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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.
4,164 topics in this forum
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- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 736 views
Hi I was wondering what are the lip sync tools like in Am? What sort of documentation does Am come with? What sort of technical support can I expect from am company, if i bought am. Does am have a paint program simular to that of bodypaint? What feature films does anyone know of that have been developed from am. How easy is it to learn the moddeling tools? What other software is compatible with am?, In your own words how does am compare with major packages like cinema 4d?, or lightwave? If you can answer any of these questions I would be very grateful.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 4 replies
- 586 views
I have recently made a scene in which I used sprite particles to create leaves on a tree. On a still frame, I am happy with the results. However, since it is a particle system, if I jump to future frames, the leaves will move (according to the particle system). So here is my question: does anyone know a simple way to "freeze" a particle system, so that it looks the same regardless of time. I have the same problem when I was using a particle system to create clouds (how do I freeze the particle system so that the clouds are not moving from frame to frame). Any ideas? Thanks.
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 563 views
Hi folks, Could somebody please clarify some "simple" question about texturing for me? -Decaling renders faster then the procedural materials right? So if I would paint ,for instance Tom, in color red in 3D-Painter he would render faster as if I would set his surface property-color from yellow to red, correct? So would I gain some substantial time saving effect in rendertimes in big chors/scenes this way? Would I have this effect as well, if I would use the toonshader? -then ,If I would like to have Tom shiny (reflective) in the painted/decaled version, I would have to make reflection maps for Tom, right? or could I combine the decals with su…
Last reply by zandoriastudios, -
White Room
by hybrid- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 511 views
I want to make a background so it looks as if my character is in a white box. I want there to be white walls on the sides, one white wall in the back, and a white floor. I tried to make a box and then to take off the front, but it didn't seem to work. Please give me some tips or samples if you have any.
Last reply by KenH, -
- 0 replies
- 346 views
hi, im using am version 12 and when i do the cosmic bowling tutorial and put the rigid body constraint onto the bowling ball and simulate it the ball just falls straight through the alley and through the ground into nothingness.
Last reply by adam&oliver, -
- 5 replies
- 708 views
I was trying to figure out all the stuff from the "Can You Say That" tutorial, but then my sound started to act up. I've checked the actual sound on the computer (good) and my speakers (good too). The thing is, KeeKat was talking, but then I lost audio. I got confused with the dope sheets and ended up making two, so I'm thinking that might be part of the reason. Can anybody help me troubleshoot?
Last reply by KallistaAEnvarou, -
- 1 follower
- 6 replies
- 519 views
ive added streaks to a model. when i put them into a Choreography they dont move with the model. is there a method to make sure my streak Materials stay with the models when i move them about in the Choreography? im worried that my models with hair will have the same problem..
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 1 reply
- 363 views
hi i'm having a little problem with the hair it seems to be going through the circle in some spots does anyone have any suggestions on how to avoid this. hairtest.mov
Last reply by the_black_mage, -
- 5 replies
- 591 views
how do you delete an image that you have posted on A:M stills? if you can't do that yet, you guys think you could put that option in? thanks
Last reply by Dhar, -
- 2 replies
- 424 views
This feature is nice when modeling, as a guide, but it is the absolute most annoying "feature" of the program when trying to manipulate a model. Not only can I not detach these points from the center, causing everything to get distorted when the model is moved, but I can't even delete them once I have manually separated them from the rest of the mesh. Is there a way to disable this? Remove the setting from a single point? Cutting and pasting either leaves behind these points or leaves them attached to the center, as well. Thanks.
Last reply by djr33, -
Multi-Pass
by bighop- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 508 views
I was just wondering how much of the multi-pass everyone uses. I've read that 16 is the best, but then they have up to 256. Does anyone go that high? And if so, what would be the situation. I was wondering if anyone had a chart......for simple renders use 1 to 4, higher quality use.... and so on.
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 3 replies
- 359 views
Hi - I am having a rendering issue, at the point that the Sprite System "smoke" and "fire" kick in it does something to the background, when the sprite system is changed back to 0% is goes back - can anyone tell me if this is avoidable? I tried putting new lights in different areas and getting the same effect. http://www.flashanimationwebsitedesign.com...nimFanMan10.mov Thank you - Eric
Last reply by NancyGormezano, -
- 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
- 1 reply
- 326 views
I am trying to find tutorial on how to texture clothing. Not just simple textures but fine details and patterns.No luck so far.
Last reply by itsjustme, -
- 3 replies
- 434 views
Hello all, I'm having a problem I've not seen elsewhere in the forums and I hope someone can help me. I have a hairy character that looks fine in the model window and for the first 15-20 frames of the chor. but she sprouts wild-ass (can I say ass on these boards?) hairs from part of her geometry after that. These hairs are much longer than they are supposed to be and show up in real-time as well as rendered pics. I've tried deleting the hair from the model and reapplying it, changing the length of the hair and weeping pitiously but to no avail. I'm running v13 on a P4 winXP system. Here is a pic from a motion test: Thanks, Alan
Last reply by alano, -
- 1 follower
- 14 replies
- 1.2k views
I have the very rudimentary rudiments of cloth down--cloth and deflectors. What I can't figure out is how to make a blanket/piece of cloth move beyond just the dropping/deflecting. What am I missing? I've attached a quickie test involving some stairs and a grid for cloth. Attempting to get it to move I added two bones to two "attached" cps each, hoping to make those points by which I could drag the cloth. Keyframing those moving after 4 seconds did nothing. So then I tried keyframing the model bone to move after 4 seconds (and that's what's on the attached project), and the blanket still just sits there. What am I supposed to do that is eluding me? Tha…
Last reply by someawfulbridge, -
- 18 replies
- 1.4k views
i was wondering if there was a way for mist, or steam, to leave a trail of itself in coreography mode, like someone breathing in and out on a freezing night, or smoke/steam coming out of a jet engine, or vehicle. thx
Last reply by Ravager, -
- 2 replies
- 412 views
i'm having a difficult problem, i don't know how it got this way, but can anyone help? my model, the Alien Queen, when i import her to anything, an action, or even a choreography, she is in a pose, and not in the way she should be, like she should look exactly the way she is in the model window, but she isn't. here, maybe this will help: (model mode) (Action/Choreography mode) if you know how to fix this, that would be great
Last reply by Ravager, -
- 1 follower
- 8 replies
- 664 views
I need help with a choreography. I get tired of always moving the one camera around, then I heard that you can put in more than one cameras. Just one problem, I can't get the other cameras views to fit onto one scene! If anybody out there knows how to control more than one camera, there's a 14 year old kid who needs your knowledge!! Thanks! Rooky Animator
Last reply by Kelley, -
- 9 replies
- 1.1k views
Hi all I am having problems with a few selected models in rendering on 14v, prior to rendering I get lines shooting out of the models in real time. Please see attach, from Leopard Queen project and the other is a helicopter model, Can someone please check to see if they are having the same problem, it seems to work fine on 13vt.
Last reply by chopper, -
- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 300 views
Is there any good Pose Slider tutorials? Every time I edit a pose slider, it doesn't take. Just looking for more info.
Last reply by bighop, -
- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 300 views
Hi everyone, I'm kinda new in Animation Master, I use version 11.0 (I know that I really have to upgrade) and I made this lantern a few days ago I would like to use it in some sort of project later on and I was wondering how I could light the bulp inside the lantern in way that it'll also light up the objects around it in and it would be nicer if it could have an orange tone I have tried simply inserting a light object inside the lantern but it hasn't really worked out how I imagined it would, it only lit inside the lantern I have attached 2 different pictures and the project file to this post Thank you for your patience [Please do not take credit for …
Last reply by Orangextreme, -
- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 278 views
I need a plug in that will convert a mdl file to a .dst or .dsq,....is there one, or does the new version of AM allow you to do this? Thanks, Andy
Last reply by bighop, -
- 3 replies
- 410 views
Before I suggest adding these features, I better poll the forum to see if A:M already has them. There are so many I haven't stumbled across yet... 1. One of those "other" programs (maybe more than one) has what would, in A:M, be two-sided splines, with different colors, so in wireframe you can tell which side you're viewing a spline from. Makes it easier to figure out what you're doing. 2. Is there a way to set shaded wireframe so the patches are translucent? One can adjust the surface properties, but a preset for convenience in modelling would be handy. 3. Along the same lines: 2-color patches. Again, I know this can be done, but as a preset for conve…
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 4 replies
- 766 views
I reloaded windows and when I reinstall v12, it says it can't start because it can't find mfc71.dll. I've downloaded it, installed it in both the AM folder and the system folder, but I still get the same error. V11 starts ok from my disk. How do I solve this? Searched on mfc71.dll and got 0 results. Thanks.
Last reply by Eric2575, -
- 18 replies
- 1.6k views
I am thinking of purchasing a new laptop with vista os. Does anyone know if Am runs on vista or should I stick with XP. Also if anyone has vista how do you like the overall performance of new operating system? Thanks for any advice.
Last reply by Stronghorn, -
- 1 follower
- 7 replies
- 880 views
Hiya all I got A.M. some years ago and from time to time go and rejigg old models when I get a moment. So my knowledge seems to be a bit static/non progressive. It's ok I have fun, there is someting that I was wondering about though. I tried Porcelain and it seemed to create a large ridge or crack in the faces of my models all in the same place running down the faces across the left side of the models nose. Once I realised it was Porcelain doing this I simply removing it from each model, that did the trick (so when I use Porcelain again I'll study it's properties first) no real problem there, what I also noticed during my worried hours was that not all the contro…
Last reply by Normy, -
- 4 replies
- 637 views
Hi everyone, I asked two weeks ago some questions about modeling leafs and grass in A:M by using the Hair plugin in V13. I was refered to this URL: http://www.hash.com/Technical_Reference/v110/Hair.htm where I found everything I needed to know about. Now, I've modelled some trees and I'm interested in blowing some air to make the leafs move softly. If I could softly move the branches too it would be even better. Can anyone guide me in the best way to simulate this? Is there any tutorial that explains something similar? Thanks a lot for your help
Last reply by loserem, -
- 2 replies
- 364 views
hey i was just wondering if anyone knows of anymore head or face tutorials around, because most of my favorite ones disapeared or no longer exist if not its ok ill just figure it out on my own
Last reply by thejobe, -
- 1 follower
- 14 replies
- 1.4k views
I started in modeling a face per the excercies. I created a nose and added an eye. So far so good..then I tried to tie the eye to the forehead and the cheek. My smooth curved splines suddenly became sprung wire angles. I tried adjusting the bias handles and things seemed to get worse. I kept tweaking the splines in the problem area until I would get them "kinda'" like I wanted and wamo zamo my tweaking had changed the spline bias for another area. I went back and watched the tutorial video. The instructor didn't seem to have a problem with his eyes and nose attaching nor did the example in the manual. What did I miss and what should I know to keep my models fa…
Last reply by Russell, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 579 views
I need help modeling a rose and I'm having a hard time getting the rose petals right. If you have any tips please post them.
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 1 follower
- 10 replies
- 674 views
Hello All, I've been trying to save an image with an Alpha channel, bring it into AM and loose the black background. I think I finally did it. I created a set of directions, so far this process has worked for me. If anyone knows of an easier method, please let me know. Andy leaf.mov Alpha_channel_directions.pdf
Last reply by rusty, -
- 2 replies
- 334 views
Hi - I am trying to animate a character doing a 360 degree turn, and I noticed the root bone is not in the center of the char. How do I move the root bone independly w/o moving all the other bones? Thanks - Eric
Last reply by flashawd, -
- 2 replies
- 363 views
Hello - I created an animation awhile back and used several cameras for different angels and I pressed a key which I thought was "tab" to switch from camera to camera - can someone tell me what key to press? Thanks - Eric
Last reply by flashawd, -
- 6 replies
- 491 views
Well, I guess I'm a newbie (again). I started using A:M with V1 back in 1994 and used it very regularly though '98 then less frequently through 2000 and only occassionally until 2002. That was the last I had upgraded and the last version I currently have (until my '07 upgrade arrives ). Anyway, I've been away from it for so long, I totally forget the ins and outs and nuances of this delicate software package. As I make my way through rudimentary modeling and lighting, it's starting to come back to me but it seems I've run into a problem. First, I'm working on a 2.3Ghz Duo Core MacBookPro running Paralells (as the '02 version isn't available to run natively in …
Last reply by TommyDAQ, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 371 views
Just got AM at SIGGRAPH 2007. It happened to be here in San Diego near where I live. I must admit I'm finding it both a challenge and a thrill. Is there any one in the north county of San Diego who is learning AM and would like to get together? My work computer is not hooked up to the internet so I can't post my work direct.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 0 replies
- 356 views
Hello, I have an idea that would be cool if the people who run the forum could do it. It came to me because I had a newbie question about modeling and being so use to working inthe TWO section of the forum, I'm use to going directly to the subject matter I need help with (I.E TWO Animating if I need animation help, TWO Rigging if I have rigging questions, TWO Modeling, etc) and I noticed there are no sub-topics in the newbie area. My idea is to set up the newbie topic with the same format as in the TWO movie topics. You'd create sub-topics in the Newbie forum for Modeling, Animating, rigging, etc that way you have an organized location that is not excl…
Last reply by Jeetman, -
- 2 followers
- 5 replies
- 594 views
I can't find the serial number for my software. I opened the software the other day when I got it in the mail before I discovered I couldn't use it until I got this computer. I looked through the manual and the CD's and looked on the box, but I didn't see it anywhere. I tried calling for support, but apparently I couldn't get a person on the phone. Do I need to email them to ask for my serial number, or is it with the software somewhere?
Last reply by KallistaAEnvarou, -
- 4 replies
- 552 views
Hi all, I'm doing a project that involves rotoscoped video with animated characters. I've found that AM will not accept DV AVI's and when I use cinepak or indeo to compress the video, upon rendering in AM the digital video turns out terrible - get lines all across the screen. Any suggestions on how I should bring the digital video into AM and then render? Thanks, Mike
Last reply by itsjustme, -
- 1 follower
- 10 replies
- 906 views
Hi all i'm a new A:M user and i have a lot of bvh files (animation capture) and i would like to know if i can import a model and apply this bvh animation file to it ? In case A:M does not not support this sort of file , does exist a plug in or another method to do this ? Untitled_8.mov
Last reply by Dhar, -
- 11 replies
- 1.2k views
Hello, I have been trying to model a wedding dress for a long time. I have a problem with the legs comig out of the dress. How do I avoid that? I try to use the cloyh material but is showing me an error. And I try to use the same bones as the body and this what happens. The legs come out the dress. picture here. Help please!
Last reply by seduar, -
- 4 replies
- 484 views
heyo, it's been months since i left v8.5 for the latest production version of a:m, but i'm still struggling with some of the new tricks. fer instance, how do i set up a relationship that changes one or more group's colors. ideally, i'd have 6 or 8 color sets in one pose, but i'll take what i can get. ' ' ) thanks! -jon
Last reply by jon, -
When I render a scene and I add a bloom post effect, after rendering I get two windows...... One with the basic image and other with the bloom effect added..... now when I try to save the image with the bloom effect within A:M it saves it as a COMPOSITE.cmp file..... but I can't access it.....can't save it as a JPG..... I want the image with my bloom effect... any help would be great.......
Last reply by DarkLimit, -
- 13 replies
- 940 views
everytime I load a rotoscope on my laptop all I get is a blank box. The project workspace says the rotoscope is there but there is no actual picture in the window. Anybody know what setting I need to change? Thanks.
Last reply by Stronghorn, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 401 views
Hi, I've been trying different ways to get what I am trying to do for about three weeks now and haven't been able to get it right. I'm trying to have a character walk into a scene, stop, and then maybe put his hands on his hips, or turn toward the back of the seen, or both. Here is what I am doing. Add a character and a path and constrain the character to the path. Add the resolute walk action to the character. Using Path Ease have the character traverse the path, part way or completely. Turn toward the back of the scene For the most part the character does this, except that he starts to turn before he completes his walk. That's not too bi…
Last reply by greg, -
- 34 replies
- 2.4k views
I'm looking for a good model with textures (like creature)
Last reply by NancyGormezano, -
- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 319 views
I'm making a palm tree....one of the tutorials on my DVD, anyway, I got the cookie cut to work, but there is a faint outline of the square tar. file. Also, after making the tar with the alpha channel in photoshop, the color is gone. I know I must be missing something here.
Last reply by bighop, -
- 3 replies
- 531 views
Seriously $100 is amazing and a GREAT marketing scheme esspecially for those people that love this program (I being one of them and I don't even have it yet, I'm watching the demo videos). It makes Hash Inc some more money and it doesn't break the accounts of the users. A great deal and fantastic work Hash Inc. Has it always been like that? (I can't wait to get this proggie...)
Last reply by heyvern, -
- 2 replies
- 439 views
The choreography and everythinf in the library folder doesn't show up when I open up A:M.....HELP!
Last reply by Finishedworks, -
- 6 replies
- 647 views
I was asked by one of the council members at a local public school (Maryvale Public School). To come in and show some animation work done in a program that was easy to learn and use for kids starting off in the animation field. I was just wondering what coupon codes where available to me to purchase AM since the primary use wasn't for me but for students at this public school. I believe AM to be the best and easiest for me to show them since I'm comfortable using splines in other applications and I could adapt to AM quite easily. I will be using AM for myself as well, but the primary reason why be to show the kids what it's all about (It may even lead to m…
Last reply by phatso,