I'm trying to recreate this effect (see image below), but with a circular path as I have a round button.
Here's the source.
https://github.com/uiue/ParticleButton/blob/master/ParticleButton/EmitterView.m
The modifications I've made seem to affect the method that the particle is animated, not the path.
I haven't researched the technology employed in depth, however I don't believe it's possible?
fireEmitter = (CAEmitterLayer *)self.layer;
//fireEmitter.renderMode = kCAEmitterLayerAdditive;
//fireEmitter.emitterShape = kCAEmitterLayerLine;
// CGPoint pt = [[touches anyObject] locationInView:self];
float multiplier = 0.25f;
fireEmitter.emitterPosition = self.center;
fireEmitter.emitterMode = kCAEmitterLayerOutline;
fireEmitter.emitterShape = kCAEmitterLayerCircle;
fireEmitter.renderMode = kCAEmitterLayerAdditive;
fireEmitter.emitterSize = CGSizeMake(100 * multiplier, 0);