another Photoshop exporting question

Vagabond · Post by **Vagabond** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:39 pm

Sorry for bringing this topic up again but I couldn't find this answered elsewhere.

I have used the photoshop export layers script many times. My most recent project has over 40 group layers with 2 image layers each. In photoshop, it seems that group layers with two layers in them stay group layers once exported into AS. But if the group layers have 3 or more layers then they become switch layers in AS.

I only have two layers in each group because I have "things" running back and forth on the screen so I only need to change direction with the switch layer. SO, does anyone ...

know how to force the script to always make switch layers?

or have a script to change group layers into switch layers?

Also, I added a third blank layer to each group in photoshop to force a switch layer but it crashed the script... help, please.

thanks

SpaceBoy64 · Post by **SpaceBoy64** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 8:17 pm

Could you add a non-blank layer and then delete it in AS later?
Duplicate each second layer so you have three.

slowtiger · Post by **slowtiger** » Tue Mar 23, 2010 11:32 pm

To switch directions it's not necessary to have duplicate mirrored artwork. It's enough to create a flip key in the timeline.

Vagabond · Post by **Vagabond** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:19 am

Slowtiger. I was puzzled by your answer.

I remember checking the "flip horizontal" option in the layer settings and it flipped it from frame0 onward even though I was in frame242

and did not create a keyframe.

That's the whole reason I decided to flip in photoshop.

But hey, wait a minute,

I could key in a negative scale value using the layer tools couldn't I?

I really am leaving stains of stupidity all over this forum.

Thanks for the jolt. I feel like i just picked up a workflow speed booster. Now I'm stupid fast!!

muffysb · Post by **muffysb** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:59 am

Vagabond, since "Flip Horizontal" is a layer option, you need to enable "Allow Animated Layer Effects" in the layer's General tab before it will add keyframes. Otherwise it applies to the entire animation (Note: This only applies to the 6.x versions of Anime Studio).

Or you can use the draw tools instead, but you'll probably find the layer tools to be cleaner and easier (and they'll allow you to do additional point animation with the draw tools if you like).

Cheers,
Muffy.

Mikdog · Post by **Mikdog** » Wed Mar 24, 2010 7:53 am

I think the Photoshop script makes a switch layer if only one ofyour layers in the group is visible in PS before you run the script. Make visible all the layers in your Photoshop document before running the script and it should export to group layers.

Concerning the flip layer tool in AS, its pretty simple. Set the origin of the layer you want to flip at its centre, then somewhere in the timeline, say, frame 50, in AS 6.x if you have the TRANSLATE LAYER tool selected, at the top you'll see a little button with arrows to either side of it. Press this and the layer will flip at frame 50. A new channel will become visible in the timeline, the FLIP HORIZONTAL channel, with a keyframe.

Vagabond · Post by **Vagabond** » Fri Mar 26, 2010 8:14 pm

Mikdog wrote:I think the Photoshop script makes a switch layer if only one ofyour layers in the group is visible in PS before you run the script. Make visible all the layers in your Photoshop document before running the script and it should export to group layers.

Yeah... It all works as you said Mikdog. Brillant technique for the photoshop script. I noticed some of my groups became switch layers and some didn't but couldn't figure out why.

I do have ASP6 but my project is still mostly 5.6 and when I add to it in ASP6 it changes the "look" of the animation. The handbook is out for 6.0 so it looks like I might need it. Thanks for your help everyone!!