Windows version FAQ

I am trying to load an AVI and keep getting an "AVI Request Format" error message.
particleIllusion does not support DV AVIs at this time. You have 2 options -- the first is to convert the DV AVI into a non-DV AVI or image sequence that particleIllusion can load. If you don't have a tool that can do this conversion, Rad Video Tools (http://www.radgametools.com), converts between several different formats and is free.

The second option is to install a DV codec that will allow particleIllusion to read DV AVIs. There are several commercial and free codecs available -- the Panasonic DV codec is a free one. Do a websearch for "Panasonic DV codec" and you'll find several sites with this codec and installation instructions. Note that some users have reported that the Panasonic DV codec causes problems with other codecs on their system.

Can I save an AVI with an alpha channel?
No. particleIllusion (SE and 3.0 versions) does not support 32 bit AVIs. To create an alpha channel in your final output, render to a sequence of images, such as PNG, or TGA. All video editing software can load an image sequence and treat it just like an AVI.

particleIllusion isn't starting up anymore. I see it running in my Processes list, but it doesn't appear onscreen, or it gives an error message upon opening.
To solve this problem, go to the Start menu, Programs, and under the particleIllusion program group choose the icon that says "Reset Default Settings". That will reset pIllusion's preferences and should get it working again.

I need to authorize particleIllusion 3.0, but I can't find my serial number. Where is it?
If you purchased the CD version of particleIllusion 3, your serial number is on the CD jewelcase. If you purchased the download version of particleIllusion 3, your serial number was in the "receipt" email you got when you purchased particleIllusion. Contact wondertouch if you no longer have that email.