🎉 Spring Registration is OPEN! 🎉
00
DAYS
00
HOURS
00
MINUTES
00
SECONDS
REGISTER NOW
Back to Blog Index

20 Essential Trapcode Particular Tutorials for After Effects

No items found.

Become a particle master with these awesome Trapcode Particular tutorials for After Effects.

While After Effects does have a built-in particle effects, without a doubt the most widely used particle system among professional MoGraph artists is Trapcode Particular. With tons of physics controls, custom particles, and a new user interface it’s no surprise that it’s one of our most recommended plugins for Motion Design artists. In fact, we love it so much that we thought it’d be fun to put together a list of our favorite Trapcode Particular tutorials for After Effects.

Each one of these tutorials have been hand-selected by the School of Motion team. Also, we should note that we arent’ getting paid to write this article. We really just love Trapcode Particular a lot.

What is Trapcode Particular?

To say that Trapcode Particular is simply an After Effects Plugin would be an understatement. Trapcode Partciular is a particle generation tool developed by Red Giant that allows users to create 3D particle effects and simulate real-world physics. Particular has actually been around for quite a while now, but it wasn’t until the most recent launch of Trapcode Particular 3 that features like the Designer Interface, GPU-Acceleration, and Instant Feedback were introduced.

Here’s a fun demo of the newest version of Trapcode Particular, narrated by what sounds like Kiefer Sutherland’s twin brother.

You came here for a list of Trapcode Particular tutorials. Well, here you go!

1. ABSTRACT NEBULAS IN TRAPCODE PARTICULAR

Voxyde created this sweet tutorial about how to create a turbulent nebula using Trapcode Particular. You’d be surprised at how many projects utilize abstract shapes like this one. I use techniques like this all the time.

2. STAR WARS LIGHTSPEED EFFECT IN TRAPCODE PARTICULAR

We all know the real reason why you got into After Effects is to recreate Star Wars VFX. Admit it, you’ve made broom-stick lightsabers… Using his Jedi powers, Harry Frank put this incredible tutorial together. He also has a part 2 that creates the modern ‘blue tunnel’ effect from the force awakens, but it uses Trapcode MIR so it didn’t make this list.

3. TRACER FIRE USING TRAPCODE PARTICULAR

Now we’re getting to some fun stuff. This tutorial shows you how to create tracer fire using Trapcode Particular. This technique can also be used to create laser guns which is pretty sweet!

4. CREATE A SMOKE MONSTER USING TRAPCODE PARTICULAR

This sweet tutorial from Seth Worley shows us how to create a LOST inspired smoke monster using Trapcode Particular. Don’t ask why, ask why not...

5. USING TRAPCODE PARTICULAR WITH MASTER PROPERTIES

When Adobe announced Master Properties a few months ago it blew our minds. Finally! A way to iterate nested comps inside of After Effects. With Master Properties there are a million and five potential use-cases and this Particular example (pun-intended) from Harry Frank we see how to use the plugin with this new After Effects feature.

6. CREATE WATER WITH TRAPCODE PARTICULAR

If I had a nickel for every time I’ve seen this tutorial I’d probably have around 45 cents (that was a better metaphor in my head). This tutorial is an essential watch for anyone looking to create realistic simulations using Trapcode Particular.

7 - 20. THE OFFICIAL TRAPCODE PARTICULAR TRAINING SERIES

Trapcode Particular is a robust plugin. So what better way to learn it than by checking out a FREE training series from Red Giant? In this 14 part series, Harry Frank (the Godfather of Red Giant training) will teach you the ins-and-outs of using Trapcode Particular. Here's part 1, but you can check out the full-series over on the tube of yous.

Try Trapcode Particular for Free

Trapcode Particular is a paid After Effects plugin and it is part of the larger Trapcode Suite from Red Giant. While we would definitely recommend checking out the entire Trapcode Suite, you can purchase Trapcode Particular alone for $399. There’s also an academic version for $199 if you qualify for such a thing.

Red Giant also offers a free trial version where you can try out this tool with a watermark over you final image. If you're not sure if you should pull the purchase trigger I definitely recommend trying out the trial.

EXPLORE ALL COURSES

Dive into real-time 3D with our Unreal Engine beginner's course by Jonathan Winbush. Master importing assets, world-building, animation, and cinematic sequences to create stunning 3D renders in no time! Perfect for motion designers ready to level up.

Explore this Course

Unlock the secrets of character design in this dynamic course! Explore shape language, anatomy rules, and motifs to craft animation-ready characters. Gain drawing tips, hacks, and Procreate mastery (or any drawing app). Ideal for artists seeking to elevate their craft.

Explore this Course

Elevate your freelance motion design career with our guide to client success. Master a repeatable method for finding, contacting, and landing clients. Learn to identify prospects, nurture leads, and develop a thriving freelance philosophy amidst chaos.

Explore this Course

Rev up your editing skills with After Effects! Learn to use it for everyday needs and craft dynamic templates (Mogrts) for smarter teamwork. You'll master creating animated graphics, removing unwanted elements, tracking graphics, and making customizable templates.

Explore this Course

Stand out with Demo Reel Dash! Learn to spotlight your best work and market your unique brand of magic. By the end, you'll have a brand new demo reel and a custom campaign to showcase yourself to an audience aligned with your career goals.

Explore this Course

Illuminate your 3D skills with Lights, Camera, Render! Dive deep into advanced Cinema 4D techniques with David Ariew. Master core cinematography skills, gain valuable assets, and learn tools and best practices to create stunning work that wows clients.

Explore this Course

Master After Effects at your own pace with Jake Bartlett's beginner course. Perfect for video editors, you'll learn to create stylish animated graphics, remove unwanted elements, and track graphics into shots. By the end, you'll be equipped for everyday AE needs and more.

Explore this Course

Revolutionize your Premiere workflow with customizable AE templates! Master creating dynamic Motion Graphics Templates (Mogrts) in After Effects to speed up your team's work. By the end, you'll craft easily-customizable templates for seamless use in Premiere Pro.

Explore this Course
Your download is in your inbox!!!
Check your email (spam, too) for the download link!
Please check the spam folder if you don't see the message within a minute or two. Google likes to hide your downloads, sometimes.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Not sure where to start?

If you’re a beginner, here are some great courses to help you get started:

After Effects Kickstart

Dive into the fundamentals of motion design with our most popular (and recently updated) After Effects course.

LEARN MORE

Photoshop + Illustrator Unleashed

Master the basics of Photoshop and Illustrator and gain invaluable insights in this introductory level course.

LEARN MORE

Design Kickstart

An introduction to the design principles behind all great work.

LEARN MORE

More Advanced?

If you’re a more advanced student looking to up your game, here are some great options:

Animation Bootcamp

Learn the art and principles of creating beautiful movements in Adobe After Effects.

LEARN MORE

Design Bootcamp

Learn to design for motion in this intermediate-level, project-based course.

LEARN MORE

Cinema 4D Basecamp

Learn Cinema 4D from the ground up in this exciting introductory C4D course.

LEARN MORE

Now is the time to learn the skills you need to advance in your motion design career: