “Zoom to” discipline.
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 Remodel panel: Click on on the “Remodel” tab within the Niagara editor.
- Regulate the size: Within the Remodel panel, alter the “Scale” values for the chosen emitters.
- Apply modifications: Click on on the “Apply Modifications” button to use the scaling to the chosen emitters.
- Tremendous-tune particular person emitters: If crucial, you may alter the scaling of particular person emitters by right-clicking on the emitter and choosing “Edit Remodel > Scale”. This lets you make extra exact changes to the size of every emitter.
Instance: Scaling a number of emitters with totally different scales
The next desk exhibits an instance of the best way to scale a number of emitters with totally 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 presents the pliability to regulate the size of results by way of expressions. Expressions are text-based snippets that carry out mathematical calculations and can be utilized to drive numerous 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 below 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 permits you to inherit and scale particle methods based mostly on the size of a specified emitter. This system is especially helpful while you need to create particle results that adapt to the dimensions of the item they’re hooked up to. To make the most of Scale Inheritance:
1. Create an emitter on 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 “Dad or mum Emitter” discipline.
6. Regulate the “Scale Issue” property to regulate the size of the particle system relative to the dad or mum emitter.
7. Superior Choices: You’ll be able to additional customise the size inheritance by enabling the next superior choices:
| Choice | 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 methods that scale dynamically based mostly on the dimensions of the objects they’re hooked up to, including depth and realism to your visible results.
Animating Scale Over Time
Niagara permits you to animate the size of particle methods over time, creating numerous results equivalent 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 selected cut-off date. 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 should utilize a customized curve to regulate the size animation. Proper-click on the “Set Scale” module and choose “Create Curve” to open the curve editor. Regulate the curve factors to create the specified scale animation over time.
Static Scale
To set a continuing scale, merely enter a selected worth within the “Set Scale” module. This can consequence within the particles having a set scale all through their lifetime.
Scale by Parameter
It’s also possible to scale the particles based mostly 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 based mostly on an current particle attribute. Choose the particle attribute from the “Choose Attribute” drop-down within the “Set Scale” module. This permits the usage of attributes equivalent to “Velocity” or “Place” to find out the size.
Scale by System Age
To scale the particles based mostly on their age, join the “Age” system attribute to the “Scale” enter within the “Set Scale” module. This can consequence within the particles beginning with a sure scale at delivery and altering over time.
Scale by Velocity
By connecting the “Velocity” system attribute to the “Scale” enter, you may scale the particles based mostly on their pace. This could create results equivalent to making sooner particles bigger and slower particles smaller.
Scale by Distance to Emitter
Lastly, you may scale the particles based mostly 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 “Remodel” module. This property permits you to specify the size of the system alongside the X, Y, and Z axes.
Frequent Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
1. The system is just not scaling accurately
If the system is just not scaling accurately, it’s attainable that the “Scale” property is just not set accurately. Make it possible for the property is ready to the specified scale.
2. The system is scaling too slowly or too rapidly
If the system is scaling too slowly or too rapidly, you may alter the “Scale Over Time” property within the “Remodel” module. This property permits you to specify the pace at which the system scales.
3. The system is scaling within the improper route
If the system is scaling within the improper route, you may alter the “Scale Mode” property within the “Remodel” module. This property permits you to specify the route by which the system scales.
4. The system is scaling erratically
If the system is scaling erratically, it’s attainable that the “Scale Axis” property is just not set accurately. Make it possible for 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 attainable that the “Scale Mode” property is just not set to “Viewport”. Make it possible for 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 attainable that the “Scale Mode” property is just not set to “World”. Make it possible for 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 attainable that the “Scale Over Time” property is just not set accurately. Make it possible for 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 attainable that the “Scale Over Time” property is just not set to “None”. Make it possible for 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 attainable that the “Scale Over Time” property is just not set to “None”. Make it possible for 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 attainable that the “Scale” property is just not set to the default worth. Make it possible for 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 “Remodel” part.
- Enter a brand new worth for the size. You should utilize any mixture of constructive and destructive values to scale the system in several instructions.
Altering the size of a Niagara system will have an effect on the dimensions and orientation of all of the particles within the system. It may be used to create a wide range of results, equivalent to making particles seem bigger or smaller, or to vary the route by which they transfer.
Individuals Additionally Ask About Unreal Engine How To Change Niagara Scale
Can I scale a Niagara system otherwise in several instructions?
Sure, you may scale a Niagara system otherwise in several instructions by utilizing the “Scale XYZ” property within the Particulars panel. This property permits you to specify a separate scale issue for every of the X, Y, and Z axes.
What occurs if I enter a destructive worth for the size?
When you enter a destructive worth for the size, the Niagara system can be scaled in the wrong way. For instance, for those who enter a price of -1 for the size, the system can be mirrored round its origin.
