You can color particles with one of these methods:

• You can add and set per object attributes for the three RGB (red, green, and blue) components of the color. All particles in the object use the same color.
• You can add a per particle rgbPP attribute, which means you can set the color of each particle of the object independently.
• You can assign a shading group to the particle object.

If you use two or more of the methods, the one highest in the above list takes precedence. For example, if you add both per object and per particle attributes, the per particle attribute (rgbPP) controls the color.

To add and set a per object color attribute

1. Select the particle object and display the Attribute Editor.
2. In the Add Dynamic Attributes section, click Color.

   The Particle Color window is displayed.

3. Turn on Add Per Object Attribute and click Add Attribute.

   The Color Red, Color Green, and Color Blue attributes are displayed in the Render Attributes section of the Attribute Editor.

4. Set the color attributes to the values you want for the particle object color. These attributes are keyable.
5. Turn on Shading > Smooth Shade All to see the particle color in the workspace.

To add and set a per particle color attribute

1. Select the particle object and display the Attribute Editor.
2. In the Add Dynamic Attributes section, click Color.

   The Particle Color window is displayed.

3. Turn on Add Per Particle Attribute and click Add Attribute.

   The rgbPP attribute is displayed in the Per Particle (Array) Attributes section of the Attribute Editor.

4. Right-click the rgbPP data box and choose an attribute editing technique from the pop-up menu. See Techniques for setting per particle attributes for details. Note that you cannot key this attribute or any other per particle attributes.
5. Turn on Shading > Smooth Shade All to see the particle color in the workspace. If necessary, deselect the particle object to see the color.

To assign a shading group

1. Select the particle object and display the Attribute Editor.
2. In the Add Dynamic Attributes section, click Color.

   The Particle Color window is displayed.

3. Turn on Shader.

   The Hypershade window is displayed.

4. Create and assign the desired material with shading group to the particle object (see the Shading guide).
5. Turn on Shading > Smooth Shade All to see the particle color in the workspace.