Lattice X Size, Lattice Y Size

Set the size of the lattices; this affects the wavelength of the distortion. The larger the values, the longer the wavelength of the distortion.

Lattice X Off, Lattice Y Off, Lattice Z Off

Set the offset of the lattices from the bottom left-hand corner, and along a notional Z axis. By animating the offset values, effects such as the simulation of flickering flames can be achieved.

X Scale, Y Scale

Set the strength of the distortion. The greater the value, the greater the `pull’ of the lattices. A sensible range is 0 to 10.

XY Swirl

Sets the strength of the smaller distortions within the larger distortions; in effect, it controls the graininess of the distortion. The greater the value, the more grainy the distortion. A sensible range is 0 to 10. To achieve a liquid effect, set a low XY Swirl value, between 0 and 0.5.

Z Swirl

Sets the rate of change of the smaller distortions within the larger distortions; in effect, it controls the speed of flickering. This parameter is relevant only when animating the Z Offset. The greater the value, the faster the flicker. A sensible range is 0 to 10.

Approx Step

The Turbulence calculations in the Turb Distort process are exceedingly complicated, and so can take a long time to process. When Approx Step > 1, turbulence is only calculated at a grid spaced every Approx Step pixels in both x and y. Bicubic interpolation is used to approximate the turbulence at intermediate pixels. This provides much faster processing, although there is a smoothing effect on the turbulence when Approx Step is large. This smoothing effect can often be attractive in it’s own right, giving a much less harsh effect than when Approx Step is small.