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How Do I create/obtain on screen Gauges?
I have a client that needs time and temperature gauges on screen, actually on a split screen, to compare two processes side-by-side. I have very limited experience with motion graphics….. where do I start? Using FCP with HD footage.
Thanks for getting me stated!
Tom
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9 Replies
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Tom –
There are plugins that deal with numbers in AE. I think they are actually in a section called “numbers” in the plugins. You can keyframe them like just about any other parameter. When dealing with time, you may have to use Expressions – I can’t quite remember whether time is dealt with without them. If you need info on expressions and time, just do a search here; the question has been asked many times. As far as temperature, if you’re doing something like showing a guage on the screen over time, with degrees changing, it should be pretty simple. Keep the numbers that are animating separate from whatever guage interface you create (Illustrator would be best for that – Photoshop a second choice for me).
Take a look on the web if you don’t have any particular guage design in mind, there’s lot of reference there.
Joe Bourke
Creative Director / Multimedia Specialist
B&S Exhibits and Multimedia
bs-exhibits.com -
Thanks much Joe. I did a Google search for “motion graphics, gauges” but struck out. Can you also suggest better search terms that will yield results?
Thanks for your thoughtful advice.
Tom
Kelly/Mooney Productions
https://www.kellymooney.com -
Tom,
You may want to start with Motion that comes with Final Cut Studio. I’m not sure what version of FCP your on but Motion has some cool gauges that you can customize. Open up Motion. Hit the Command and 2 keys to open up the Library tab. Go to Content, gauges. You also might like Gadgets. You then can adjust them however you want. Best of Luck.Stephen Smith
Utah Video ProductionCheck out my Motion Tutorials
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Thanks…. this comes close Stephen, though fairly basic. I was hoping to find a stock time and temp. gauge, maybe digital type vs. analog, with changeable numbers?
Maybe I’d have to find some plug-ins for more available art. Any suggestions where to look?
Tom
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Dave,
Sorry to be unclear. No we need to create motion graphic gauges that will indicate the passage of time along with a temp gauge or themometer next to it. This would appear at the bottom of the screen. The screen would be a split-screen too, as we need to show one experiment relative to another at the same time. So – sure, would appreciate advice on split screens as well as finding the gauge templates.
Best,
Tom
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As for the gauges, you could always buy one off of a site like iStockPhoto. For example, take this temperature gauge I found: https://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-6834601-thermometer.php
Take it into Photo shop, cut out the arrow and use the clone tool to cover up where the arrow was and then animate the two layers.
For the time take a look at the industrial revolution decimal counter
Or go into Motion, Hit the Command and Two keys. Go to Generators, Numbers. Hope this helps.
Stephen Smith
Utah Video ProductionCheck out my Motion Tutorials
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Stephen,
Great suggestions, however unfortunately I couldn’t find any numbers under Generators. Perhaps because I am using Motion 3? However, the Industrial Revolution Decimal Counter looks very promising! If I can figure out a simple containment window for it and a way to label each “gauge” or counter (temp/time/energy consumption) I’ll be on my way to solving this one element of the production.
Thanks – keep any more ideas coming! Tom
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Sorry, you are correct. Motion 3 does not have the Numbers Generator. An upgrade is under $300 bucks. I hope your project is working out well.
Check out the Graphics Demo Reel I did.
Check out my Motion Tutorials
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Livetype is your friend here; pretty good LED and flip-clock type letters OR numbers, dirt simple to use. Layer the livetype over a background made in Photoshop and done.
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