Niagara, a visible results system inside Unreal Engine, permits customers to create and manipulate dynamic particle results. One widespread situation is the necessity to alter the dimensions of a particle system, whether or not to fine-tune the visible impression or reply to gameplay occasions. Happily, Unreal Engine supplies a number of strategies to regulate the dimensions of Niagara programs, enabling artists and builders to realize the specified visible outcomes.
One simple method to scaling Niagara particles entails 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 growing or reducing the worth of “Preliminary Dimension,” you may regulate the general dimension of the particle system. Nevertheless, this methodology solely impacts the preliminary scale and doesn’t permit for dynamic scaling over time.
For extra advanced 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 modify based mostly on components comparable to particle age, velocity, or different parameters. Moreover, the “Scale” module permits for particular person management over the dimensions alongside the X, Y, and Z axes, offering higher flexibility in shaping the particle system.
Resizing Niagara Methods
Niagara programs 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 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 situated within the “Particulars” panel of every module’s editor. The size 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 out there 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 supplies a abstract of the alternative ways to resize Niagara programs:
| 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 regulate the dimensions 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. You may also maintain down the Ctrl key and drag the mouse to pan across the viewport.
Setting Scale in Niagara Preview
To alter the dimensions 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. You may also maintain down the Ctrl key and drag the mouse to pan across the viewport.
The size of the Niagara system will likely be up to date in real-time as you make adjustments within the Niagara Editor.
| Motion | Keyboard Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Zoom in | Scroll wheel up |
| Zoom out | Scroll wheel down |
| Pan | Ctrl + drag |
Extra Data
You may also regulate the dimensions 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’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” area.
Scaling A number of Emitters Concurrently
To scale a number of emitters concurrently in Niagara, you should utilize the next steps:
- Choose a number of emitters: Within the Niagara editor, choose the emitters you wish to scale.
- Open the Rework panel: Click on on the “Rework” tab within the Niagara editor.
- Modify the dimensions: Within the Rework panel, regulate the “Scale” values for the chosen emitters.
- Apply adjustments: Click on on the “Apply Modifications” button to use the scaling to the chosen emitters.
- High quality-tune particular person emitters: If needed, you may regulate the scaling of particular person emitters by right-clicking on the emitter and choosing “Edit Rework > Scale”. This lets you make extra exact changes to the dimensions of every emitter.
Instance: Scaling a number of emitters with completely different scales
The next desk exhibits an instance of how one can 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 flexibleness to regulate the dimensions of results by way of 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 dimensions of the particle to the desired worth |
| ScaleBy(scale_factor) | Multiplies the particle’s scale by the given issue |
Listed here are some sensible examples:
- To double the dimensions of a particle:
SetScale(GetScale() * 2) - To cut back the dimensions by half:
SetScale(GetScale() * 0.5) - To extend the dimensions regularly 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 based mostly on the dimensions of a specified emitter. This method is especially helpful whenever you wish to create particle results that adapt to the scale of the thing they’re connected to. To make the most of Scale Inheritance:
1. Create an emitter to 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 wish to inherit from within the “Mother or father Emitter” area.
6. Modify the “Scale Issue” property to regulate the dimensions of the particle system relative to the mum or dad emitter.
7. Superior Choices: You’ll be able to additional customise the dimensions inheritance by enabling the next superior choices:
| Choice | Description |
|---|---|
| Lock Facet Ratio | Maintains the facet 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 based mostly 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 dimensions of particle programs over time, creating varied results comparable to rising or shrinking particles. This course of entails utilizing the “Set Scale” module within the Niagara system.
Set Scale Module
The “Set Scale” module units the dimensions of the particle system at a particular cut-off date. By connecting it to the “Replace” occasion within the Niagara graph, you may apply the dimensions transformation to the particles over time.
Customized Scale Curve
You need to use a customized curve to regulate the dimensions animation. Proper-click on the “Set Scale” module and choose “Create Curve” to open the curve editor. Modify the curve factors to create the specified scale animation over time.
Static Scale
To set a continuing scale, merely enter a particular worth within the “Set Scale” module. This can consequence within the particles having a set scale all through their lifetime.
Scale by Parameter
You may also 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 dimensions utilizing the parameter.
Scale by Attribute
Alternatively, you may scale the particles based mostly on an present particle attribute. Choose the particle attribute from the “Choose Attribute” drop-down within the “Set Scale” module. This permits using attributes comparable to “Velocity” or “Place” to find out the dimensions.
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 beginning 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 will create results comparable to making quicker 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 alter the dimensions of a Niagara system, you should utilize the “Scale” property within the “Rework” module. This property lets you specify the dimensions of the system alongside the X, Y, and Z axes.
Frequent Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
1. The system will not be scaling appropriately
If the system will not be scaling appropriately, it’s doable that the “Scale” property will not be set appropriately. Ensure 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 regulate 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 regulate 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 erratically
If the system is scaling erratically, it’s doable that the “Scale Axis” property will not be set appropriately. Ensure 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 doable that the “Scale Mode” property will not be set to “Viewport”. Ensure 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 doable that the “Scale Mode” property will not be set to “World”. Ensure 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 doable that the “Scale Over Time” property will not be set appropriately. Ensure 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 doable that the “Scale Over Time” property will not be set to “None”. Ensure 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 doable that the “Scale Over Time” property will not be set to “None”. Ensure 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 doable that the “Scale” property will not be set to the default worth. Ensure that the property is ready to the specified scale.
Unreal Engine: Find out how to Change Niagara Scale
To alter the dimensions of a Niagara system, you should utilize 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 dimensions. You need to use any mixture of optimistic and adverse values to scale the system in several instructions.
Altering the dimensions 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 alter the course through which they transfer.
Folks 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 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 dimensions?
If you happen to enter a adverse worth for the dimensions, the Niagara system will likely be scaled in the other way. For instance, if you happen to enter a worth of -1 for the dimensions, the system will likely be mirrored round its origin.
