PD Particle, useful for map foilage objects

I found this wierd little program called "PD Particle" - I think its available as a free download, but full price of only $20.

Don't go running out to buy - I feel it only has a limited use for creating foilage map objects, though I haven't completely explored this tool.

This is a paint program with this bizarre use of "particles growth" branches grow in preset (adjustable) patterns - its difficult to describe, but cool to watch as you paint.

Each "brush" has predefined parameters that you can alter - gravity, growth, number of branches, etc.

As you paint the program automatically generates a transparent PNG mask around your painted objects, for easy export.

A PD Pro exists costing about $120, that's really made more for 3d game development, however, unlike PD Particle, you can create custom brushes.

Anyway, to get some idea on what this application can do - I've created an intro tutorial on using it to create map objects. Note I've only played with this program for a few weeks, not constantly, so I'm no expert...

http://www.gamer-printshop.com/resource/pd-tutorial.pdf

Great find and great tutorial, thanks Gameprinter, I think I'll be buying this. It looks very useful not just for mapping but for post work in 3 modelling.

Ravs