If you make your own particle effects, do you need to include that PCF-file or any other additional files when you release the map?
What about the particles_manifest.txt?

I didn't think that Portal 2 had a particles_manifest.txt. At least I couldn't find it.
If you were making a particle system then you need to put in all custom files respectively.

I don't know how to make a particle system... tutorial?

I did a fair amount of work with the particle editor in Portal. It's broken in Portal 2, though, along with all the other tools. However, I could probably write up a basic tutorial on particle creation. Keep in mind, however, that the VDC is probably better than a tutorial. In fact: Bam.

Anyway, the particle manifest is in the \particles\ directory outside of the VPK, probably so custom particles can be added. I'm not sure how well particles made in Portal would work in P2, but if the materials are ported over it might work alright.

I recolourd the portal effects in the particle files but they will not work??