[Tips] Animator Tips and Tricks

fredo6

Is it possible to assign the same kind of movement already assigned to one group to one or more other groups later on? - in some kind of "animator-properties-copy-paste"?

There is a Copy button in the sequence editor. It copies the sequence parameters and let you change the selected object(s).

Animator - Copy Sequence.png

@hornoxx said:

even if I delete movments which I often do as I am still learning, the list so far made moves is growing and growing - is there an intention or a benefit associated with this list which I don't recognise?

You can manage and cleanup the sequences with the Maintenance dialog (click on the button in the main palette).

Animator - Maintenance button.png

This dialog shows all sequences, where they are used, and which one are no longere referenced in animation clips (so you can purge them).

Animator - Maintenance dialog.png

HornOxx

thank you for these helpful screenshots! (no idea why I didn't find these options!).

HornOxx

@fredo6 said:

...There is a Copy button in the sequence editor. It copies the sequence parameters and let you change the selected object(s).

... sorry, I still need a little help here please ok, I managed to find and ckick this Copy-button but I am not able to figure out the procedure of linking (pasting) this onto another group now.

fredo6

@hornoxx said:

ok, I managed to find and ckick this Copy-button but I am not able to figure out the procedure of linking (pasting) this onto another group now.

Just remove the selection (with button) and select other object(s)

ntxdave

@fredo6 said:

@hornoxx said:

ok, I managed to find and ckick this Copy-button but I am not able to figure out the procedure of linking (pasting) this onto another group now.

Just remove the selection (with button) and select other object(s)

Perhaps you could create an example and post it here. I would try it myself but my laptop died and my iPad is all I have to work with right now.

Dorjiw

I have recently installed the Fredo6 Animator and as per the information, its validity will expire end of this month. So does it mean that this animator cannot be used after March 2022? Or will there be a new version of this animator that needs to be purchased?

fredo6

@dorjiw said:

I have recently installed the Fredo6 Animator and as per the information, its validity will expire end of this month. So does it mean that this animator cannot be used after March 2022? Or will there be a new version of this animator that needs to be purchased?

I will publish an updated version by then.

I keep expiration dates for some plugin to maintain a reasonable support to recent versions.

Dorjiw

I have a further inquiry on animation using the Animator. If I make a streetscape with cars on the street in the animation, how do I group the sequence and clip? The Animation of a car ( car motion and wheels turning) will be in a group and then another car animation in another group. I have a bit of confusion about how to create several cars animation using the animator.

Dorjiw

I have been using animator for the last few weeks for streetscape with cars movement. I have a few queries in this regard as I have not been able to move forward efficiently due to issues.
I created car motion animation and set everything ( such as positioner and motion using 'on path tool') and works fine initially and then save the file.

Then every time I open the files, the cars would have moved from their initial positions or the car would have rotated. I keep adjusting this and have not been able to move forward.

I may be missing some steps. Does this issue occur with other users as well?

The second query is about the 'Tools on surface' plugin that I have installed to create car animation on the path. This plugin will have to be purchased as per the comments I saw earlier. So if I buy the latest plugin, will this affect the car animation created?

fredo6

@dorjiw said:

I have been using animator for the last few weeks for streetscape with cars movement. I have a few queries in this regard as I have not been able to move forward efficiently due to issues.
I created car motion animation and set everything ( such as positioner and motion using 'on path tool') and works fine initially and then save the file.

Then every time I open the files, the cars would have moved from their initial positions or the car would have rotated. I keep adjusting this and have not been able to move forward.

I may be missing some steps. Does this issue occur with other users as well?

In general, it is a good idea to save the initial position of all objects with the SAVE POSITIONNER (last button in the toolbar), so that you can restore it whenever something becomes messy.

@dorjiw said:

The second query is about the 'Tools on surface' plugin that I have installed to create car animation on the path. This plugin will have to be purchased as per the comments I saw earlier. So if I buy the latest plugin, will this affect the car animation created?

It should not. The licensing is independent from the plugin functionality.

Dorjiw

Thank you so much for the prompt reply.

It seems like the new version of animator is out.If I update the old version, I just hope that the work that I have done is not affected.
If you could please recommend comprehensive tutorial videos on using animator.i have watched most of your tutorials on animation.

As for the tool on surface plugin, when is the last date for purchase? And will the process for installation be same like the intial one.

fredo6

@dorjiw said:

It seems like the new version of animator is out.If I update the old version, I just hope that the work that I have done is not affected.

it should not

@dorjiw said:

If you could please recommend comprehensive tutorial videos on using animator.i have watched most of your tutorials on animation.

I posted a few videos in the Tutorial thread, but nothing comprehensive yet.
You could also have a look at a good video by TutorialsUp.

@dorjiw said:

As for the tool on surface plugin, when is the last date for purchase? And will the process for installation be same like the initial one.

The licensing is independent from the downloading and upgrading.

Box

Fredo, I haven't looked too hard yet, but is there an option to add animated geometry from one model to another?
For example you have created a walking figure in one model and a forklift in another model, can you combine the two models without having to start from scratch with the one you insert into the other?

Rich O Brien

@Box

There's no way I know of nesting a .skp with animation data into another .skp file and have that file 'see' the animation data.

Box

Thanks for letting me know Rich, I can stop looking for it.
Have to prod Fredo with it as a feature request.
I often work with things in multiple files and it would be nice to be able to combine them, and build up a collection of insertable components with predefined animation properties.

Rich O Brien

Yeah, I once made a series of animated files I wanted to merge. I thought the [filename].animator file that is saved with the .skp would contain something I could import but no luck.

Box

Yeah, it seems like the natural next step, hopefully it's something the grandmaster is working on.

Rich O Brien

It was animated crowds I was thinking of...

Box

Well, you can do that within the same file no problem, but the hidden door file I posted I created and then thought of the Robot only after doing it all. I had animated the robot in another file but couldn't get it into the hidden door file with animation intact. And by then it was late and I didn't have the energy to reanimate the robot. He really should walk into the space and then exit through the roof.

shelburneplanner

Anyone have tips for animating speech using Fredo6 Animator and a model in SketchUp? I'm working with SU 2017 (Make).

thanks in advance for suggestions!