Zaxwerks PROANIMATOR, PROMODELER USER MANUAL

Zaxwerks ProAnimator / ProModeler - User Guide V. 4

Zaxwerks Inc. 5724 Camellia Ave.

Temple City, CA 91780 [phone] phone [phone] fax http://www.zaxwerks.com

Sales: [e-mail]

Tech Support: [e-mail]

© 1996 - 2006 Zaxwerks Inc. All rights reserved.

This manual, as well as the software described in it, is furnished under license and may only be used or copied in accordance with the terms of such license. The information in this manual is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change without notice, and does not represent product specifications or commitment on the part of Zaxwerks. Zaxwerks assumes no responsibility or liability for any error or inaccuracies that may appear in this document.

The Zaxwerks 3D Invigorator, ProAnimator, and ProModeler are a trademarks of Zaxwerks Inc. After Effects, Illustrator and Photoshop are trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. FreeHand is a trademark of Macromedia Inc. Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Windows 2000 and Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft, Inc. OpenGL is a trademark of Silicon Graphics Inc. All other product names or trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Zaxwerks ProAnimator / ProModeler - User Guide V. 4

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

WHAT’S NEW IN VERSION 4? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23
BASIC CONCEPTS
Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27
Surface Set-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	27
Scene Set-Up & Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Animation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
Rendering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28

ANIMATION TUTORIALS

ProAnimator Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Creating An Animation in Five Clicks . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Changing The Text In An Animation . . . . . . . . . . 34

Changing The Speed Of An Animation . . . . . . . . 35

Changing The Camera’s View

Of The Animation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Rendering An Animation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Rendering A Single Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Saving A Single Frame Rendering . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Rendering The Movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Rendering Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Changing The Timing And Speed

Of An Animation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

What is A Pose? What Is A Transition? . . . . . . . 42

Creating A New Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Creating The 3D Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Adding An Animation Preset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Changing The Track Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Moving Splice Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Adding More Hold Time To

The Beginning Pose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Changing The Position Of A Segment

Without Changing Its Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Slowing Down The Motion Of A Transition . . . . 47

Resetting An Animation Back

To A Saved Preset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Increasing The Length Of

An Entire Animation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Setting The Loop Points For

The Work Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Shortening The Length Of

An Entire Animation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Selecting Segments That Are

Difficult To Click On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Changing Object Motion During Transitions . . . . . . 53

Changing The Curve Of A Motion Path . . . . . . . 53

Changing The Direction Of

The Arch In The Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

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Controlling When Objects Start To Move . . . . . . 56

Controlling The Order Of Objects

As They Cascade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Adding Start Ease And End Ease

For A Professional Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Changing The Positions Of Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Moving Objects To New Positions . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Spreading Objects Apart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Bunching Objects To A Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Making Objects Spin As They Move . . . . . . . . . . 67

Randomizing Object Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Shuffling Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

ANIMATION CONTROLS REFERENCE
Easy/Advanced Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	73
Track Segment Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	73
Selecting All Objects On A Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	74
Track Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	74
Add Camera Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75
Duplicate Selected Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75
Move Selected Objects To Track.... . . . . . . . . . . . .	76
Reset Selected Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	76
Delete Selected Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	77
Select All Segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	77
Flip Selected Segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	77
Object Animations Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	78
Add Object Pose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	78
Set As Starting Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	78

Save Preset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 79
Rename Preset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 80
Delete Preset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 80
Append Preset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 80
Last Applied Preset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 81
Object Animations Preset List . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 81
Object Animation TRY Button . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 82
Camera Animations Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 82
Add Camera Pose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 83
Save Preset.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 83
Rename Preset.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 84
Delete Preset.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 84
Append Preset.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 84
Last Applied Preset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 84
Camera Animations Preset List . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 85
Camera Animation TRY Button . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 85
Animation Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 86
Current Time Marker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 86
Current Time Readout (The GOTO Field)	. . . . . . . . . 86
Project Start Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 87
Project Duration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 87
Frame Rate Popup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 88
Motion Blur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 88
Shutter Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 89
Time Line Track Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 89
Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 89
Solo / Ghost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 90
Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . 91

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Animation Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 91
Play Work Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 91
Work Area Start And End Markers . . . . . . . . . .	. 92
Jump To Beginning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 92
Back One Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 92
Play Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 92
Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 93
Forward One Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 93
Jump To End Of Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 93
Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 93
Loop With Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 94
Show/Hide Paths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 94
Animation Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 95
Animation Poses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 96
Pose Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 97
Animation Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 98
Path Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 99
Primary vs.. Secondary Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 99
Pose Positioning Controls For Objects . . . . . . . . . .	100
Advantages Of Using The Pose Controls . . . . . . . . .	101
Easy Controls For Poses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	102
Bunch/Spread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	103
Randomize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	103
Shuffle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	103
Local Center Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	104
Move . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	105
Advanced Controls For Poses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	106

Start At Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	107
Advanced Move Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	108
Numeric Move Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	108
Scale Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	109
Local Center Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	110
Common Center Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	111
Distribute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	112
Range Control for Circle
& Square Distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	112
Distribute Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	113
Pose Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	118
Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	118
Pose Action Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	119
Use Common Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	123
Making Adjustments For Smoothness . . . . . . .	125
Visibility Actions For Poses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	126
Visibility Action Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	126
Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	127
Using Visibility Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	127
Pose Action Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	127
Pose Start / End Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	128
What Is A Tweak? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	128
Reset Tweaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	129
Reset Pose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	130
Reset All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	130
Transition Controls For Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	131
Easy Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	132

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Ease - Start & End . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	133
Cascade	. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	134
Cascade Order . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	135
Arch .. .. ..	. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	139
Arch Direction . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	140
Advanced Controls . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	140
Timing .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Cascade	. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	141
Cascade Order . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	141
Ease .. .. ..	. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	141
Ease Amount . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	141
Start Gaps & End Gaps .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	141
Clump Size . . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	142
Transition Presets . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	142
Paths .. ..	. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Keyframe-Based vs.. Generated Paths . . . . . . . . . . .			143
Start/End Smoothing . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	145
Advanced Arch Amount .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	145
Arch Styles . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	146
Advanced Arch Direction		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	149
Direction Styles . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	149
Arch Center . . . . . . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	152
Overshoot Start/End . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	152
Flatten Start/End . . . . . .		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	153
Twist .. ..	. . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Path Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Path Action Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Making Adjustments For Smoothness . . . . . . . 163

Visibility Actions For Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Visibility Action Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Using Visibility Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Grouping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Pose Grouping And Transition Grouping . . . . . 166

The Effect Of Grouping On Timing . . . . . . . . . . 167

Groups And Hard Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

When To Use A Hard Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Group Text By (Para/Line/Word/Char) . . . . . . 170

Make Independent.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Animation On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Add To Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

Rename Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

Select/Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

Select All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Pose Controls For Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Transition Controls For Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175

Camera Timing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175

Start Ease / End Ease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175

Ease Amount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176

Camera Paths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Start Smoothing / End Smoothing . . . . . . . . . . . 177

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MODELING, SURFACING, & LIGHTING

Basic Tutorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

Creating And Working With 3D Text . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

Applying Object Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

Changing The Depth Of An Object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

Coloring Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

Coloring Objects: Method 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Coloring Objects: Method 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

Coloring Objects: Method 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Editing 3D Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

How To Set The Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Using Lighting Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

How To Set The Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Saving A View .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 199

Think Like A Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

How To Render An Image .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 202

How To Get The Background To Drop Out . . . . . . . 203

Advanced Tutorials

How To Create a 3D Logo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

How To Make Objects Invisible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

Moving 3D Objects - Part 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

How To Reset 3D Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

Moving 3D Objects - Part 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Camera Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214

Camera Shortcuts Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

Adjusting The Thickness of Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

How To Apply An Edge Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

How To Apply A Single Material To An Object . . . . 223 How To Add A Second Material To An Object . . . . 225 How To Split A Profile To Fine Tune

Material Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 How To Create An Object Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Coloring The Other Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 How To Make Lights Cast Shadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 How To Move Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 How To Save A Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236

Additional Types When Working With

Illustrator Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

MODELING, SURFACING, & LIGHTING

Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

The Start Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240

Create Text Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241

Text Entry Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241

Setting The Block Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241

Font Popup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242

Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242

Leading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

Kerning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

Width Scale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

Height Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

Baseline Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

Justification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

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Create Whitespace Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245

Center Text Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246

Text Window Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247

Cleaning Up Problems With Font Models . . . . 248

Open Illustrator Artwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	249
Show All Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	250
Open By Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	250
Open As Layer Cycling Object . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	251
Use Illustrator Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	251
Dismantle Incoming Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	252
Move Objects To Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	253
3D Primitives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	255
The PROJECT WINDOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	259
Project Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	261
Scene Preview Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	262
Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	262
The CAMERA CONTROLS
Camera Mode Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	263
Camera Manipulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	264
Camera Tumble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	264
Camera Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	265
Camera Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	266
Camera Dolly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	266
Camera Manipulation Shortcut Keys . . . . . . . .	267
Zoom Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	268

Small Camera Tab Area

Views Popup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269

Lens Popup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270

Antialiasing Popup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

Super Fast Final Rendering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272

Resolution Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273

Pixel Aspect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274

Alpha Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274

Background Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275

Backgrounds Images And Movies . . . . . . . . . . . 275

Onscreen Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276

The LIGHTING CONTROLS
Light Mode Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	277
Light Manipulation In The Scene Preview . . . . . . .	277
Lighting Manipulator Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	278
The Lights List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	279
Turn On This Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	279
Disable All Shadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	280
Light Editor Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	280
Light Name Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	281
Light Color Picker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	281
Light Color Eyedropper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	282
Light Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	282
Shadow Casting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	283
Shadow Darkness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	284
Shadow Softness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	284
Light Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	284

Zaxwerks ProAnimator / ProModeler - User Guide V. 4

Light Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	285
Save Light To Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	285
Lights Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	286
Lights Swatch Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	287
Apply Swatch To Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	287
Duplicate Light Swatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	287
Delete Selected Swatches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	288
Clear Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	288
Lighting Styles Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	289
Lighting Styles Swatch Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	290
Save Lighting Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	290
Apply Lighting Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	290
Duplicate Lighting Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	291
Delete Selected Lighting Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . .	291
Clear Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	291
The OBJECT CONTROLS
Object Mode Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	292
Object Manipulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	292
Object Nudging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	293
Object Tumble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	294
Object Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	295
Object Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	296
Object Dolly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	297
Drag Using Object’s Axes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	298
Object Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	301
Selecting Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	302

Selection Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	302
Primary And Secondary Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . .	302
Adding To And Removing From Selections . . . . . .	303
Drag Selecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	304
Select All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	304
Deselect All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	304
Using Manipulation Tools For Selecting . . . . . . . . .	305
Small Object Tab Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	305
Object List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	306
Bold Object Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	306
Italic Object Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	307
Bullets In The Object List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	307
Reset Object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	308
Make Invisible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	308
Delete Object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	309
Duplicate Object . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	309
The Object Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	310
User Prefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	311
Clear Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	311
Clear Scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	311
Large Object Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	312
Object Name Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	313
Reload Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	314
Replace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	316
File Name Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	318
Object Faceting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	318
Draft Quality vs.. Best Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	319

Zaxwerks ProAnimator / ProModeler - User Guide V. 4

Generate Model Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320 Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321 Spike Buster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322 New Looks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323 Spike Buster And Edge Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323 Unbustable Spikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324 Edge Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325 Outside Edges vs.. Hole Edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325 Edge Profile Popup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326

Edge Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328 Edge Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 Use Same Profile for Hole Edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330 Use Same Material for Hole Edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331 Use Same Scale for Hole Edges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

CUSTOM EDGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332 How To Create A Custom Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332 Each Layer Becomes A Single Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . 333 Where Do Custom Edges Appear In The Menu? . . 333 Setting The Scale Of A Custom Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . 334 What Types Of Paths Can Edges Be? . . . . . . . . . . . . 335 Crossing The Y Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336 Crossing The X Axis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337 Editing A Profile While The Project Is Open . . . . . . 337

Importance Of The Starting Point For Mapping . . . 338 How To Tell Where The Seam Will Be . . . . . . . . . . . 340 Edge Profile Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341

The OBJECT STATS DIALOGUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344

MESHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345

IMPORTING 3D MODELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

Scale .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

Move Objects To Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348

EXPORTING 3D MODELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	349
Exporting All, Selected, Or Visible Objects. . . . . . .	350
Baking Transformations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	350

LAYER CYCLING OBJECTS

What Is A Layer Cycling Object? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351

Understanding Layer Cycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352

Example Uses For This Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352

How To Prep The Vector File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356

How To Make A Layer Cycling Object . . . . . . . . . . . 357

The Layer Cycling Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358

The Frame Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358

Total Frames Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359

Frame Counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359

The Playback Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360

Start Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360

Show Before Start Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360

Change Every . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361

10	Zaxwerks ProAnimator / ProModeler - User Guide V. 4

Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	362
Random Seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	363
Exporting Layer Cycling Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	364
Combining Sequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	365
Using Cycling Objects Inside ElectricImage . . . . . .	365
Using Cycling Objects Inside Other Programs . . . .	368
MATERIALS
Materials Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	371
Materials Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	372
Moving And Rearranging Swatches . . . . . . . . . . . . .	373
Selecting Swatches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	373
Materials Tab Swatch Commands
Duplicate Selected Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	373
Select All Unused . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	374
Delete Selected Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	374
Clear Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	374
Material Editor Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	375
Loading A Material Into The Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	376
Loading By Drag and Drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	377
Loading By Double Clicking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	377
Material Name Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	377
Material Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	378
Eyedropper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	379
New Material Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	379

Wireframe And Hidden Line Rendering . . . . . 380 How To Give Objects A Wireframe or

Hidden Line Look . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381 Making The Lines Thicker Or Thinner . . . . . . . . . . . 382 Setting The Color Between The Lines . . . . . . . . . . . 383 Making The Lines React To Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384 Making Lines Shine With Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . 384 Applying Grid Lines Across Object Faces . . . . . . . . 385

Cartoon Coloring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

How To Give Objects Cartoon Coloring . . . . . . . . . 387

Absolute Coloring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389

How To Give Objects Absolute Coloring . . . . . . . . . 389

2D Graphics In A 3D World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390

Absolute Coloring For Pop Art Looks . . . . . . . . . . . 391

The Stroked Pop Art Look . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392

The Modified Pop Art Look . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393

Making TV Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394

Making 3D Environments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394

The Matte Color Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395

Masking Out Unwanted Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395

Using Matte Objects To Create Wipes . . . . . . . . . . . 396

Using 3D Mattes For Object Replacement . . . . . . . 397

Making 3D Objects Circle Around

2D Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398

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11

The Shadow Catcher Material . . . . . . . . . . . . .	399
Setting Up The Camera For A
Shadow-Catching Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	401
TEXTURE MAPPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	402
Picking A Texture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	403
Sizing and Positioning The Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	403
Map Enabler Checkbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	406
Image Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	407
Decal Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	407
Highlight Sharpness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	409
Highlight Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	410
Highlight Mapping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	411
How To Make A Highlight Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	411
How To Give A Material A Highlight Map . . . . . . . .	412
Creative Uses For Highlight Mapping . . . . . . . . . . .	413
Bumpiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	415
Making Better Bump Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	416
Transparency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	417
Transparency Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	417
Reflectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	419
Reflection Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	420
Highlights And Reflections By Surface Type . . . . . . . . .	421
How The Color Channels In A Map Are Used . . . . . . . .	424
Channel Usage by Map Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	425
Material Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	426
New Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	426

Duplicate Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	426
Save Material To Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	427
Clear Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	427

OBJECT STYLES

Object Styles Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428

Applying Object Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 429

Linking Objects To Object Styles .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 429

Renaming Object Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430

Adding Notes To An Object Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430

Object Styles Swatch Popup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430

Save Object Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431

Unlink Object Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431

Remove Object Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432

Duplicate Object Style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432

Select All Unused . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433

Delete Selected Object Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433

Clear Bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 434

Moving Object Style Swatches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 434

Regenerating Object Style Swatches

That Have Been Deleted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435

MATERIAL SET-UP & ASSIGNMENT

Material Set-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436

Material Assignment window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436 Material Set-Up Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438 Display splits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438

12	Zaxwerks ProAnimator / ProModeler - User Guide V. 4

Split tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	438
Grabber hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	440
Dolly tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	441
Zoom tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	441
Palette Commands Popup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	441
Clear All Splits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	442
Fit All .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	442
Swap Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	442
Delete Selected Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	443
Material Palette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	444
Palette Checkbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	445

USER PREFERENCES

Shadow Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 446

Duplication Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447

Hard Shading Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448

Save Project Data As . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449

Show Floor Grid In Preview Windows . . . . . . . . . . 450

Floor Grid Y Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450

OpenGL Texture Previews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451

Real Time Slider Interactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452

Restore To Factory Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453

ProAnimator Plug-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456

Differences Between The Invigorator PRO

And ProAnimator Plug-ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 457

ProAnimator Plug-in Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459

How To Enter ProAnimator’s World . . . . . . . . . . . . 461

How To Close ProAnimator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 462

How To Make A ProAnimator Animation Match

With Your After Effects Animation . . . . . . . . . . 462

Synchronizing The After Effects And The

ProAnimator Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 463

Making The ProAnimator Camera Follow

The After Effects Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464

Important Note About Merging 3D Images

From Two Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465

Making The After Effects Camera Follow

The ProAnimator Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 466

Applying ProAnimator Object Motion To

After Effects Planes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469

Speeding Up The Import Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470

Using After Effects Layers As Texture Maps . . . . . 470

Layer Map Offsets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 473

Exchanging Files Between Plug-in And

Standalone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 474

SPECIAL TOPICS

Opening Version 3 Projects in Version 4 . . . . . . . . . 476

To Convert Or Not To Convert. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477

Merging Scenes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478

Changes To Swatch Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478

How Swatch Handling Now Works . . . . . . . . . . 479

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Benefits Of The New Swatch

Handling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 480 Range Dragging For Double Arrow Sliders . . . . . . . 481 Offline Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 482 How Do Materials Work? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 483 Understanding Vector Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 487 Creating Basic Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 491 Creating Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 493 Preparing Your Vector Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 495

How To Edit An Illustrator File And Get The

3D Model To Use The Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 Using Clip Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 503 Overlapping Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 504 The Holes In Objects Are Filling In . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505 Spikes On Smooth Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506 Spike On Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507 Using Scanned Artwork to Create Models . . . . . . . 508 Working With Objects Outside The View

Of The Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510 Making Projects Render Faster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 511

TROUBLE SHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 513

KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 516

APPENDIX: The Edge Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520

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Introduction

This user guide covers the ProAnimator and the ProModeler software..

The ProModeler is used for creating 3D models and rendering still (single) images.. The ProAnimator is used for creating 3D models, animating them and rendering movies.. The two programs are very similar.. If you took the ProModeler and added an animation window you would have the ProAnimator..

This user guide is divided into four major sections.. The first section is a series of tutorials on how to create animations with the ProAnimator..

The second section breaks down and explains the animation capabilities, feature by feature..

The third section is a series of tutorials on text creation, logo creation, surface coloring, manipulating the objects, moving the camera, setting up lights and finally rendering.. These features are the same in both the ProModeler and the ProAnimator.. Since these features are nearly identical in both programs, the word ProAnimator is used to talk about the software..

However if you have the ProModeler just understand that we are talking about your program too.. When there are differences in the way the two programs work, these differences will be noted in the text..

The fourth section breaks down and explains each feature for modeling, surface coloring, object and camera manipulation, and lighting..

For further assistance we have additional resources on our Web site: www..Zaxwerks..com.. These include a User Forum, Troubleshooting page, a list of Frequently Asked Questions, and demonstration movies..

Have loads of fun with your new program! ProAnimator and ProModeler ROCK!

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Installation Instructions

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System Requirements

System Requirements - MACINTOSH	System Requirements - WINDOWS
- G4 Power Mac (G5 recommended)	- Intel Pentium III or 4 processor
- Mac OS X 10..2..8, 10..3..9, 10..4..6	- Windows 2000 or Windows XP Pro or Home Edition
- Apple’s OpenGL system extension	- OpenGL system ..dll file
- QuickTime 5 or above	- QuickTime 5 or above
- Color monitor capable of displaying at least	- Color monitor capable of displaying at least
1024 x 768 in Millions of colors	1024 x 768 in True color
- 128 MB RAM, (256 MB recommended)	- 128 MB RAM (256 MB recommended)
- 100MB unused hard-disk space	- 100MB unused hard-disk space
- CD ROM drive	- CD ROM drive

Software specifications subject to change without notice.. Software used under license.. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.. Refer to the Zaxwerks End User License for more information..

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Installing ProModeler

The ProModeler does not use an automatic installer. There is only one step to install the software .

If you are installing from a CD . . .

1- Find the ProModeler folder on the CD and drag it into the Applications folder (Mac) or Program Files Folder (PC) .

If you are installing from a downloaded file . . .

1- Unstuff or Unzip the download, then drag the ProModeler folder into the Applications folder (Mac) or Program Files Folder (PC) .

To launch the ProModeler, open the ProModeler folder and double click on the ProModeler application .

Installing ProAnimator

The ProAnimator can run as either a standalone or a plug-in . If you only want to run it as a standalone follow the directions for installing the ProModeler. If you want to run it as a plug-in do the following:

If you are installing from a CD . . .

1- Find the ProAnimator folder on the CD and drag it into the Applications/Adobe After Effects/Plug-ins folder.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIP!

The ProAnimator/ProModeler folders contain many fii les and folders. DO NOT touch the contents of the main folder. During installation, drag ONLY the top level ProAnimator/ProModeler folder and all these other fii les and folders will be moved to the Applications folder too.

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Fill in all fields then click the OK button.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIP !

On some Windows systems you may have trouble typing into the Authorization Window. If this is the case, open a program such as NotePad and type the information there. Then copy and paste the information, one line at a time, into the Authorization window.

If you are installing from a downloaded file .... .

1- Unstuff or Unzip the download, then drag the ProAnimator folder into the Applications/Adobe After Effects/Plug-ins folder..

We recommend that once the ProAnimator is installed, you open the ProAnimator folder, make a Shortcut (Alias) for the standalone version and put it on your desktop..

To launch the ProAnimator standalone double click on the Shortcut (Alias)..

To use the ProAnimator plug-in, launch After Effects, create a new comp, create a new Solid that is comp sized, then from the Effect menu choose Effect > Zaxwerks > ProAnimator..

Entering An Authorization Code For The First Time

The first time you launch the software it will ask you to enter some information.. Type your Name and Organization, and type the Authorization Code exactly as it was given to you.. Then press the OK button..

A Temporary Code looks like this: A1234-B1234. A Permanent Code looks like this: IPMS40-A1234-B1234-C1234 A Temporary Code lasts for 30 days to give you time to contact Zaxwerks and register the software.. Once registered, Zaxwerks will give you a permanent authorization code.. (See the next section for information on how to enter a permanent code.)

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If you already have a Permanent Code there is no need to enter the Temporary Code first.. Type the Permanent Code when you see the Authorization window and you’ll be ready to go..

Demo Mode

If you don’t have either a Temporary or a Permanent Authorization Code you can run the program in Demo Mode by clicking the DEMO button at the bottom of the authorization window.. Demo mode adds a watermark to the renderings and also limits the program in some ways, but other than that most everything works.. Demo mode lets you get an idea of how the program runs so you can see how fast and easy it is..

Entering A Permanent Authorization Code

(If this is the first time you have run the software see the previous section titled: Entering An Authorization Code For The First Time.)

If you have been running the software using a Temporary Authorization Code, double click on the program icon to launch it.. You will see a message window saying how many days you have left to run the program.. At the bottom of this message window there will be a “Register” button.. Click the “Register” button then enter your Permanent Authorization Code..

A Permanent Code looks like this: IPAS40-A1234-B1234-C1234

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Click this link on the Zaxwerks Home page to get to the registration page.

How To Get A Permanent Authorization Code

A Permanent Authorization code is sent to you directly from Zaxwerks.. Contact Zaxwerks in one of the following ways:

Register by email: register@zaxwerks..com

Register online:	www..zaxwerks..com/Register_English..html
Register by phone:	1-800-549-0250

You will be asked for your Temporary Authorization Code and your contact information so you can receive notices about bug fixes and updates..

If you bought the program directly from Zaxwerks you will have received a green Invoice/Receipt with the Permanent codes printed on stickers at the bottom..

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What’s New In Version 4?

Welcome to version 4 of the ProAnimator and ProModeler.. This is a huge upgrade from version 3.. We have improved the programs so you can work faster, create prettier images, and build more interesting animations..

1 - Workflow Enhancements

New features that help you work faster and keep more organized.. This includes new features such as an Offline camera, real time slider interactions, merging scenes, a new central file system for swatches and the ability to use movies as texture maps or backgrounds..

2 - Animation Enhancements

New features that enable you to do previously impossible animations.. Highlights include duplicating tracks, flipping tracks, path actions for creating new types of motion, new scaling controls, new types of object distribution, locking and soloing of tracks and a feature to animate cascading visibility..

3 - Modeling Enhancements

Now you can make spheres, cube, cones and other shapes, reuse your text and logo models in new projects, and handle foreign language fonts (not double-byte).. If you are a ProModeler user you get the whole text engine as a new feature too..

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4 - Surfacing Enhancements

New kinds of material controls elevate the look of your images to new levels.. Highlights here include Wireframe, Shaded Wireframe, Reflective Wireframe, Hiddlenline, Filled Hiddenline, Cartoon Coloring, Absolute Coloring and Highlight mapping.. Materials can be mixed and matched for outstanding new looks.. There are also two special purpose materials, one for catching 3D shadows and applying them to 2D background images, and the other for turning any 3D object into a mask.. These surfacing enhancements are included in both the ProAnimator and the ProModeler..

5 - The Plug-in version.

ProAnimator now works as a plug-in too.. This means you never have to leave your compositor in order to create amazing ProAnimator 3D elements.. As a plug-in all elements are “live” so you can make changes to any part at any time of the production process..

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Basic Concepts

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BASIC CONCEPTS

The ProAnimator creates its own models and images.. It does not process existing footage to give it a “3D effect”.. You create models that have depth and size, arrange them in space, and then take pictures of them..

The ProAnimator is a true 3D program, but it has differences that make it unique from any other 3D program.. There is a tremendous amount of technology and workflow design packed into this program, in order to make it easier to learn and faster to use..

If you are new to creating 3D graphics here is a short overview of the steps involved:

Modeling

The ProAnimator creates models out of Adobe Illustrator files and fonts installed on your computer.. Models can be modified using the controls in the Object Tab.. A selection of over 100 preset edge profiles come built into the program or you can make your own.. You can also import models created in other 3D programs..

Surface Set-Up

The ProAnimator has a completely unique way of handling surfaces.. Up to six different materials can be applied to each object and those materials can be used in a variety of ways.. Once you

DEFINITIONS

Modeling

The creation of the objects and adjustment of their shape.

Surface Set-Up

The paint job that is applied to the surface of the objects. Often called “Surfacing”.

Scene Set-Up

The positioning of the objects and lights within the 3D scene and the positioning of the camera which views the scene and takes the picture.

Animation

Moving the objects or camera over time.

Rendering

Creation of the final 3D image or movie. “Taking the picture”.

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try it you will see how the ProAnimator has finally given artists the tools to create a new generation of 3D title and logo graphics.. Graphics like you have never seen before..

Scene Set-Up And Lighting

Setting up a 3D scene has been streamlined to make it easier for 2D graphic artists to make the jump to 3D.. A scene can have as many objects as you need and objects or groups of objects can be rotated and positioned independently.. Up to six lights can be used, and once you get your lights perfect they can be saved and reused in future projects..

Object manipulation within the 3D scene is done in a way that’s completely new.. Single and multiple objects can be manipulated with speed and fluidity.. There are a full compliment of short cut keys.. Even nudge keys are supported..

Animation

Animation is created in a new way that is visual rather than technical.. Feedback is continuous so you can watch the animation as you edit it.. There is no need to stop and render a preview..

Rendering

The rendering engine is designed for the rigors of professional production.. It creates beautiful images of any resolution with excellent antialiasing, image mapping, soft shadows, transparencies for glass and chrome effects.. Images and movies come with alpha channels for compositing without the need to key the source footage..

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Animation

Tutorials

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