[Edward Wu]

Hi Mike,

Sorry, I don’t have a tutorial covering this exact topic, but I do have an Invigorator tutorial covering Layer Maps using Invigorator PRO.

https://zaxwerks.com/training/?p=230

If you are not familiar with working with Layer Maps, this tutorial should give you the basic ideas of how to set up the Layer Map. Then you can try the steps I mentioned in the previous post. If you get stuck with any of the steps, just let me know and I’ll do my best to help you out.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Mike,

One way to have a nice glint within ProAnimator is to use an animated Layer Map. Import an image you want to use as the Reflectivity Map into After Effects. Then, set the image as a Pre-Comp. Animate the image by moving the map side to side and set it as a Layer Map for ProAnimator. Once you go into the ProAnimator Set-Up window, load the Layer Map into the Reflectivity section. When using an animated Layer Map, the object can remain stationary while the glint/reflection moves across the object.

Hope this helps.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Wayne,

The process for importing Illustrator files has remained unchanged for ProAnimator 6, so you can breathe a sigh of relief there. I think what you may be running into may be one of two things. The first is you may have all your paths in one layer in Illustrator. Then, when you bring in the Illustrator file, if you have the “Open By Layers” option enabled, this will cause all the shapes to cut into one another and mess up your object. The second thing you may be running into is if you are working with Compound Paths or Clipping Masks this may also cause the shape to not be cut properly. You may to use the “Release Clipping Mask” command and remove the Clipping Mask since Clipping Masks are not supported, or make sure you have used the Expand command when working with Compound Paths.

If you are still running into problems, please send the Illustrator file to me at ed@zaxwerks.com. I will take a look at your Illustrator file for you and see what you are running into.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Peter,

Try using 3D Invigorator PRO version 4.5.1 instead. We have many bug fixes in version 4.5.1 that are not available in version 4.3.2. Below are the download links for version 4.5.1:

3D Invigorator Pro Mac Version Download Link
https://zaxwerks.com/downloads/Invig_AE_4.5.1p_mac.zip

3D Invigorator Pro Windows Version Download Link
https://zaxwerks.com/downloads/Invig_AE_4.5.1p_win.zip

Also, just to let you know, we have since released 3D Invigorator PRO version 5 and version 6. Version 5 is compatible with After Effects CS3 – CS6 while version 6 is compatible with After Effects CS5 – CS6. Version 5 offers exciting new features such as our built-in drawing window that lets you draw shapes like you would in photoshop or Illustrator and it instantly extrudes the shapes. Version 5 also offers gradient & noise materials, object deformations, customizable workspaces and more. For version 6, you can use the new Ray-Trace renderer to create ultra realistic reflections and shadows while refraction lets you create glass, ice or water type effects. There also the addition of grid-type materials.

By upgrading your version 4 license, you can get both the version 5 and version 6 upgrade since you are using After Effects CS4.

For more information, please visit the link below:
https://zaxwerks.com/invigorator_pro/index.shtml

If you’re still having any problems with mapping, please send a screen shot of what you are seeing, and also send the project file to me at ed@zaxwerks.com

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Michael,

Please check my e-mail response and see if it helps.

For any other users running into a similar issue on After Effects CS4 and using 3D Invigorator PRO version 4.5.1, please try turning off Multiprocessing in After Effects or applying the image as a Layer Map. This will prevent the map from being lost in the rendering process.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Fernando,

You can try going into the Material Docks panel. Then, select the material that is applied and you will see additional mapping controls. You should be able to adjust the scaling and position controls to help align the map to the correct position.

Hope this helps.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Christoper,

You may be running into a Disk Caching issue with ProAnimator version 5.1.0. Try going into the After Effects Preferences and turning off the setting “Enable Disk Cache”. After turning off the Disk Cache, everything should update properly.

ProAnimator 6 resolves the Disk Caching issue, so once you upgrade to version 6, you will be able to use the Disk Caching feature in After Effects.

If you’re still having problems, please let me know.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Steve,

Right, the Warping features were first introduced in version 5. So, if you are interested in applying curvature to the text, you can upgrade to version 6 and it will have the warping feature along with many other features such as the Ray Traced Renderer, Grid Shader and more. If you are working with After Effects CS4, we can send you the download links and the authorization code for version 5 once you upgrade. Then, when you upgrade to After Effects CS5 or CS6, we can also send you the download links and authorization code for version 6.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Patrick,

We do have a monthly check that is running with all of our applications/plug-ins. With version 6.0.0, there are currently no updates available, so that is why the program will not prompt you to update.

As for the 3ds model you are working with, we are aware of the issue and are currently working to resolve the issue. Please see my e-mail regarding this issue.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me.

Best,
Edward

[Edward Wu]

Hi Michael,

The texture maps are not exported since each program has a different mapping technique. However, the UV mapping coordinates should be exported so you can re-apply the maps in Maya.

Hope this helps.

Best,
Edward