Would Manga Studio allow vector import of bitmaps into AS7?

[MadReindeer]

I have not used Manga Studio EX4, but in reading up on it, I noticed that it has a bitmap-to-vector conversion feature. Basically, you can draw your images on paper or import them from an outside source, and according to the product description, Manga can convert them into a vectored image.

So here's the question: could the vectored image created by Manga be imported directly into AS6 or AS7, since AS lacks this conversion tool in its own? Since both are Smith Micro products, I'm wondering if AS can read what Manga Studio creates. Also, the reviews on Amazon say that Manga's drawing tools are outstanding, which might be another reason to use it in tandem with Anime Studio. Does anyone have experience with Manga, or know if it complements AS in either of the above ways?

P.S. I thought about posting this in "Other Software," but because this is a question relating directly to interacting with AS, it seemed more appropriate here.

[Imago]

If it is possible, it will be a good solution of the AS' drawing tools lack...

[Rudiger]

Don't think it's possible as Manga Studio has no way of exporting to a vector format. It does export eps, but it simply embeds a bitmap of the rendered output in the eps file. Plus even if you could export vectors from Manga Studio I hate to think how many points it would create, especially when converting a bitmap.

If you really can't stand Anime Studio's own drawing tools, it's hard to go past the industry standard Adobe Illustrator, plus AS supports version 8 of the ai format directly. The import could be better though, especially for pressure-sensitive strokes, but since the the ai format is ascii-based, someone could always write their own import filter.

[Mozbo]

The easiest thing would be to simply convert the .bmp bitmap to a .pgn. There are programs you can download, or you can do it for free, online:
http://www.coolutils.com/Online/Image-Converter/ (Online)
http://download.cnet.com/FastStone-Imag ... ag=mncol;5 (Free - Read the CNET review)
http://download.cnet.com/Pixillion-Imag ... 95081.html ($30 - Read the CNET review)

If you have the money for Illustrator (or Flash, for that matter), it is good.
But in today's "tight budget" economy, there are a growing number of pretty decent FREE vector painting/drawing apps out there.

[*] Xara Xtreme for Linux/Unix ~ http://www.xaraxtreme.org/
[*] DrawPlus Starter Edition for Windows ( a bit limitied, but still decent for the price) ~ http://www.serif.com/free-graphic-design-software/
[*]Draw for OpenOffice (use with FastStone converter) ~ http://www.openoffice.org/product/draw.html
[*] Inkscape (Open Source) ~ http://inkscape.org/

[Rudiger]

The easiest thing would be to simply convert the .bmp bitmap to a .pgn.

Not sure what this gets you. I think the original poster was more interested in vector formats. I've found that it is very difficult to get vectors that are suitable for animation without a lot of clean up work and with the time taken, you are better off either using bones to animate the bitmap or tracing the drawing in Anime Studio.

I thought about mentioning some of the free vector editing options, but IMO they don't offer enough in the way of drawing features to make them worth the extra hassle of importing the result into AS and cleaning it up.

This is why I have been spending considerable time improving the AS drawing tools. Any suggestions would be welcome.

[Víctor Paredes]

Two aspects. First, when you draw vectors for animation you think in a different way than tracing for stills. Number and position of points become important, plus, as you are drawing for animation, you put on your draw things that aren't showing always (for example, you put teeth even if your character has the mouth closed).
Second. AS vector tools are different to any other software I know and, of course, different to the Illustrator/Freehand/CorelDraw paradigm. Many people avoid AS drawing tools just for being different, without giving any chance to learn. Personally I love AS drawing tools, it gives me a freedom I don't get in any other software (with many unique features).
I think one error about using AS is to give too much importance to the freehand tool. Freehand tool -doesn't matter how much be improved- never will give you the exact result you want, the exact number, curvature and position of points. And it has an easy reason, there is not an unique way to vectorize an image.

From my own experience, my advice is you should propose to deeply learn AS drawing tools. In my view, there is not a better way to get "pro" results.


Now, if you want vectorize for stills, I recommend you Vector Magic. I have been long time looking for a good software and, believe me, nothing can compete with Vector Magic. Right now I'm using it a lot for work with a cutting plotter and the results are fantastic. I don't receive any money for publicizing them, seriously

[Mozbo]

I think the original poster was more interested in vector formats.

No, re-read the question:

So here's the question: could the vectored image created by Manga be imported directly into AS6 or AS7, since AS lacks this conversion tool in its own? Since both are Smith Micro products, I'm wondering if AS can read what Manga Studio creates.

Don't think it's possible as Manga Studio has no way of exporting to a vector format. It does export eps, but it simply embeds a bitmap of the rendered output in the eps file. Plus even if you could export vectors from Manga Studio I hate to think how many points it would create, especially when converting a bitmap.

My answer was to the question posed, of how to get AS to accept Manga Studio output...The easiest way would be to convert the file to a .png for import into AS...It would be faster and easier than tracing the drawing.

I'm still too new to AS to say how much clean up there would or would not be with other vector images from other applications, but as far as improving the AS drawing tools, the ability to use Bezier curves would be a MOST welcome functionality.

[Rudiger]

My answer was to the question posed, of how to get AS to accept Manga Studio output...The easiest way would be to convert the file to a .png for import into AS...It would be faster and easier than tracing the drawing.

I think you'll find PNG is a bitmap format. It does have provision for storing arbitrary data, which is used by programs like Adobe Fireworks to store vector data. However, they use a proprietary format, so external programs, like AS or even other Adobe applications, can only display the bitmap part and can't access the vector information.

[PARKER]

I had no idea manga could convert bitmap to vector, i dont know the software too much anyway but if im not wrong at the end you will get a lot of points so you will have to delete a lot of them and reposition some others as well.
Its still a lot of work to do anyway, i suggest to practice a lot with the AS drawing tools, get used to them so you can draw your characters directly in the AS working area from scratch.

Also i dont really use too much the freehand tool, i prefer the add point and i recommend you to use it instead of the first one.

[Uolter]

I agree with selgin and parker about freehand tool, the asset of vector tools is that you can obtain very smooth lines, and as parker shown, if you push the software great results are on your hand. I found AS more simple and fast than other applications like illustrator or inkscape when you have to trace an image.