Assistant: Spheroid Distribution.

Spheroid Distribution distributes layers within a 3D space defined by a sphere or
elliptical area. Imagine a bounding box that defines the boundary of the ellipsoid. By using this structure, you can create elongated egg shapes or flat cookie-shaped distribution areas.

How it works.

This tool has some unique orientation options that allow it to overlap with the functionality of Spheroid Creator. However, it is different since the Distribution works within a sphere-shaped 3D space. In comparison, the Creator distributes layers along the surface of a sphere.

Spheriod Distribution is also very similar to Cubic Distribution, except that one creates a sphere and the other a cube shape. Imagine a sphere contained within a box; the layers will only be distributed within the sphere.

The Assistant can distribute inside a whole sphere or inside a hemisphere. You can also choose to distribute layers into a dome shape.

A whirl of objects flying out of a box. [play] Learn this in our Tutorials.

Spheriod Distribution is actually defining a sphere within a cubic space.

The parameter list.

Interesting paramaters include Spheroid Size, which determine the dimensions of the ellipsoid that will be used for layer distribution. Bounding Box defines the boundary of the ellipsoid. Radius will produce an area contained within a perfect sphere. Outward/Inward can orient the layers to face outward or inward around the ellipsoid.

Using the Spheriod Creator and After Effect's 'Orient Towards Camera' function, you can disguise the 2D personality of your layers. [play]

This movie takes 3D layers from a dome shape created by Spheriod Distribution (shown above) into a cylinderical spiral created by Cylinder Distribution. [play]