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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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- 5 replies
- 913 views
I am trying to export a video file to DVD for playback on TV. I am doing 720X480 with aspect ration of 4:3 but the TV is cropping the sides off of the video. Do I drop it down to 640X480? Do I go smaller? If any of you guys are video-heads please let me know. Thanks, Justin
Last reply by Slipin Lizard, -
- 1 reply
- 403 views
Hello, I downloaded the free models pack offered on this site. While most of the model/projects opened fine a lot of them didn't (mostly characters or other models with 'map' files) I just get a windows error and the program shuts down. I have AM 2002. Any reason why this is happening?
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 4 replies
- 583 views
Hello, im very new to animation master, but unfortunately not new to 3D modelling, and I now what lacks on animation master :/ I have finished most parts of my 3d Tyrannosaurus rex BUT, I can't find any option that can remove triangles or a smooth shading option*. So my first question would be: Is there any model correcting button? Or any smooth shading button? and.....my second is: How can you mount an UV map to a model instead of drag and droping decals? Thanks a lot 8imon * smooth shading is shading the model from flat triangles shading to smoother.
Last reply by frosteternal, -
- 5 replies
- 680 views
I had originally built a Star Wars AT-AT in Anim8or and would like to bring it into Animation Master. I have tried exporting it to a .3ds model and them importing it, but it did not translate very well. The other option I have is to re-create it in A:M. Since the majority of the AT-AT is made up of straight lines, is it possible to have A:M default to Peak instead of Smooth when drawing the splines? Here are some pictures of the model created in Anim8or. [attachmentid=20224] [attachmentid=20223] Thanks in advance... Al
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 9 replies
- 1k views
How do I make a copy of all the rigs and lips poses that already have it own tap and make a new tap call it all and have all the rig and lips but still have the rigs and lips tap on the poses????
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 0 replies
- 367 views
Does anyone have any resource on how to import the file, this pluggin produces into the target program.... The plugin info does a great job explaining how to use it to create the file.....But I can't see any info as to how to import the exported data into PI... Anyone have any guidance in the right direction?? William
Last reply by detbear, -
- 1 follower
- 13 replies
- 906 views
Hi, After much trial and error I managed to complete the face portion of the Cooper tutorial... using an alternate subject. In the tutorial, the initial central spline was only carried down to the bottom of the upper lip, so by the time I finished the face half, the central spline was not continuous. Using "Shift + }" I could see that it traveled up the center spline, around the outer face (is this normal?), but stopped at the bottom lip. I tried unsuccessfully to make it continuous. Anyway, I could not get Copy/Flip/Attach to work (read some really good posts about it though), so I copied, pasted then manually broke and connected the splines from the new half to th…
Last reply by Gerry, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 625 views
I've just started getting back into Animation:Master after a long absence and I've got a question about the way the various render modes display splines. In the wireframe view a 3 point spline looks nice and smoothly curved, but when I change to shaded & wireframe mode it looks like its made up of four straight line segments (2 between each control point.) When I recreate the "F" and "G" patch examples in Jeff Cantin's Basic Splinemanship tutorial the patch form looks like a six sided polygon rather than a curved spline. When I render it looks fine but the shaded mode display is very jagged. Is this normal display behavior or do I need to change something to g…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 0 replies
- 408 views
So I've been using layers in a toon render for quite some time, and I've been very happy with it. viola! [attachmentid=21446] However, when I do a line only render, I do not get my layer any more. For example: [attachmentid=21445] Is this by plan? Design? If so, how do I make my layer come across fully and have my model be lines only. Inqjiring minds want to know!
Last reply by LurkerAbove, -
- 8 replies
- 852 views
Sorry to those who may know the obvious answer because I am not sure how to go about searching for this certain question. So I will try to ask as best I can. I notice on some of the rendering in the W.I.P the background is a whitish color while the model comes out in a light gray look that looks very real. How do I go about setting it up so my preview renders look the same way?
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 3 replies
- 606 views
I have a window that I want the bone to be constrained so that it will rotate only on the x-axis. In the default models for A:M they have similar bones for knees. How is this accomplished? Here is a picture of what I am working on.
Last reply by ccmsteach, -
- 1 follower
- 13 replies
- 1.1k views
OK... i'm seriously considering buying this product based on reviews, demos. But, the hefty $300 price tag is a killer. However, I did find a 2005 version of A:M for cheap. It says its version 11.1b ?? Is it possible to buy that and then upgrade to version 2006 for $100. Saving $150? Or is it better just to buy the 2006 outright? Thanks for any help. Steven
Last reply by Chad_Hunt, -
- 2 replies
- 557 views
Now that I have vers. 10.5, 11.1, 12u & 13 running (with an upgraded dongle) ... I would like to redo many of projects, including all the lessions. Question One: Upon completion, will I be entitled to a new Certificate? Question Two: Is your "com.cast" email any good? TIA
Last reply by vf124, -
- 3 replies
- 975 views
Hi guys, Well, I come to you now because I find myself at another impasse. This is something which I get the impression should be simple but I’m making it harder than it really is. This is also an instance where I think I would benefit much more from an in-person, class type setting then trying to interpret words out of a book. It’s a communication issue. The project is the creation of a gear. Everything up through the first image I am fine with. I can get something which looks like figure 6.13 I have also gathered that when they go on to say “select two CPs, skip two CPs”, we are actually talking about groups of eight CPs at a time. The illustrations …
Last reply by Userdelete, -
- 4 replies
- 697 views
So yeah, is this model workable with or should i start from scratch again? It's not finished yet keep in mind just curious if i'm on track -the point of this model is the main character in my animation short -He's going to be a skier going through a freestyle course basically Thanks in advance for any feedback skierv3.mdl
Last reply by robcat2075, -
Question on hair direction [solved]
by Guest Dan- 4 replies
- 633 views
Hi, I'm using the 2008 version on animation master on xp. When I place hair, a lot of times the program places the hair on the wrong face of the object, so it's pointing the wrong direction. Is there a way to change the face? Thank you
Last reply by Animationdan, -
- 12 replies
- 964 views
I am planning on buying this Animation Master and all the extras very soon. I have watched all the tutorials and the films made by users as well and am very impressed! So I am already sold on it, But my question is Spline modeling. I was a professional Cartoonist for 30 years and have some (little) experience in 3d modeling. I am generally very good at anything I put my hands on and am wondering how high the learning curve is with modeling in this program. I am recently disabled and and this program is what I will be spending most of my time on. LOL Just wondering how fast or slow getting good at modeling was for everyone. Thanks! The Spleen
Last reply by Gerry, -
- 3 replies
- 491 views
Okay, you know in the intro video on the hash site, well, I was wondering how do I do that layering thing of a still image? Like when Mr. Navone has a picture of him with the alien's hand on his shoulder. How can I accomplish that, except with different models and pictures?
Last reply by Darkwing, -
- 14 replies
- 1.9k views
--What is that questionmark for in the actionobjects or materials for example? Does it say something is missing? Seems nothing is really affected by it.... Can anybody clarify this please --Also: Why can a cropped action not be copied multiple times into the same channel? I wonder, if it really is necesary to copy the action onto the model every time you need it newly again?
Last reply by Gerry, -
- 9 replies
- 942 views
When exactly do you want to use an action? I have a bit of confusion as to when you would want to use them. I am guessing something like walk or run cycles would best be handled by an action, while blinks, winks or hand clenches could be driven by pose sliders. Am I correct in assuming that most animation you are (in general) going to want to do pose-to-pose in the choreography?
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 2 replies
- 514 views
Hello, im very new to animation master, but I know most of the how-to-model-basics. I have finished most parts of my 3d Tyrannosaurus rex BUT, I can't find any option that can remove triangles or a smooth shading option*. So my first question would be: Is there any model correcting button? Or any smooth shading button? and.....my second is: How can you mount an UV map to a model instead of drag and droping decals? Thanks a lot 8imon * smooth shading is shading the model from flat triangles shading to smoother.
Last reply by 8imon, -
- 15 replies
- 2.3k views
I am looking at coming back into the fold but was hoping some of you could answer a few questions for me. Back on v13, A:M used to really slow down if I had 10K patches or more. With the newest version (especially the 64bit), has this been taken care of or does it still slow down at 10K? If I purchase the v16, does that still qualify me for the v17 beta? What type of improvements have been made since v13? Ummm... I guess those are really the main questions I had to ask. BTW, last I heard, Martin had gone on a safari, returned but was rarely heard from. Hope things are going okay for him and he is still involved with A:M. Oh yeah, I had to …
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 2 replies
- 619 views
I know that when you rotate a camera, the sprites in the choreography rotate with the camera, always facing it. Is there a way to get sprites to not rotate to face the camera at all?
Last reply by captainrex, -
- 18 replies
- 2.8k views
I wonder how many people use the Mac version of A:M? A:M is turning out to be the best animation package I have ever used, but the interface is in desperate need of an update. First, I can't get the Mac version to work in a window; it just goes full-screen and hides the dock. This is a no-no in Mac Interface design. Second, I would prefer a darker GUI, and more eye pleasing icons. Third there is a big bug in the Mac Version. After the first time you use the Open/Save dialog, it becomes unusable. It just won't let you choose another folder or do anything else with the mouse. Clearly this is a great program, and probably very few people use the Mac version, s…
Last reply by Jeetman, -
- 6 replies
- 1k views
I have a couple questions about how the "rotation" transform works. 1. Under the "Transform" property for the typical object in a chor are the "translate", "scale" and "rotate" properties. If I click the little triangle next to each, I can get the X, Y and Z (or X and Y for scale) listed separately. If I then click on just one of the dimensions under translate or scale, the graph for just that dimension will show up in the timeline and I can add or manipulate its keyframes. HOWEVER, if I click on just one dimension for the "rotate" property, I get nothing. The only way I can manipulate a dimension for rotate is to click on "Rotate" and get all three dimensions in…
Last reply by ypoissant, -
- 17 replies
- 2.9k views
Okay folks. In keeping with the tradition of follow up questions to #hash3d lectures we are going to open the floor for questions. Here's your chance to query Martin Hash on A:M related topics. The rules are a little different with this follow up. Let me explain why. Since we are all sitting in what might be considered Martin's living room chatting with the creator of Animation:Master we need to remember that forum rules still apply and the same courtesy given to other lecturers should be extended to Martin too. If your question disappears... don't take offense... reconsider what you asked and consider a different question. While it may not be expedient…
Last reply by entity, -
- 1 reply
- 511 views
I have some problems and therefore question with the use of multiple chor actions: 1) Multiple chor actions are used for better structuring a scene, correct? 2) When I create a new choreo action, the first key frames are always automatically drawn at the beginning of the whole choreo (starting that way long before the action's chor range; see attachment). Can't I have the action really only start at the exact frame the action is meant to begin? 3) Do I have to start every chor action with a full keyframe on all bones to get my desired action? An unkeyed bone - due to the effect from my previous question - gets his "history" from the first choreo frame! …
Last reply by Bendytoons, -
- 1 follower
- 8 replies
- 825 views
Hi - can anyone tell me a quick and easy way to make a perfect circle for an eyeball - also can someone point me in the direction of some eye images I can use as decals or tell me if you have any tricks to making them. - Thanks again for all your help.
Last reply by the_black_mage, -
- 5 replies
- 715 views
Hi, I don't know if there is a faster way to get help - other than calling Hash. Hopefully I'll get it here pretty quickly. I must have pressed a button, but i don't know what it was. My intent was to just press / to select all connected CPs, but somehow, several (not all) groups of CPs got selected and I can't seem to get them deselected. Any suggestions would be appreciated. (restarting software now). Thanks, Tommy
Last reply by Gerry, -
- 2 replies
- 532 views
I know some of the basic commands but Ive been using A:M for a while and never knew "0" was bottom view. Aside from the user guide, is there a list of keyboard commands? In addition, I heard there is a "Snap to center" key command but I only see a "snap to grid" which is not what Im after.
Last reply by LT Fox Fire, -
- 4 replies
- 474 views
I have been working on a scene with volumetric lights and wonder if I have discovered a small bug. Try the following: Open a new project, default choreography. Change the view/render mode to shaded. Turn off the KeyLight and FillLight. Position the Rim light so that the entire light and the beginning of its cone appear in the camera frame (something like x -125, y 180, z -30). Change the cone angle to something like 30 degrees. Reduce the falloff to around 600 cm. Change the camera background to black (so the effect is easier to see). (You can also place an object in the scene to confirm that shadows are in fact appearing, but it isn't necessary.) At this…
Last reply by luckbat, -
- 1 follower
- 9 replies
- 785 views
Does anyone know if Enhance:AM is included with the new version of Animation Master? Thanks. Actually, I think it doesn't matter, since I have a MAC, and it probably doesn't work with MAC. Justin
Last reply by jmart714, -
- 4 replies
- 550 views
before I could make somthing like.... http://amfilms.hash.com/search/Entry.php?entry=1089 .... I learn fairly fast but I don't want to spend 2 years learning A:M befor I could pull somthing like that off...
Last reply by Mr. C, -
- 5 replies
- 928 views
Hello, Have a spline ring selected and some of the points on that ring are not as even as I would like them to be. Tried selecting the whole ring and then setting Y and Z values to 0 in the Properties for the Y and Z translate values, but that doesn't seem to have done anything. Did I do something wrong? I guess it is not critical that they be perfect, I can eyeball them and get something acceptable but it seems like there should be a better way to do this.
Last reply by Roger, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 793 views
Dear Animation Masters, When outputting .mov file with sound, I am unable to hear the sound playback on hard drives or as streaming video off the web. However, if I output a .wmv there is no problem hearing the sound. In addition, many websites open with a big block with a q with a question mark in it. I have removed flash from the list in QT pro, so I thought that would solve the problem. Any tips? Thanks, Michael Angelo http://www.michaelangeloart.com
Last reply by artunemedia, -
- 5 replies
- 901 views
After a long period of illness I am back trying to finish my project. Working on an IMac 3.3 under OSX Snow Leopard, using V15J. Trying to output a test of the current revisions. It will render as a sequence of TGA files but, it won't render as QT file ? The render crashes and the program closes. I get the following message, "Format error, try adjusting the settings in Output/options/settings" I have looked under Tools/options and tried to find the required bit using properties, but to no avail. I think the problem might arise because I was using Final Cut Pro the other day and outputting using using a different codec ??? Could anyone kind…
Last reply by Simon Edmondson, -
- 2 replies
- 612 views
I want to share a model in Quicktime VR on my MySpace page. Are there any tutorials on how to do this? I am using AM 2006 (Mac OS X version) Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Matt
Last reply by heyvern, -
- 4 replies
- 584 views
Hello I'm newbie in A:M. I'm learning the soft using the tutorials. In Take a Wlalk, my rabbit stops wlalking on the path at about 20% of the line. I see something like separate vectors in the path line.The path is a straight line builded with only two points. Where am I wrong? Rémy
Last reply by urbssenator, -
- 0 replies
- 452 views
Does anyone know if there will be an update with Animation Master V11.1, A friend of mine loaned me his Radeon X1900 XT so I can see if it is worth the expensive price for it and when running AM on the card it looks kinda funky. The Workspace looks like it is in 8 bit 16 color mode. No matter what I do it just looks weird. I've downloaded the latest catalyst drivers and the one it came with and still no change. Is this something that ATI needs to correct or Hash? Any information on this issue will be greatly appreciated.
Last reply by Lokinz, -
- 34 replies
- 4.4k views
I've been starting to finally animate and stuff, but one thing that stands in my way is lighting effects. I have no clue how to use radiosity. I've tried it and all i get is a bunch of spots all over and have no idea how to get rid of this and get good looking lighting. Anyone know how to work radiosity?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 0 replies
- 309 views
Can someone please describe the radiosity settings and how they are used? Maybe even some examples?? Thanks.
Last reply by thetanman, -
- 3 replies
- 595 views
whats radiosity?? i heard [read] some people talking about it in the forums and i was wondering what it was....i know its gotta be something really cool because all the images were awesome!
Last reply by bentothemax, -
- 2 replies
- 646 views
I've read several posta about this topic and was wondering if it has ever been done. I know there's physics and such for simple objects but nothing to that of a ragdoll so far as from what I read. this was post from back in 2005. I currently have version 11.1H and was wondering if that or something later than that has it and if so how I could unleash it. Maybe if someone has an example project it may help me out. Thank you guys.
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 1 follower
- 25 replies
- 2.1k views
Hey folks How would you create a rail of light? Like say a florescent light bulb?
Last reply by jason1025, -
- 2 replies
- 441 views
Does anybody know how to make rain? I tried doing it with blobbies, but it's not really what I'm looking for. The Rooky needs help!! Rooky Animator
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 5 replies
- 787 views
Hello - I have a project (cartoonish - not realistic) that I have a cloud that I need to have rain coming out of it raining on a character - then have an umbrella come into the scene and block the rain. Does anyone have samples of rain that they have done w/ fluids that they could post a link to? It's cartoonish, so the rain drops could be pretty big. Thanks for any suggestions - Eric
Last reply by flashawd, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 391 views
Can some one kindly point me in the direction or provide a link to a rainbow material? Or color wheel material? something like that will do.
Last reply by jason1025, -
- 27 replies
- 3.3k views
Hi Folks, I am attempting to model a single strand of hair as if seen underneath a microscope in A:M 13.0. I found GREAT example of it done on 3D studio Max, but of course I can't simply import it. I can re-construct in it Hash very well UNTIL it comes to constructing the randomly frayed edges of the hair shaft (see attached). I tried modeling the multiple rings of ragged, jaggy CP placements by hand but it ended up being a tedious that yielded a result not even close to what I need. Is there a wizard/plug-in/technique that will allow me to create random control point position in the x-y-z plane in A:M? I've tried all of the wizards that ship with 13.0 with no su…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 follower
- 6 replies
- 855 views
I have modeled a character, and for a scene I am animating his hand needs to appear to be on fire. So I created a material with particles, however, when I add the material to his hand and render it there seems to be a beam of random particles that are emitting from nowhere. I have included a pic illustrating what is happening as well as the specifics of my material. Can anyone tell me what is going on, and more importantly, how to stop it?? My Particle Material My crudely drawn example of the problem Any ideas as to what is going on??
Last reply by markeh, -
- 2 followers
- 14 replies
- 1.2k views
I'm just curious. When I take my daily look through the various forums I often wonder about the ranking system, from Newbies to Masters. Obviously one has to work one's way up. But how does it does it work? Rodney, perhaps you can enlighten me? Ed
Last reply by Robert-Jank,
