What It Does
sParticular solves a frustrating limitation in Trapcode Particular: particles don’t intersect with 3D layers in your comp. They always render in front of any layers below the particle layer in the stack, breaking the illusion of true 3D space.
The script automates a workaround by sorting all 3D layers by their Z-depth position relative to the camera, then duplicating your particle layer between each pair of 3D layers. It applies expressions to each duplicate’s visibility range (using Particular’s Z-space visibility option, like 0-200px) to fill the gaps between objects. The result: particles appear to intersect properly with your 3D layers.
This isn’t true ray-traced intersection, it’s an automated workaround. But it works well and saves you from setting up dozens of layers and expressions by hand.
Key Features
Automatic Z-depth sorting. Reorders 3D layers in the comp based on their position from the camera, so the stack reflects actual depth.
Particle layer duplication. Creates copies of your Particular layer between each 3D layer pair, expressioned to fill Z-ranges automatically.
One-click updates. Propagate changes made to the original particle layer across all duplicates without re-running the whole setup.
Multiple Particular effects supported. Works with multiple Particular effects on the same layer, handling complex setups.
Who It’s For
You’re working with Trapcode Particular in a 3D comp and need particles to weave between layers, not float in front of everything. This script handles the tedious layer splitting and expression setup so you can focus on the animation.
Requires Trapcode Particular v1.5 or later. Compatible with After Effects CC through CS3.
Pricing
Pay what you want, with a suggested minimum of $14.99. Individual users can choose their price. Businesses and teams must pay the suggested amount for a valid license.