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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.
4,166 topics in this forum
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- 14 replies
- 1.3k views
Hello I am not really sure what the yellow dot is done at the bottom near the origin and between the feet. I wonder if it is the model bone, but it doesn't seem to have any scale to it and if I rotate around it it appears to be a singel point. It has the name of a previous project ( think I opened that project and save it with a new name) and if I right-click it and choose delete my entire penguin disappears (which leads me to think it is the model bone but I thought normally those aren't visible?). Also when it is selected all the points on the left-hand side (right if you are looking at the model) are selected. Any ideas as to what the heck this might be?
Last reply by Vertexspline, -
- 3 replies
- 1.3k views
It used to be that if you would customize which panels were open, and their location, then quit the app. It would remember where they were when you relaunch the app. However, with v18, that doesn't seem to be the case. Each time I either quit the app, or it crashes (which is still quite frequent - very disappointing), the panels are always restored to their default location. Is there a way to get the software to remember which windows I want open and where? Thanks, Tommy
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 12 replies
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I've tried everything and I just can't figure it out. Is there anyway to turn IK off for that rig without messing up all the other key frames? I tried adding a second chor action. This worked but then I can't key the bones. Is there a way to key all the bones at the point the second chor starts? I'm very desperate for a solution. Time critical. -vern
Last reply by heyvern, -
I have a scene in the shower. This will be composite shot. The character is hand drawn but I need to have an effect of water droplets coming down and off the body. for shower effect I will be using robcat2075 shower spray. But I need to make the water droplets on the body. I have made a model of the image for the effect. Any idea’s?? Also dose any one have a shower head with a coord?
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 13 replies
- 1.3k views
Maybe this will help me with some of the other questions I have been posting... I am trying to just take a character (i.e. KeeKat) and lifting the right arm at frame 5 and the left arm at frame 10. I do not want the left arm to lift until after the right arm is done (frame 5). However, the left arm begins lifting at frame 0. I have tried to nudge the left arm at frame 5 (by the way, you can only nudge with the mouse cursor...moving by arrow buttons on the keyboard doesn't make it recognized as being moved) to set it in the same position as frame 0 but that doesn't seem to work. I have done several of the tutorials but it seems that I may be missing some basic…
Last reply by Kurrykid, -
I just started with A:M. My goal is to just make simple boxes and color them. Actually, I want to create 3-D engines and eventually use A:M to render street rods. BTW, I am a master draftsman (figure drawing) and have been a traditional animation and graphic design instructor and a professional illustrator for over 40 years. I have the drawing skills. I just don't have the 3-D modeling skills. Thanks. Dennis
Last reply by Xtaz, -
- 17 replies
- 1.3k views
Ok, so I'm trying to work through the exercises, but I've hit a wall... Where are the models? The latest CD I have is AM99, I think. (Whichever one the Dog is on.) For the most part, I go to the FTP to download and install everything. I've downloaded several Data folders off there, but 1) The libraries are different formats (one just goes through and lists a name and then a path. The ones I work with most often use block groups. [MODEL] FileName=../Models/Actors/Thom/Thom.mdl[ENDMODEL]) 2) I can't find the models I need. (The Rabbit, Knight, and KeyKat. I found KeyKat downloadable in the first example, but I'd rather not go searching for EVERY model I need.) So,…
Last reply by goodguy20k, -
- 10 replies
- 1.3k views
Hi! In the ideal, I'd like to render a scene at 13200 x 10200 pixels, by my calculations, but A:M crashes when I set a render at that resolution. Is there a way to only render a portion of a size like this, and then piece the parts together in a program like Photoshop, later? I feel that if I try to move the camera and render only parts of a scene, the perspective would change for each section. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Tim
Last reply by Gerry, -
- 1 follower
- 13 replies
- 1.3k views
I'm probably missing something obvious. I have a downloaded file called "AM2005.exe" that I downloaded years ago. It is apparently the installer for AM version 11.1b (which it announces on startup). It is the latest version I have been able to use with my original AM Orangutan CD. I'm installing on Windows XP Media Center on an HP a1600n computer. It does install and successfully start up. However, there are no models, choreographies, actions, images, etc. in any of the libraries. The library droplist includes: All Libraries Hash Installed Library My Library Under the "Hash Installed Library", in the Tutorials tab, there are two tutorials:…
Last reply by Caroline, -
- 4 replies
- 1.3k views
Rob, Just watched the rigging basics video and have to admit you make it look so easy. Was there a reason you chose to use a fan bone instead of a smart skin for the knee joint? Also, if you were rigging Thom's torso, how many bones would you use for the spine? Would you use 2, 3 or more? I'm curious because it seems kind of arbitrary and I noticed that TSM seems to add a lot of spine bones, and I've seen other people using a lot of bones for the spine.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 14 replies
- 1.3k views
I need help creating a science lab for a project help please
Last reply by animation man hi, -
- 2 followers
- 10 replies
- 1.3k views
I've started playing with particles, and thought that blobbies would make a good blood effect. I may end up with streaks in the end, but in the mean time, I need to know what is causing this strange grouping of the blobbies. I've tried changing every parameter in the blobby emitter and the sprite emitter, but nothing seems to change the square groups of blobs to a continuous stream of blobs. Does the properties of the emitting surface effect the emissions? My emitter surface has four patches. If it had 49, would the emitted blobbies behave differently? The attached picture shows this unusual (I think) clumping of the blobs. When rendered, the blobs are sti…
Last reply by wingalls, -
- 6 replies
- 1.3k views
I'm wondering -- when we create a circular spline by lathing a line into a cylinder and deleting the CPs at one end, is the resulting geometry a true circle or do splines merely provide a very good approximation of a circle? -SB
Last reply by sb4, -
- 8 replies
- 1.2k views
is there some sort of function that welds verticies that are near each other?
Last reply by eptigo, -
- 7 replies
- 1.2k views
Sorry if i am missing something obvious but I can not find this option anymore. Is this still possible with Animation Master? Thanks in advance for any assist possible.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 8 replies
- 1.2k views
I'm making a porno, and i was wondering how can i make semen look realistic.
Last reply by ddustin, -
- 4 replies
- 1.2k views
In Hash pressing Shift + middle Mouse button will give you the "Turn tool" for rotating in the scene/ model/ action/ view, etc. HOW can you customize this to be Alt + Left Mouse button? I haven't learned that golden knowledge during my last 11 years of Hash use. Anyone know how? I Know how to change short cut keys via the "Customize/ Keyboard" window.....but I haven't figured out how to make the "Mouse buttons" work in combination there in order the re-customize the view interface ......(Turn, Move, zoom)
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 reply
- 1.2k views
See Attached image. Missing a dll file. Suggestions? iMac Windows 7
Last reply by thumperness, -
- 12 replies
- 1.2k views
Does anybody know how to model a planet? I've tried making a giant sphere, than place a material on it, but instead of a planet, it looks like a giant marble! So, I would like some assistance please! Thanks, Rooky Animator
Last reply by phatso, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 1.2k views
I'm working on a short that takes place in mostly one place. For that giant bulk where the scene is set, and most things won't be moving, would you make it all one choreography file, or would you arrange choreography on a shot-by-shot basis? My first sequence I began by going shot-by-shot, but by the end there were segments of action that were continuous, so it made more sense to render the various perspectives out of the same choreography file. I can imagine a variety of perks to keeping one file (not pulling out all your props for each new shot), but I also feel like there are advantages to having a clean slate for each shot (not confined to realistic object …
Last reply by Gerry, -
- 2 replies
- 1.2k views
hi, I've been changing some of the shortcut keys so I can work on my laptop which doesn't have the numeric keypad. One key I want to remap but can't seem to find in Tools/Customize/Keyboard tab is the "*" key, which Expands/Collapses the PWS. Is it not exposed or am I missing it? -Jim EDIT: sorry for posting this here and not New Users. I was here looking at the existing Keyboard shortcut list!
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 2 followers
- 9 replies
- 1.2k views
Hello all, Just wondering if there is a list of usable image file formats that can be used for decals. I know '.jpeg' can be used, however after modifying an image in adobe photoshop and then applying it to my model as a decal, nothing showed up. Sorry I can't say what file format it was, I'd scrapped it and used a .jpeg instead. However after a while I started to wonder. So does anyone have a list? Also more to the point can I use a .gif or .png image file without changing settings in decal? Happy animating!
Last reply by AProd, -
- 11 replies
- 1.2k views
So I am making a short film and it calls for a crumpled paper. I tried using the distort mode on a 32 patch sphere. it didin't look that realistic. And would probably take forever to model. Anyone know of a way.
Last reply by animation man hi, -
- 8 replies
- 1.2k views
I keep seeing mention of stuff not being beveled or being beveled as if beveling were a good thing. I'm assuming that it is desired to have bevels in your models of things like buildings or boxes. I did a little searching but have not been able to find good instruction on the whys or hows. I remember seeing a tutorial somewhere that even talked about doing the bevel(s) first before the rest of the model.
Last reply by ypoissant, -
- 4 replies
- 1.2k views
I'm finding if I create a new Action window with a model, and I like the model default pose for my first and last keyframe, I can't just press "Force KeyFrame" on frame 0, move to frame xx, press "Force KeyFrame" again, and get keyframes. They just don't "take". However, it seems if I perturb a bone once in a keyframe (such as keyframe 0), and do the same procedure as above, the keyframes are "recorded" -- meaning I can skip back and forth to the keyframes. I typically have the filters: Key Skeletal Translations, Scaling, Rotations active and the Key Bone filter activated, and the other filters inactive, but I don't think any combination of filters has changed …
Last reply by sb4, -
- 13 replies
- 1.2k views
I noticed a few posts scattered around where folks have offered up models for use free of charge for any purpose but there didn't seem to be a dedicated area for such philanthropy. Did I miss it? Is there a section for free use models? Has the community as a whole ever gotten together to create a free use library for anyone in the community to pick from? I've got big plans and a lot of work to do. I'll need all the help I can get and will take whatever I can get so I'm obviously curious. Thanks.
Last reply by TheSpleen, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 1.2k views
In the attached Project, why doesn't the string render? Please don't just fix it. Let me know what the issue is so I can fix it and learn. Thanks Music Bows.zip
Last reply by thumperness, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 1.2k views
this is not a project i'm working on now, but i'd like to understand something and find out what that something is . to make a model come apart at the seams, think "Sarah's Asylum Nightmare" in T2, the nuclear explosion, she's at the playground fence or Iron Man says to computer "exploded view" - is there something called exploded view in reality? (yes i know where this might point and yes i might stray but it's a:m for me, period.) - is there a simple way to use the patch information to perform this type of operation in a:m? boiling down to, can i blow up any model, or should i for instance go find a polygon model and then explode it in a:m? i'd …
Last reply by jimd, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 1.2k views
Hey everyone! I'm Ryan and just purchased this software this weekend and I must say the examples of people's work is astounding for what this thing can do! I've always been looking for an affordable piece of software to do 3D, but they all seemed to be way out of my league. This software looks very promising and the work that's been coming out of this community is very impressive. I was wondering for those of you who have learned the program how hard the learning curve was for you? I barely used Maya and I do catch on rather quick to things, but this is pretty much my first 3D program I bought and am very excited to bring some of my ideas to life on scree…
Last reply by Eric2575, -
- 6 replies
- 1.2k views
Does anyone one know if Animation:Master allows you to install it on both a laptop and desktop? Most applications allow this nowadays...I just wondered if Hash was following the trend? Thanks. Dave
Last reply by PostTribber, -
ive heard people refer to "hooks", what is a hook? how do you make one?
Last reply by nimblepix, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi there, I've bought AM a few days back, so I'm a newbie here... I can model basic stuff so far, extruding splines, connecting and so on. No problem. The video-tutorials are very helpfull so far. I work also with polygon modelers like Silo, Wings and Strata, so there is a big differents in working with splines. What I really need (and don't find) is a basic tutorial how to: - add points on a spline (If I have points, i can connect them, but I need new ones) - how to connect curved edges to a flat surface (like a tube on a cube) - how to make sharp edges - how to smooth out hard connection/extrusions - how to add tickness - and so on..…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 12 replies
- 1.2k views
When I bring in an image as a rotoscope to use on a model the image comes in at a low resolution So I lose a lot of detail and makes the image useless to work from for smaller details. Is there away to get A:M to show it in full resolution?
Last reply by DJBREIT, -
Hello all, I have built a 8ft, high 6ft wide, and 5ft deep sound proof computer room. The walls are 8in thick using various sound baffles. At the end of the month i am going to order my computer(ABOUT TIME). This computer is going to be for the sole purpose of making a 2-D cartoon like the simpsons. I needed a 3-d program with bone structure that converted to 2-d. I am going to have no programs except for animation and windows xp pro on it. I have a laptop off to the left to surf the web and listen to music so this one will be off line. The computer spec's are as follow's: 2048mb pc3200 ddr400 memory 300gb 7200rpm 16mb serial ata hard drive 2- n…
Last reply by 8up, -
- 13 replies
- 1.2k views
This is pretty straight forward. Apply a decal in cylindrical fashion to a model centered on the xyz/0 axis. When checking the model, I find it doesn't close in back. I tried changing the repeat, but that doesn't do the trick. Searched the forum in vain. Tried scaling the decal wider and then reapplying with no luck. Turned the "Seamless" option on in the decal properties with no luck. What the heck does "seamless" do anyway? Ok, what else is there?
Last reply by KenH, -
- 10 replies
- 1.2k views
I'm not sure where exactly this post would belong - I didnt see any "general help" forum, so please feel free to move this if its in the wrong place. I just bought one of the Sony UX180P Micro PC's and would love to use Animation Master with it. The Animation Master software requires for the CD to be in the tray while it starts, but the UX180P does not have any sort of CD/DVD Drive included (and the optional one sells for $399 and (I believe) requires it be plugged into a power outlet, eliminating the advantage of a mobile PC. I'm not talking about bypassing the protection or anything illegal, but just looking for a general way of running the software without us…
Last reply by martin, -
- 1 follower
- 14 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi Everyone, Someday I hope to make my own commercial, and perhaps even a short clip. I know I am WAY ahead of myself, but I am curious.... When creating a clip, do you create 4 or 5 choreography projects and then paste them together? If so, can it be done in A:M or is something else required? What techniques does someone use and has anyone ever made a tutorial or training vid for this. Also, I would someday like to add text in the clip such as subtitles and a tag at the end. Can it be done in A:M or is something else required? What techniques does someone use and has anyone ever made a tutorial or training vid for this. Thanks again, Bob
Last reply by Jentham2000, -
- 14 replies
- 1.2k views
I have a headheak tryng to achieve this. Each time i select four cp s and press "E", i have a mess. Because A:m Keep the original patch from where i do extend and i don t know how to delete it without doing my mesh a mess ? Is there an Extrude (and not extend) tool ? Thank you for your help. here is what i want to achieve.
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 15 replies
- 1.2k views
last week i rendered a 5 mins work, i cant believe that i was 203mb, wat could have cause this and how can i reduced the seize of my rendered file
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 1.2k views
I have a layer and its in a chor its supposed to be a bunch of tiny lights off in the distance. Any ideas on how to make the lights which are basically circles of solid colors twinkle?
Last reply by jason1025, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 1.2k views
Howdy from Tucson, As I'm creating lip poses to be used in lip sync animation, I find it difficult to hide certain control points. Perhaps, as I'm a newbie, is there an "Eye" icon feature to hide/unhide groups as you are editing? Right now, I have a "tongue" and "teeth" groups I'd like to hide while manipulating the lip without accidently hitting a tooth. Any suggestions? Thanks! ...doobie angorabell.wordpress.com
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 2 followers
- 10 replies
- 1.2k views
I recently rendered an animation and I noticed 2 black pixels showing up on one of my models during the scene that keep flashing. What causes this?
Last reply by C-grid, -
- 5 replies
- 1.2k views
I just downloaded A:M v16 on my iMac. I'm running mac OSX v. 10.6.8. When I put in my activation code I get an error: "Error writing license file / Application / Animation Master 16.0 / master0.lic" When I cancel it pops up "Bad parameter passed to RLM function (-123)" I have never installed A:M on this machine before. There is no master0.lic in Animation Master 16.0 at this time. What do I do now?
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 8 replies
- 1.2k views
Are there some recommended settings for A:M if you are working with "toons" style rendering that will be most efficient for rendering and overall workflow? -SB
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 12 replies
- 1.2k views
I'm currently looking at A:M's various abilities. Can A:M import various scene files from other 3D app packages? Can Animation Master import/open a Lightwave scene that contains only nulls? What can be imported (other than images) and what can't? Thanks in advance.
Last reply by luckbat, -
- 6 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi! I am on the exercise "can you say that" and I am having some trouble. I built the dope sheet and added the sound to the actor, but when I press play, I hear the words, but keekat's lips still don't move. The tutorial tells me that the lips should be moving. Thank you for your help! purplegirl
Last reply by Gerry, -
- 10 replies
- 1.2k views
This topic is a place holder for Rodney Sirratt. He'd like to build of room full of stuff. So would I. What kind of room would you like to make Rodney? What kind of stuff do you want to fill the Room with?
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 13 replies
- 1.2k views
There are many dilemmas we face as we try to learn any given subject. Animation is no exception. Where should we focus our attention? How much about a given subject should we learn? How many processes must we master in order to reach our goal. The questions you ask and the solutions you discover will vary based upon your goals. To the animator Lighting a scene for instance is often a secondary or perhaps even tertiary goal. But if you are the one who will eventually light your own project its still a very important thing to learn. Animation is our primary focus here in the forum. But others aspects are important too. Should you try to learn i…
Last reply by frosteternal, -
- 10 replies
- 1.2k views
Long time no talk here. Nice to be back! I've been absent for awhile (job move to california, etc), and I had to reset my CPU. I currently have the 13.0 version on disc and want to update that to 14.0 c, but I can not find that update. Anyone have a link or know where I can get those updates? I went to the "latest info" on the forums here, and that link it mentioned for 14.0 doesn't work. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
Last reply by Zaryin, -
- 2 replies
- 1.2k views
Snap Group to surface is "view dependent" which I take to mean that it will move the CPs in what ever direction you are viewing from, right? However, i can only get it to move in one direction. I filed this as an A:M report which is why it's in German but maybe someone here has an answer before Steffen gets to it... SnapGroupToSurfaceQuestion.mov SimpleSnapTest02.prj
Last reply by robcat2075,
