# startLifetime

> The total lifetime in seconds that particles will have when emitted. When using curves, this value acts as a scale on the curve. This value is set in the particle when it is created by the Particle System.

## Definition

* **Type:** Property
* **Namespace:** [UnityEngine](/engine/6000.0/script-reference/unityengine.md)
* **Assembly:** UnityEngine.ParticleSystemModule

> **Warning:**
>
> **Deprecated.** startLifetime property is deprecated. Use main.startLifetime or main.startLifetimeMultiplier instead.

```csharp
public float startLifetime { get; set; }
```

### Remarks

**Note:** Documentation for [ParticleSystem.startLifetime](/engine/6000.0/script-reference/unityengine/particlesystem/startlifetime.md) is [ParticleSystem.MainModule.startLifetime](/engine/6000.0/script-reference/unityengine/particlesystem/mainmodule/startlifetime.md).