Jon Okerstrom
Forum Replies Created
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Hi Peders,
The steps are pretty much as you have them. In ProAnimator, check the alpha channel box> Render Frame> Save Picture as.. choose pict or tga because both support alpha channels.
In both cases, when you view the image, the background will likely be black, unless you’ve chosen a different background color. Examine the available channels for the image and you’ll see r, g, b and alpha. For the purpose of responding to yyour question, I examined both image files using Photoshop and it worked fine in both cases.
I suspect the issue is how or whether paintshop supports alpha channels. (I’m on a Mac, so I can’t help you there.) I highly doubt that the fact that you’re using a demo version prevents you from seeing the alpha channel.
Jon
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Hi David,
A lot of the set-up work happens in Illustrator. I’d recommend putting each shape in a named layer to make things easy. Are you curious about that, or about the next steps in ProAnimator?
Jon
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Hello,
I normally do this manually, to get the most control over what’s in each layer, but here’s the info from the Illustrator online help section:
The Release to Layers command redistributes all of the items in a layer into individual layers and can build new objects in each layer based on the object’s stacking order. You can use this feature to prepare files for Web animation work.
To release items to separate layers:
Select a layer or group in the Layers palette.
Do one of the following:
To release each item to a new layer, choose Release to Layers (Sequence) from the Layers palette menu.
To release items into layers and duplicate objects to create a cumulative sequence, choose Release to Layers (Build) from the Layers palette menu. The bottommost object appears in each of the new layers, and the topmost object only appears in the topmost layer. For example, assume Layer 1 contains a circle (bottommost object), a square, and a triangle (topmost object). This command creates three layers–one with a circle, square, and triangle; one with a circle and square; and one with just a circle. This is useful for creating cumulative animation sequences.Jon
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Hello David,
Does the same memory error happen with other Illustrator files?
Aside from unchecking the file compression box, and using only vectors in the file (filled, closed paths are best), there’s not much else to say about Illustrator files.
Also, be certain you’re using the most current version of PA 3.x that’s available. Visit the Zaxwerks.com site, downloads area, to see about that.
Jon
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Hi David,
When you save your Illustrator file, be sure to uncheck the ‘use compression’ box. That should enable ProAnimator to see your vector-based art. By the way, PA likes closed, filled paths. You don’t want or need bit-mapped elements or Illustrator gradients to create the basic shapes.
Does this help?
Jon
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Hi Paul,
Gotcha. Let us know how it goes.
As for your Illustrator file, check it for objects or stray points you may not realize are in the artwork. Those can make the 3D objects appear not be centered when Invigorator opens the Illustrator file.
One word of advice… spend some time getting to know the difference between moving objects in the set-up window and moving sets containing objects in the scene preview window. The tools may look similar, but they have very different functions.
Again, if you get stuck, ask away. We’re here to help.
Jon
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Hi Paul,
Gotcha. Let us know how it goes.
As for your Illustrator file, check it for objects or stray points you may not realize are in the artwork. Those can make the 3D objects appear not be centered when Invigorator opens the Illustrator file.
One word of advice… spend some time getting to know the difference between moving objects in the set-up window and moving sets containing objects in the scene preview window. The tools may look similar, but they have very different functions.
Again, if you get stuck, ask away. We’re here to help.
Jon
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Hi Paul,
There are many ways to gain a basic understanding of After Effects, including the manual, Adobe’s classroom in a book, as well as a host of excellent books and dvds. Books by Chris and Trish Meyer are excellent. Totaltraining.com and Lynda.com are very good as well. And some of the After Effects gurus on the COW are producing new training materials worthy of attention.
As for the filmstrip tutorial, ask a specific question and we’ll try to help you through it.
As for the second question, you apply the Invigorator effect to a solid made the same size as the composition. You do not apply Invigorator to an Illustrator file you’ve imported into After Effects. When you do apply Invigorator to a solid, you’ll be asked to open an Illustrator file. The objects in that file will be centered in the scene by default.
Does this help?
Jon
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Hi Russ,
Without knowing what version you’re using now, it’s hard to compare what’s new in 4.0.8 to what you you’re using now.
Most often, the incremental updates (like from 4.0.7 to 4.0.8) contain small bug fixes (like wider font compatibility) and feature enhancements.
Some developers do provide a running log of version numbers and fixes/features added. This wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Jon
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Hi Kevin,
Invigorator animates by using sets which contain one or more objects. The pivot point of each set is determined by the first object or objects added to an empty set. The pivot point stays at that location until the set is emptied again.
The simple solution is to add a null object, like a small cube, to an empty set. The pivot point is now the center of that cube. Next, add the letter or word to the set and move it in the set-up window to the location you want, relative to the cube. The letter or word will appear to pivot from the center of the cube, rather than from the center of the letter. You can now either turn off visibility of the cube or delete it from the set.
Does this help? If you need more, search the archives for pivot point. This is a frequently asked question.
Jon