Short question

Konservburk · Post by **Konservburk** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 5:58 pm

I am using Anime Studio Pro version 5.5, I am able to use layer animation in it? If not, is putting layers in one group and use Depth Sort the only way to make objects going front and behind other objects in an animation?

Thanks.

heyvern · Post by **heyvern** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 7:00 pm

I think 5.6 has the layer order animation feature. If for some reason you don't want that free update then yes, depth sort is the only other way. For some things I like depth sort better than layer ordering since I can control it with a script and it's a tad easier to keep track of the keys. The keys are on the layer. With layer ordering the keys are only on the parent or bone layer.

-vern

Konservburk · Post by **Konservburk** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:28 pm

heyvern wrote:I think 5.6 has the layer order animation feature. If for some reason you don't want that free update then yes, depth sort is the only other way.

Aha... I didn't know the update was free

Maybe I should get it then. (I should check those things better)

heyvern wrote:For some things I like depth sort better than layer ordering since I can control it with a script and it's a tad easier to keep track of the keys. The keys are on the layer. With layer ordering the keys are only on the parent or bone layer.

Okay.
Well, if depth sort is even better/more comfortable than layer animation, maybe there are no need for me to upgrade to 5.6?

Thanks for your time, heyvern. It's very appreciated.

Post by **Víctor Paredes** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:40 pm

In some very specific cases depth sort is more comfortable, but most of the time layer order animation will be most useful and easy to you (you must have in count that heyvern is one of the world experts of AS) . I think you really should upgrade, you don't lose anything, but win a couple cool features and fixed bugs.

Konservburk · Post by **Konservburk** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:33 pm

selgin wrote:In some very specific cases depth sort is more comfortable, but most of the time layer order animation will be most useful and easy to you (you must have in count that heyvern is one of the world experts of AS) . I think you really should upgrade, you don't lose anything, but win a couple cool features and fixed bugs.

Ok then, I can give the update a try.

Could you please give me the link to the download page for 5.6? Because when I click "Check for Updates" in Anime Shop Pro I just comes to this page wich is about getting Anime Studio (non-pro version) :S I don't really understand lol.

Edit: Never mind, I found the download page now.

heyvern · Post by **heyvern** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:40 pm

Yes, I agree that animated layer order is very easy to use. I use it now more so than depth sorting. I still use depth sorting when I need "automated" script control since layer order can't be scripted yet.

Here are the main differences, pluses and minuses as I see them with the two techniques:

Layer Order Animation
Layer order animation in simple terms keys ALL the layers order. The keys are on the group layer for each sub layer. Not a big deal but it can cause "confusion" in some cases. It still works fine. If you add new layers later depending on where in the layer palette it can change the layer order keys.

With layer ordering you can't actually "see" in the key frames the order. Layer ordering keys don't actually have a "value" that can be seen or set. You have to just look at the palette to see what's going on. Sometimes this can be confusing. Not a deal breaker, just an observation.

Depth Sort Layer Ordering
Depth sort layer ordering allows you to change the order of one layer without worrying about any of the others. Once all the layers are set up with incremented Z position spacing, you can key that Z position up and down for just one layer without worrying about any of the others.

The drawback to depth sort ordering is having to set the Z translation for EACH AND EVERY LAYER you need to reorder. Depending on the complexity of the file this can be a pain in the arse. You don't HAVE to set all the Z positions though if you only need to order one or two layers you can just set those layers. Going above or below 0 in the Z axis will raise those layers above or below the other layers.

Depth sorting can also be influenced in a bad way by the 3D camera setting. With the 3D camera turned on in the Project Settings the slight Z axis movement can be seen by a subtle shifting of the layer. This can be compensated by using very small values. Too small and it doesn't work. With the 3D camera turned off in the settings larger amounts in the z axis can be used with out any shifting in the layer.

In conclusion the new layer order animation feature is a truly fast and easy way to animate the layer order. Once it gets script control I won't bother using the other way most likely. It won't be needed at all.

-vern

Post by **Víctor Paredes** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:40 pm

I hope get all the script access you want, vern

(it will benefit to everyone)

Konservburk, here is the link to upgrade
http://my.smithmicro.com/mac/anime/updates.html

Konservburk · Post by **Konservburk** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:19 am

selgin wrote:Konservburk, here is the link to upgrade
http://my.smithmicro.com/mac/anime/updates.html

ARGH! That was wrong update, I downloaded and installed it and realized it was the update for Anime Studio and not Anime Studio Pro. It overwrited my files and when I started Anime Studio Pro it was only Anime Studio with lesser tools :S

Need to re-install everything now.

Konservburk · Post by **Konservburk** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:45 am

heyvern:

Thanks for all the information, you are a really big help. Now, I will just try to get Anime Studio Pro (with the patch) to work, after my clumsyness

After that I will make some cool cartoons.

Post by **Víctor Paredes** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 1:04 am

Konservburk wrote:
selgin wrote:Konservburk, here is the link to upgrade
http://my.smithmicro.com/mac/anime/updates.html
ARGH! That was wrong update, I downloaded and installed it and realized it was the update for Anime Studio and not Anime Studio Pro. It overwrited my files and when I started Anime Studio Pro it was only Anime Studio with lesser tools :S

Need to re-install everything now.

sorry!!!, I didn't noticed it. I'm very embarrassed.
here is another link for windows I found in the forum (but if you don't want to download it I'll understand)
http://my.smithmicro.com/downloads/file ... _W_app.zip
It says AnimeStudioPro56... it really should work

Konservburk · Post by **Konservburk** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 1:07 am

No problem, I have already downloaded the right patch now and re-installed Anime Studio Pro, with the patch. Everything works fine now, I did even test the Layer Animation in a fast test-scene and everything works perfect