name attribute defines the name of the javascript function will be generated on the page when the component is rendered. You can invoke this function to activate the effect. The function access one parameter. It is a set of effect options in JSON format.

type attribute defines the type of effect. For example, "Fade", "Blind", "Opacity". Take a look at scriptaculous documentation for set of available effect.

for attribute defines the id of the component or html tag, the effect will be attached to. Richfaces converts the 'for' attribute value to the client id of the component if such component is found. If not, the value is left as is for possible wiring with on the DOM element's id on the client side.
By default, the target of the effect is the same element that effect pointed to. However, the target element is might be overridden with 'targetId' option passed with 'params' attribute of with function paramenter.

params attribute allows to define the set of options possible for particurar effect. For example, 'duration', 'delay', 'from', 'to'. Additionally to the options used by the effect itself, there are two option that might override the rich:effect attribute. Those are:

- targetId allows to re-define the target of effect. The option is overrire the value of 'for' attribute
- type defines the effect type. The option is overrire the value of 'type' attribute