Textured Stars

This effect generates a star field by rendering textured 3D rectangles. The texture, brightness, and size of the points can be changed to create different looks. This effect has an advantage over the Stars effect in that the stars can be much larger. It is, however, slower.

An example Textured Stars dialog.

Controlling the Textured Stars

Number Controls the number of stars generated. Larger values result in more stars.
Brightness This control sets the mean for the normal distribution controlling the brightness of the generated stars. Larger values result in brighter stars.
Brightness variation This control sets the variance for the normal distribution controlling the brightness of the generated stars. Larger values result in a larger range from the brightest to darkest star.
Size This control sets the mean for the normal distribution controlling the size (diameter in pixels) of the generated stars. Larger values result in larger stars. The range of sizes generated depends on OpenGL. Currently, this is from 1 to 10 pixels. Setting the mean size to a value near the max or min will result in a clipped range due to this limitation.
Size variation This control sets the variance for the normal distribution controlling the size of the generated stars. Larger values result in a larger range from the smallest to largest star.
Color All stars generated will have the same hue and saturation as the color chosen. The luminance will vary according to the brightness setting.
Texture Controls the look of the star. Choose from stars with streaks to stars with a slow falloff to star clusters.

General Controls

Preview | Reseed | Orientation | Viewing Distance

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