I'm surprised that this haven't been mentioned yet, but would it be possible to get the point tools (ex. translate point, rotate point) to move in 3d space (z space)? Right now, you can only move the point tools on the x,y axis.
I'm asking for this feature because anime studio pro already allows move and rotate layer tools to move in 3d space aka z space. Also, it would make it possible to create "curve" based 2.5d shapes.
Thank you in advancement for any comments on this potential feature.
Moving point tools in 3d space aka z space
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hayasidist
- Posts: 3831
- Joined: Wed Feb 16, 2011 8:12 pm
- Location: Kent, England
Hi,
in a "normal" vector layer the attributes of a point include only a 2d location (x,y).
the attibutes of a layer include various transformations (translation, rotation, scale..) in a 3d space.
the "3d" position of a point is given by mathematically combining its (2d) position and the "full" (3d) transformation of the layer (and all parent layers) that contains the point.
in AS8 there's the option to "auto center new layers". What this does is to interpret the camera position to give the (3d) position and rotation of a new layer --- so when you move the camera (e.g. pan) then create a new layer and draw in it (with the camera unchanged) the items appear "flat", but when you the move the camera the layer 3d transformations become apparent.
so - for example - with auto center on - reset the camera and use the rectangle tool to draw a shape that "mostly" fills the render area. pan to +45, create a new layer, draw a rectangle to line up edges with your first (which should be on the right of the screen). pan to -45, create a new layer, draw a rectangle and line up edges. reset the camera. use orbit workspace and take a look at the 3 sides of a hexagonal(ish) box that you've just made. This gives a fair level of control over 3d point placement.
However, to add a z attribute to a point would mean a step-change to the underlying design of the AS vector drawing tools and data structures. ... clearly not impossible (Poser!
), but it would be a different product!
in a "normal" vector layer the attributes of a point include only a 2d location (x,y).
the attibutes of a layer include various transformations (translation, rotation, scale..) in a 3d space.
the "3d" position of a point is given by mathematically combining its (2d) position and the "full" (3d) transformation of the layer (and all parent layers) that contains the point.
in AS8 there's the option to "auto center new layers". What this does is to interpret the camera position to give the (3d) position and rotation of a new layer --- so when you move the camera (e.g. pan) then create a new layer and draw in it (with the camera unchanged) the items appear "flat", but when you the move the camera the layer 3d transformations become apparent.
so - for example - with auto center on - reset the camera and use the rectangle tool to draw a shape that "mostly" fills the render area. pan to +45, create a new layer, draw a rectangle to line up edges with your first (which should be on the right of the screen). pan to -45, create a new layer, draw a rectangle and line up edges. reset the camera. use orbit workspace and take a look at the 3 sides of a hexagonal(ish) box that you've just made. This gives a fair level of control over 3d point placement.
However, to add a z attribute to a point would mean a step-change to the underlying design of the AS vector drawing tools and data structures. ... clearly not impossible (Poser!
), but it would be a different product!