Filter 3: HairLines.

The HairLines plugin is designed to create lines that flow like hair or water. Its built around a particle system in which the particles are not the lines themselves, but 'Ripples' that affect the lines.

HairLines uses a built-in Grid to set the lines up. Then the Ripples run around and distort them.

HairLines make the electricity in this plasma ball [play]

Two layers of HairLines going in an opposite directions [play]

It's all in the ripples.

As we already said, the most important aspect of HairLines is its 'Ripples'. Ripples are the particles of the HairLines particle system. Ripples creates the distortions in lines, whether you're looking for an organic, flowing feel or a mechanical, angular look.

Ripples determine the overall look of the lines, even though the lines have their own attributes that can be set. You control their behavior with controls like 'Frequency', 'Size' and 'Speed'. You can even use built-in 'Displacement' controls.

A beautiful, flowing smoke effect [play]

Animate the lines, ripples, and the way ripples affect lines [play]

Lines get stressed too.

Of course, the Lines themselves have animatable attributes, such as 'Width', 'Opacity' and 'Color'. Another very flexible feature is that you can set the Lines to have 'Ends'. Otherwise, by default, they cover the entire screen.

Simply by giving the Line Ends a 'Length' and 'Starting Point', you've quickly changed your animation. You can also set a 'Growth' rate to make lines grow like a vine or a sidewalk crack. You can also have angular lines made of straight segments instead of the usual flowing ripples.

When Lines have Ends, you can create an effect of the Lines growing [play]

'Lines With Ends' can fully show the Ripples running through them [play]