Particle System Config Generator

A particle system is a simulation technique that manages many small sprites (particles) with individual properties: position, velocity, life span, size, color, and opacity. An emitter spawns particles at a rate; each particle's properties evolve over its lifetime according to configured curves. They are used for fire, smoke, rain, snow, explosions, magic effects, and ambient ambience in games and UI.

Emit rate is the number of new particles spawned per frame. At 60 FPS, an emit rate of 5 creates 300 new particles per second. Combined with lifespan, this determines the average visible count: particles ≈ emitRate × lifespan (in frames). High emit rates with short lifespans create dense, fast-moving effects. Low rates with long lifespans create sparse, lingering ones.

Additive blending adds particle RGB values to the background instead of covering it. Dark areas stay dark, but overlapping bright particles accumulate into glowing white/yellow centers — the signature look of fire, lasers, magical auras, and energy effects. Use it for emissive/glowing particles. Use 'normal' (source-over) for opaque particles like smoke or bubbles.

Gravity is a constant Y velocity added each frame (positive = downward, negative = upward). It simulates realistic projectile arcs. For fire, set slight negative gravity so particles drift upward. For rain or sparks falling, use positive gravity. Setting gravity to 0 with high turbulence creates floating debris or ambient particles.

Turbulence adds random noise to each particle's velocity every frame, simulating wind or chaotic air currents. A small turbulence value (0.1-0.2) gives organic, natural-looking motion. High turbulence (0.5+) creates wild, erratic movement. Fire and smoke benefit from moderate turbulence; sparks and rain typically use little or none.

A point emitter spawns all particles from one coordinate. An area emitter distributes spawn positions across a rectangular region (good for rain, wide fire). A ring emitter spawns particles on a circle's circumference (good for explosions, magic circles). The emitter type combined with angle/spread controls the initial direction of particles.