Flow along a surface with orientation

[Harry]

Hi, I'm trying to post a question in Q&A but only Site Issues is the only available option when I try to post the question.

I am trying to create a particle animation where 3D objects flow in in a stream and swarm around a sphere shape. They orbit around the sphere for 5-7 seconds then disperse.

My current approach is to use a basic emitter pointing at a sphere and using Surface Attract to have the particles swarm around the sphere.

It's pretty much what I am looking for. However, I cannot get the particles to align along their motion when affected by the Surface Attract. When I turn up "Align to Surface Rate" the particles spin rapidly when they meet the surface they are being attracted to.

Is there something additional I can apply to orient particles along their motion when using modifiers? Or a better approach to this multistep animation?

1. Flock together toward a sphere
2. Orbit around the sphere for X seconds
3. Flow off screen towards a point in space

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi Harry,

You should have access, of course. … and yes, this is the place to ask for access; I do not see this forum as a backdoor Q&A option.

In 2025.1, some features were added that might be crucial for your task.

The moving around a sphere is discussed here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/4BXPxcRwVBc?feature=shared&t=2490

Moving particles to a previous location is discussed here.
https://www.youtube.com/live/4BXPxcRwVBc?feature=shared&t=505

Flocking is discussed here.
https://help.maxon.net/c4d/2025/en-us/Default.htm#html/OFPFLOCK.html

Based on your tremendous knowledge about particles, I assume that makes it work for you.

Using modifiers and moving particles via conditions to the next group, based on those, is surely a way to do this.

I hope you get access to the Q&A in no time.

Happy Holidays!

P.S.: Something I do not have to tell you, but since I write in a forum, editing allows for the most efficient impact, to reply to your multistep approach.

[Dr. Sassi]

This post is deleted!

[Dr. Sassi]

Or a little bit wider, while applying a spherical center:

CV4_2025_drs_24_PAsp_11.c4d

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[Dr. Sassi]

Perhaps this one fits

CV4_2025_drs_24_PAsp_21.c4d

Happy Holidays!