Filter 1: GridLines.

Lines set free! GridLines uses a particle system to create lines that follow along a grid, turning randomly at its intersections.

Moving away from this default, you can limit how often the lines turn, or you can completely eliminate turning. The lines have many attributes that determine their behavior and look.

Only a few tweaks away from the default particle animation [play]

The Gridlines plugin and our 3D Assistants created Chaos Stock Project #20 [play]

Straight or curved?

GridLines will produce straight lines or curved lines. Getting the plugin to produce straight lines is as simple as clicking on a checkbox ('Straight Lines Only').

There are more 'Turning Controls' involved in setting up curved lines. Some important parameters are how often the lines turn, in what direction, and how large of a turn should they make. You also want to choose the line's 'Corner Size'.

You can set a low 'Turn' radius to create sweeping, curved lines. Or set a high 'Turn' rate to create short, rapidly turning, worm-like lines.

Thick lines are moving downwards [play]

Thin lines are moving sideways [play]

Create all shapes & sizes.

The lines have many attributes that can be animated. There are standard controls like 'Color', 'Opacity' and 'Speed'. You can also set the 'Line Length', 'Thickness' and 'Growth Speed'. The lines can overlap and blend together or shoot off in different directions.

For color control, there's a 'Start Color' and 'End Color' to create a gradient blend. You can also sample a 'Color From Source' elsewhere in your composition. Use 'Blend Modes' to overlay lines in interesting ways.

Straight lines criss-cross to reveal the grid [play]

Create squiggles by adjusting 'Producer Point' size [play]