-
Bend Simple Rectangle Shape
So this might be a very simple solution, but I am new to invigorator. I have a simple rectangle shape with a layer map applied to the front of it. I want to bend the middle of the rectangle inwards so it make a U-Shape. I haven’t figured out a way to do this. I tried making a half circle in AI and then increasing the depth, but the depth option doesn’t make it long enough. Any ideas for a better way to approach this? Thanks guys.
-
6 Replies
-
Hi John,
You can make it look like your sold 3D shapes are bending by using layer cycling. Essentially you set up an Illustrator document as a sequence of layers and use the blend tool to create “tweens” between the normal rectangle and the bent version. Put each of the tweens on its own layer. Choose layer cycling when you import the multi-layered Illustrator file into Invigorator.
Essentially what you’re doing is creating a flip book that Invigorator uses to build a sequence of slightly different objects. You can control the playback parameters in Invigorator’s controls, to make the morphing effect cycle through in a variety of ways.
Does this help?
Jon
-
I understand what you saying on a broad scale, but I am having a hard time envisioning how to set up the AI document. Do you have an example I can reference? Thanks Jon.
John Jackowiak
Brand New Motion***Recent Work***
https://comcastcs.com/autouploads/quick_demo.mov
-
Let’s start with this tutorial in the COW library:
https://library.creativecow.net/articles/okerstrom_jon/layercycle.php
Jon
-
I took a look at the tutorial, and have a better idea about what you meant by cycling layers. But I don’t think that solves my problem. The tutorial talks about revealing a number that doesn’t have to be manipulated, just revealed. And the other example uses the bend tool to manipulate the text up and down. I need it to be manipulated inwards and outwards. Is this still done using the same techinque?
John Jackowiak
Brand New Motion***Recent Work***
https://comcastcs.com/autouploads/quick_demo.mov
-
Actually Jon, I just figured it out. I have been using the slider bar to determine the depth of my object. I didn’t realize you could type values higher then 100%. Knowing this has given me the depth I’m looking for with my curve line from AI. Thanks again for all your help.
John Jackowiak
Brand New Motion***Recent Work***
https://comcastcs.com/autouploads/quick_demo.mov
-
Great. You can actually go beyond the sliders in some other ways too… really getting extremely smooth surfaces, for example, by typing in a very small number on that slider.
Jon
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up