# Particles

**Particles** are shapes that, used in large numbers, create pseudo-3D effects. You can use particles to create effects such as liquid, fire, explosions, smoke, lightning, motion trails, magic effects, and so on.

![Particles](media/particles.png)

## In this section

* [Create particles](create-particles.md)
    * [Emitters](emitters.md)
        * [Shapes](shapes.md)
            * [Ribbons and trails](ribbons-and-trails.md)
        * [Materials](materials.md)
        * [Spawners](spawners.md)
        * [Initializers](initializers.md)
        * [Updaters](updaters.md)

### Tutorials

* [Create a trail](tutorials/create-a-trail.md) — Create a motion trail for a sword slash animation
* [Lasers and lightning](tutorials/lasers-and-lightning.md) — Create laser and lightning effects using particles and custom materials
* [Inheritance](tutorials/inheritance.md) — Create particles that inherit attributes from other particles
* [Particle materials](tutorials/particle-materials.md)
* [Custom particles](tutorials/custom-particles.md)

## Sample project

To see some examples of particles implemented in a project, create a new **Sample: Particles** project and check out the different scenes.

![Particles sample project](media/select-particles-sample-project.png)