# startLifetime

> The total lifetime in seconds that each new particle has.

## Definition

* **Type:** Property
* **Namespace:** [UnityEngine](/engine/6000.6/script-reference/unityengine.md)
* **Assembly:** UnityEngine.ParticleSystemModule

```csharp
public ParticleSystem.MinMaxCurve startLifetime { get; set; }
```

### Remarks

This value is set on the particle when the Particle System creates it. Assign a value of float.PositiveInfinity to particles to prevent the Particle System from destroying them. This gives the particles an infinite lifespan. Additional Resources: [ParticleSystem.MinMaxCurve](/engine/6000.6/script-reference/unityengine/particlesystem/minmaxcurve.md).

### Examples

```csharp
using UnityEngine;
using System.Collections;

[RequireComponent(typeof(ParticleSystem))]
public class ExampleClass : MonoBehaviour
{
    private ParticleSystem ps;
    public float hSliderValue = 1.0F;

    void Start()
    {
        ps = GetComponent<ParticleSystem>();
    }

    void Update()
    {
        var main = ps.main;
        main.startLifetime = hSliderValue;
    }

    void OnGUI()
    {
        hSliderValue = GUI.HorizontalSlider(new Rect(25, 45, 100, 30), hSliderValue, 0.0F, 5.0F);
    }
}
```