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A:M Forum Rules
GENERAL FORUM GUIDELINES
The A:M Forum is for technical support and the sharing of tips and ideas between users/prospective users of Hash software. It is moderated constantly by technical support representatives.
DO'S!
-Ask questions about the software.
-Assist other users... everyone was new at this once.
-Inform people of your version/platform when asking for help.
-Share resources; tutorials, models, textures, tips and techniques (link to useful websites).
-Post links to your work, or where your art is being used online (on websites, in games, toons', etc.)
-Search the A:M Forum and FAQ. The question you are about to ask may have already been answered.
-Organize and inform others about user groups, IRC chats, image and animation contests, job opportunities, etc.
-Discuss what you are working on and let everyone know about magazine reviews and articles that relate to your projects.
DON'TS!
-Do Not be rude or disrespectful or mean to other forum members in any way. Personal attacks will be removed.
-Do Not post bug/crash reports to the list (send bug/crash reports to http://www.hash.com/reports.
-Do Not complain about forum content. Complaints or suggestions can be sent directly to hash@hash.com
-Do Not reprimand other forum members for violating forum rules, that's the moderators job, which (unless you are a moderator) you are not.
-No complaining or whining on the forum or distribution of misinformation.
-No flames of any kind.
-No Off Topic posts. (Posts in the Off Topics section should be related to A:M in some form or fashion or benefit the A:M community as a whole).
-No soliciting of any kind without prior approval.
-No threads or comparisons related to other 3D Applications.
-No "Wish list" or feature requests, they should be sent to www.hash.com/reports for categorizing and prioritization (User requests define the future development of the software).
-No "me too!" posts
-No discussion of Hash Internal Affairs (finances, advertising, PR.)
-No posting of private email to the forum unless permission of the author is granted. (Private correspondence should remain private)
-No very general questions like: "how do I make a good 3D model" make your questions as complete and concise as possible.
If you have questions as to whether it's appropriate, send it to: support@hash.com, We'll be happy to let you know whether it is, or is not appropriate.
User Led Forum Considerations
Firstly and foremostly, please remember this is Martin Hash's forum and that it is every A:M User's primary resource for information about A:M. In order to remain relevant we need everyone's continuing support and interest.
Secondly, understand there is a distinction between A:M (the program) and the A:M forum. There are some topics and issues that are outside the scope of this forum and most can be deduced by reading through the forum guidelines. These include such things as Hash Inc internal policies, business practices, trade secrets, and specific plans for the future not yet publicly released. Each of these would be fascinating topics of their own but are better reserved for private communications with a representative of Hash Inc.
Related to the second, is purchasing, customer service and other areas outside the purview of the common user who may have no interest in such things; subjects relating to money exchanging hands are beyond the scope of the A:M Forum and often can lead to conflicts of interest between users and/or Hash Inc. (If Hash Inc cuts you a deal on volume purchasing it's really no one else's business). Likewise, individual complaints about a product or service are best remedied by going direct with Hash Inc representatives empowered to make decisions. Please allow them them the time necessary to resolve your specific issue and consider the cost of customized solutions.
This last area is likely the source of much confusion because many see the A:M Forum as the official outlet for Hash Inc... and it is. But the forum is not designed for conducting business and private matters best resolved by going to Hash Inc directly. Similarly, bug reports are best resolved by entering them directly into the A:M Reporting system.
Many problems can be easily addressed at the user level just by asking fellow users in the forum. If someone at Hash Inc suggests the forum as a source, it is very likely a problem can be easily resolved. For tougher issues there is even more reason to take the issue directly to the source... you don't want the issue discussed... you want it resolved quickly.
Finally, remember that we want to pass this forum on to future moderators and generations of A:M Users in the absolute best condition possible. A:M is just that good a program and is worthy of our consideration.
Thanks for making the A:M Forum a great community.
4,160 topics in this forum
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This thread will hold links to the new A:M Quickstart Videos and copies of the files used in the demonstrations (It will be "closed" until it is fully populated.) 1 A:M Interface 2 A:M Spline Modeling 3 A:M Spline Techniques 4 A:M Rigging 5 A:M Keyframe Animation 6 A:M Curve Editing 7 A:M Texturing 07_Texturing_PRJs.zip 8 A:M Rendering Options
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 18 replies
- 7k views
First Off ---Welcome. Hope you are enjoying checking out AM and the forum here. I have to say it may be one of the best 3d forums going. Almost every question posted here gets answered within one day for sure and most within hours. And more importantly -----folks are happy to help and share their knowledge . No matter how new you are or your own expertise. Beginers are always welcome. So have fun here. Don't be shy either ---register up and join the party. Post some questions, models, or pics whatever. We all would love to get to see some new names enjoying AM.
Last reply by Clipping Path Specialists, -
- 7 followers
- 176 replies
- 36.6k views
Welcome to the A:M Forums. We are glad you are here. If you are returning, we are glad you're back. If you are just getting started please make sure you spend some time in the Newbies forum and read through the A:M Manual (The Art of Animation:Master and The A:M Technical Reference). Ask questions. Join in the discussions. Give and get feedback. Explore A:M! This Welcome topic is a continuation of introductions to the forum from previous years. Click here to read some of the past introductions General Overview of Animation:Master Anyone can create 3D pictures and animation at home or in the studio with Animation:Master. Animation:Master includes everything you need…
Last reply by lowclos, -
- 4 replies
- 638 views
Hey i got version 13 for christmas then i got 14 from this website for dowloading it free, but when i looked into the libraby for version 14 nothing is there at all. also for the extra dvd, i dont get how to run it. it doesnt work on my computer or on a dvd player. any suggestions?
Last reply by TRN, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 785 views
HELLO! Hmmm, I treat to explain me... A Patch or surface is not generated when the area is delimitated by five points/lines/faces/splines (I don't know how call it...) or more and I wonder if there was a secret way or ways... Well, THANK YOU very much (in advance) and CIAO!
Last reply by Ramón López, -
.gif
by elliotclem1- 4 replies
- 589 views
hi there, I would just like to know if A:M can render as .gif's?? Because i wanted to make MSN emotions. How can I put an animation on my fourm avater? Elliot
Last reply by BrainLock, -
- 1 reply
- 766 views
Hi, I need to Know where the wizard folder is in AM15 I downloaded .hwz files from the ftp but I cannot find the proper place for them Also, I have Bryce 6 and Poser7 Can use or swap files between them?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 reply
- 364 views
ok this is more of a has this happened to you vs a how do i do this qustion. iv noted that most if not all movies uploaded to the forums are in .mov format ( or quicktime usable) but when ever i try and save as .mov or render as .mov the file never finishes being built , the computer will have a link to it but its a missing file and when trying to save again it keeps giving a file file window and loses the render compleatly forcing me to rerender the whoel lenght of the movie, .avi still works i have quicktime installed so its very anoying
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 5 replies
- 1k views
I'm using version 12.0 Socereze version. I have to render a few animation files for my class in .mov format. The short I'm doing first is 10 seconds long and is simple enough to render in 12 minutes as an .avi. When I render with default settings, it takes the same 12 minutes. But when I go to watch it, an error pops up that says " This is not a movie file. When I render with Sorenson Video 3, no error pops up but my computer completely locks up. Another, not so serious, problem; when I rendered the above mentioned animation as an avi, the sound was this loud static type sound and not the music it ws supposed to be. And another animation I've done as a…
Last reply by Chrury Sanson, -
- 1 follower
- 18 replies
- 1.7k views
Hey Everyone, I've worked with .obj export & import many times, but I have run into a new question: I have a very smooth obj imported model(Must have been created with Quads rather than triangles ...... Anyway, heres my problem: 1.I want to use the UV map that the model has in the other App. 2.I exported it as an obj 3.I imported it into Hash 4.The model mesh is awesome....but no texture/ UV map. 5.How do I know if the UV info is still there and How do I get the stamp onto the model in AM. BTW: I know some may be thinking that I should use a .3ds instead, but I can't get a .3ds to export from the other App. William
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 4 replies
- 658 views
I think I've seen people introduce themselves on the board before they go and impose upon the senior users with silly newbie questions... Hi, I'm Matt G5 1.5 single & G4 667 powerbook Animation Master 12 - just picked it up at WizardWorld Chicago this past summer I've been full on Adobe 2d/static up until this point and this is my first foray into 3d/animation and now my newbie questions...I appologize if I'm not getting the terminology right, or being unclear in my questions. I made a model...but it's not really a model, it's a .prj file. It's a building...the Lincoln Memorial to be exact (sans Lincoln himself for the time being), so there aren'…
Last reply by mr_matt138, -
- 9 replies
- 1.1k views
When you render to an image sequence A:M creates a .sinfo file to somehow connect sound that was in the chor with the image sequence. How do i get that to work when I import an image sequence back into A:M?
Last reply by HomeSlice, -
- 16 replies
- 1.9k views
Hi, I just finished assignment 7 and wanted to practice with other models. I've downloaded and installed different .wav files and the one and only time I could get the .wav file to "attach" to the model I couldn't get the mouth to move. All other times I've tried to attach the files A:M immediately freezes and I have to reboot my system. If anyone has any ideas I sure could use the help. Thanks, Robin
Last reply by candimeg, -
- 1 reply
- 510 views
I am adding some decals to models and have started to see a new problem (many decals done in the past and didn't come across this issue) The decalling is straightforward, no unusual requests, just a PNG or Jpeg to apply to a model surface. During application, it goes as planned. In model mode, it looks fine, but when rendered, I see streaks of the decal color bleeding onto other sections where I did not apply the decal. I'll try and upload an example. Any tips as to where I'm causing this? As usual, I appreciate all the help. Glider
Last reply by KenH, -
- 3 replies
- 574 views
I cannot detect any difference between " toon with falloff" and "toon with multiple lights" tested in a chor with the default chor lights and some toonmodels. So what is the difference supposed to look like?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 4 replies
- 497 views
Again run into trouble with decaling this time with a bump map not showing up. All is o.k., when I apply it planar in model window, but when I add an image in a flattening pose relationship, the bump is not showing up neither the colormap . Also I canot change the order by dragging the decals around. What can I possibly do wrong here. Also: Can`t I add a color by adding a procedural material? Seems then that the underlying bumpmap just keeps the groupscolor grey.
Last reply by jakerupert, -
- 7 replies
- 773 views
I did the "Can You Say That?" tutorial and rendered it out, [never mind that it still looks like it was dubbed from an old Godzilla movie] but I'm wondering what to do from here. How do I get one of my characters to say the right thing at the right point in the Choreography? Should I save it as an Action>Library and drop it onto the character at the right frame?
Last reply by Kelley, -
- 1 reply
- 346 views
This is odd... I have been using the "copy keyframe" and "paste mirrored" creating a walk cycle for a chacter and it has been working fine - then for some reason it will not "paste mirrored". It doesn't paste anything. I have shut down AM and restarted it, and also rebooted the computer and still have the problem. Has anyone ever had this problem?
Last reply by flashawd, -
"Escalated"
by danf- 21 replies
- 1.7k views
There's 2.5 months of work, INCLUDING learning A:M! I set out working on this before I knew a lot of the basics, and got people relying on me to finish it (like a sound effects crew who were using it as their final project for school), so I had to drive ahead rather than learn some parts. While I'd nailed the TAO:AM, I knew little of character animation, or the many advanced features of this diamond-in-the-rough of a software package. Thanks to this forum, I was able to gather as much knowledge as I needed along the way. I've learned there are very deep levels that one can learn to animate characters on, and I had to rush over them to finish this. In other words,…
Last reply by NancyGormezano, -
- 2 replies
- 535 views
Actually I am not a new user(i have been working with A:M since 2000), but the question I want to ask is somehow a newbee-question, so I will ask it here: In the cloth-video-tutorial from hash, I saw and heard about a function called: "select everything attached"... What key is that? I only know the ',' key for the whole spline, but what do i have to push, if I want everything attached? *Fuchur*
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 2 replies
- 535 views
how do you make an "eye target"?
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 428 views
Hi Everyone, I recieved my software a few weeks and I am still working on the exercises in a part time effort. One thing I am curious about but I haven't seen a Tutorial on is "Flying" or "Soaring" thru scenery. Could someone point me in the right direction? Thanks again, Bob
Last reply by Jentham2000, -
- 2 replies
- 612 views
I'm encountering a bug (or perhaps a feature) where, during animation, characters and objects leave 4 ghosts behind them in addition to their current state. These don't appear to be a rendering problem as they appear as solid 3D models appearing on even intervals. This hadn't been happening until a while ago, and I'm not sure what I did (maybe an accidental key command?) to cause it. This picture is an example of what I'm talking about, from the "take a walk" tutorial, as this serves as the best example. From what I can tell, it leaves one of these ghosts behind on every keyframe, though I could be wrong. This problem occurs on all projects with any a…
Last reply by phort99, -
- 6 replies
- 870 views
i was going to render something in the dark with a model of mine, having glowing eyes. but for some odd reason, the glowing color of the eyes seem to "leak" out some cracks.... is there a solution? you must zoom to actually see the problem...
Last reply by Ravager, -
- 3 replies
- 615 views
I'm trying to line up two different components in a model very precisely, one row of "parts" to a panel that's at a bizarre angle. I can do my trigonometry, so I've never had trouble matching angles on one or two planes, but since this panel is rotated on all three planes it's proving surprisingly hard to match up--I've been doing inverse tangents 'til my eyes bleed, and it's just not working. A cursory look at some other forum posts had someone mentioning lining things up in an action, and that kinda worked--I made a bone for the panel, a bone for the parts, and in an action window used orient like/translate to constraints and the "parts" and panel were right where…
Last reply by Gerry, -
- 2 replies
- 533 views
"Paste Mirrored" will not work for me. I ask myself: 'How can you screw up a simple Copy & Paste command?' Yet everytime I do, the legs contort like in the lower panel. Usually they're worse. Am I missing something obvious? Thanks. [attachmentid=18220]
Last reply by Kelley, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 425 views
Would a model of a single "red blood cell" be available? I am experimenting with a very simplified depiction of blood flow through veins for a video project on a medical subject. Thanks so much.
Last reply by phatso, -
- 2 replies
- 906 views
After working some on my "flour sack" model, I saved the model, then decided to close A:M. When I agreed to save the project, the error: "RPC Server unavailable". Then when I went to close it again, it crashed. Any configuration issues I should change? Or just one of those things? -SB
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 2 replies
- 653 views
Just wanted to verify that I'm not doing something wrong here before I throw up an AM Report. I'm using the Mac version of v16 and can't get spring systems to work. In an action, selecting "simulate spring systems" does absolutely nothing. In a choreography, the option is grayed out. I hopped back to v15 (same project, same actions, same chor) and "simulate spring systems" works perfectly fine in both acts and chors. I also tried creating a brand new action in v16; same result. Anyone else have this issue? Thanks!
Last reply by Meowx, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 654 views
Hello, I'd just like to let you guys know that Animation Master is a terrific program, and I would love to support it. The problem is... I am a little used to the free updates.... and I don't think I can afford to pay 80$ every year. Anyone have an idea how I can work around this? My projects are relatively new, and I can't just resort back to the original version it had on disk. Or do I just need to put in the disk from now on in order to use it? Thanks again.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 3 replies
- 528 views
Hey everyone. A friend just let me borrow his A:M CD and I'm diving right into the exercises along with the book. I was working on exercise 5 "Take A Walk" where you make the rabbit walk along a path. And for some reason, the path has a decline in it. I have no idea how to make it level. In the final rendered movie, the rabbit appears to gradually sink into the ground, like he is walking through a swamp. Below is an attachment to screenshots. Any answers how to fix this would be much appreciated. THANKS!
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 4 replies
- 1.5k views
Hello - I'm not a new user but I have a new user question. When modeling, the user is able to select a cp either by clicking on that particular cp or by using the "G" key and grouping a couple of cps. After these cps are highlighted (they turn green) the user can hit the "T" key and rotate the model ... ...and those selected green cps should now be the center axis for the "turn" action to rotate around. That is what I remember... but now when I click on a cp and use the "T" command the model rotates haphazardly and the software does not use the selected cps as the center axis for "turning".. Can anyone explain where this is going wrong? Many thanks, To…
Last reply by Tom, -
- 18 replies
- 2.1k views
These letters are made is sections, like bricks. I wish them to go from shiny and new to old and rusty over a period of about 2 seconds. Hold for anther two, then begin falling apart. At first a few pieces, then faster, then all at once drop to the floor (about twice the 'letter height' ) in a pile. Animating the material strength wold handle the first part, but how would I go about that. This is a Darktree/Simbiont material. Would it be worth setting up a Newton simulation for the falling apart? I've never worked with Newton before. (I've heard he is a nice guy, but can be difficult to get along with.) Lock.prj
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 3 replies
- 632 views
I'm trying to render an image and it says about half way thru "Error Loading 5918". Whats that?
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 3 replies
- 683 views
I've been modeling basic object, with the least amount of patches and control points when ever possible. But as I'm exploring the forums and the Exta's DVD I've ran across a few projects that contained not all to complex model with a very high patch count. What are the advantages (or disadvantages) of having a high patch count on a model?
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 4 replies
- 660 views
the year subscription, if you decide to get that, you are just accessing AM from a server and you get all the same abilities if you buy the product or are there some limits?
Last reply by KenH, -
- 1 reply
- 413 views
OK as many of you know i import models from 3dmax (game 3d designer) to work with them in AM , this however has a effect similar to a blender as 3D uses polygons while AM uses splines , and during the conversion process AM assigns splines based on the polygons points and while the outcome resembles the original models it does have the aforementioned blendered effect. one thing that might help clean it up would be the ability to select several current CPs and then make a line between them automatically possible removing the previous line segments. is there a hot key command or something of the such that will do this or will i need to use the old fashioned manual method?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 3 replies
- 599 views
Hi, I imported Dennis' sig frog from my desktop and only 1/2 of him shows. Only what is above the y axis shows. I can rotate him to supine and sure enough just the top half of him shows but only in shaded mode. I can see the whole wire figure. Renders above the y axis only. I can stand him on his head and see only his feet! I wonder if it is because I don't know how to add him to my library and I am just importing him. Other A:M characters are working OK Dennis says it is working fine for him. I'm on a G5 iMac Lori Hiatt Sig_frog_test.mov
Last reply by dborruso, -
- 21 replies
- 2.6k views
Did you know... There are more than 12 different ways to add a spherical shape or model into a project in A:M? (and there are a few more when we consider the variations on those). Here are some basic approaches: - Double Click on a Sphere in the Library - Drag and Drop a Sphere from the Library to the Choreography window - Drag and Drop from anywhere in your computers file system or desktop into A:M - Use the Primitive Wizard - Import a Sphere Model (via one of the many different ways possible) - Import a Sphere Prop (STL, 3DS, OBJ, etc.) - Borrow the Sphere from another project (copy/paste from Model to Model) - Use the Duplicator Wizard (also very u…
Last reply by Clipping Path Specialists, -
- 1 reply
- 363 views
ive been able to follow the path ease tut no problems. i cant seem to make this one work for me. i put in the two actions and set the action ins and outs on the timeline. then i set the ease point to 100 and poof the secound action disappears. i can find it and i try to stretch it out but the action is still. any ideas what im doing wrong?
Last reply by sir fen the usa, -
- 4 replies
- 712 views
I was searching the forums to find these 2 tricks in animation. None of the topic headers seem to have keywords to track down the info. Logically, they have to be common animation techniques for some time now: 1. Rotating a wheel such as a car, and to keep it spinning. 2. Animating a prop that pops up in one area and then disappears and something else pops up in the same location, like magic. For instance, a frog breakdancing and then instantly disappears and a prince pops up in the same spot.
Last reply by Dhar, -
- 9 replies
- 1.3k views
Help! I have two error messages I have researched and can't fix. 1. When I open A:M I get the message "unable to load plug-in [/applications/animation master 16.0/textures/simbiont2.atx], -err- This one doesn't seem to cause any problem, but because I have another error (below) I thought I'd mention it. 2. When I create a new dope sheet, I add a sentence then get the message "dictionary modified or index file missing. Recreating index file" This message takes me to a "locate file" dialog box, and at the bottom of the dialog I can see that it's expecting a *.i file. SOOOO, I can't make my characters talk! Btw, I have version 16.0b and I'm ru…
Last reply by purplegirl, -
- 7 replies
- 756 views
OK, I am stuck. I have spent the last 2 and a half years building models, sets, animating and assembling choreographies. I am going through our final renders, and have hit two huge problems that I cannot figure out how to correct. I called Hash's number and they told me that the problems were with the version I was using, and I needed to upgrade. I took them at their word, paid for v15 and I am getting the EXACT same issue. So I am hoping the collective knowlledge of this forum can help us. First, I have these random "blotches" appearing on a model. They are showing up what appears to be randomly in a rendered cho. they show up for just one frame, but if I …
Last reply by Master chief, -
- 7 replies
- 1.1k views
I have both the models for my treasure chest in the same project file, they both show up in the PWS. However, they're in separate windows and I'm not sure how to combine them into the same window, other than using cut and paste or exporting a model and then reimporting it into whichever window I choose to be the active one. Is this how it's done or is there something obvious I'm missing?
Last reply by Gerry, -
- 7 replies
- 772 views
Hi Everyone, I just have 2 questions that I havent been able to figure out myself so far.. 1) If I want to use a custom resolution (like 5000 x 5000) which is not the same semi-widescreen shape that the program defaults to, how would I change this to get an actual view of what the output would be (5000x5000 should be a perfect square). I noticed that if I change the resolution to 5000x5000 when rendering that it will change the 'stage' to that resolution afterwards.. but I would like for an immediate change so that I can see what I'm working with before going through the rendering process. Sorry if this is confusing, I'm not sure how else to word it. 2) I …
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 reply
- 592 views
Hey everyone. Hope the Holidays aren't too stressful for ya! Couple questions: 1: How do I change the background in my Chor so it's basically a "grey" floor with a black background, etc? 2: The Lamp-Desk (the pixar looking one): the Bones aren't completely connected together. WHen I move one part of the lamp, one "rod" of it doesn't move. How do I connect these or does someone have one that is complete? Thanks! Steven
Last reply by Luuk Steitner, -
- 2 replies
- 545 views
Ok how do I render in Alpha Channel and how do I install the extras DvD into my animation master local disk file I have v13 if that is any help.
Last reply by ptiversen, -
- 2 replies
- 713 views
1. How do I unwrap my character so I can later paint the picture and then use it as a decal. 2.How Can I mimic reel camera movements into Animation Master.
Last reply by PF_Mark, -
2 questions
by Malo- 1 follower
- 14 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi, Is it a way to view all Falloff's bones, in mode bones? Is it a keyboard button to move a patch along the normal as there is one for X (1), Y (2), Z (3) axis? thank you in advance
Last reply by Malo, -
- 4 replies
- 692 views
1st... How are ppl rendering to get that polished movie look? 1080p/multi pass? 2nd... I use VGA or low and final for my rendering. a 32 second clip takes 2hrs on low/preveiw. My question is. Will a faster system speed the process. I currently have a 1+MHZ duel core with 2+mb of ram and a 1g video card. How much will a faster system speed up the rendering process? Thank you to all that reply.
Last reply by itsjustme,
