Hi PyroWalker, when you create a shell effect, you can specify a variety of parameters including the prefire time and burst height. If you specify a very short prefire time for a large caliber (i.e. size) effect and don't specify the height, then Finale 3D will use a default height based on the size. In this case, the software is trying to get the shell to the default height in substantially less time which can cause the shell to burst while still traveling upward at a high rate of speed. This will cause the deformed burst pattern you described, just like it would in real life.   Since the effect you made in Finale doesn't look like you're real-life effect, my guess is that something you entered (or omitted), doesn't match the real-life effect. If you have a YouTube link for the real-life effect, paste it here and we can give you some pointers.

Hi PyroWalker, don't give up! I don't think this is the fish-eye effect because you have two items being launched from the left position that are clearly at different angles. If the fish-eye effect were to blame, everything on the left side of the screen (that is set a 0 degrees) would appear to angle in slightly. To figure out what's going on, I need to take a closer look. Please send your show (.fin) file to support@finale3d.com. The show is likely too large to attach to an email, if that's the case then you can send using WeTransfer.com.

Sorry for asking so many questions, but I am fairly new to creating effects. I have watched the tutorials and haven't seen anything addressing an issue I am having. I am creating shells to match my inventory for my shows this summer. Some of the shells create beautifully. However, some have this weird effect where they break "up". I will post a screen grab below to hopefully capture what I am talking about. There is not a symmetrical break, but rather burst like the stars are still accelerating up! I am guessing this may have to do with lift time based on how the computer calculates the size of the shell and the break? I am trying to match off of my own real time shooting averages for scripting, but it is not looking pretty! Thanks for the help!

In the screen shot below, you can see the position in the middle is at Zero Degrees and is straight. The left comet that appears straight is actually at -5 degrees and the other one is at Zero. If this is a Fish-Eye effect, how can I turn it off or fix this for my scripting? It is going to drive my OCD insane (and is taking the fun out of this process, honestly).

Hi PyroWalker, when you say all the angles are wrong, could it be visual distortion, like a "fish-eye" lens effect? It's normal for effects that are the far left and right side of the Design window to angle inward somewhat on account of the perspective in the 3D environment. If you don't think this is what you're seeing, take a screenshot and post it here so we can see exactly what you're seeing on your end.

I have a template with 9 front positions and I am attempting to put in comets. However, the angles are all wrong. When they should be at Zero, they are clearly angled by 5 degrees, thus throwing everything off. I have tried re-creating the positions and nothing is working to make this correct. Before I drive myself crazy, what am I doing wrong? Also, this seems only to be my front positions, as my other positions are centered fine. Any help?  

Hi Noé,   Dirk is exactly right, press Ctrl+G on your keyboard to create a new effect, then enter "Popcorn Crackle".

Please try popcorn crackle as vdl term   Dirk

Hello Drew,   Thank you for your help ! Sorry I forgot to upload the video,   here it is:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-0JxkrCqSU   Thank you, Noé.    

Hi Noé,   Happy to help! Do you have a video of the effect you are trying to create? For example, if you have a YouTube link, you can paste it right here in the forums.