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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.
4,141 topics in this forum
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- 14 replies
- 1.3k views
is there a way i can copy a group of bones and past them on another area? i have made new arms on my tripod and i rigged one arm but i want to know if theres a way i can copy and past them to the left two times heres a screen cap [attachmentid=17049]
Last reply by NancyGormezano, -
- 1 follower
- 20 replies
- 1.3k views
Hi again, I seeem to be having a problem grasping combining actions to render a movie of a few minutes. I understand the concept of the shift-keyframe to go from say the resolute walk and have the character perform other actions in a new choreography action. I also added a dialog action with a new choreography action and that works fine. That all takes about 9 seconds. Here is the character flow I have so far. - Character walks across the screen (resolute walk) - Character sits in a chair and turns head to face front - Character speaks and the mouth is animated That all works fine and I couldn't be happier. Now, I need the character to turn his hea…
Last reply by greg, -
- 2 replies
- 1.3k views
Hey..... For smart skin purposes.....can you animate/key the bias handles curvature? If not, a low spline model with longer handles seem to present a difficult issue with how the curves work as the creases get squeezed.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 4 replies
- 1.3k views
Hey Everyone.... Either I never did this, or I have forgotten the process. How do you place an image sequence onto a model and key it to a pose slider?? Thanks Bunches!!! Detbear
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 1 follower
- 6 replies
- 1.3k views
Can you put more than one model in an action?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 1.3k views
I thought I read somewhere that this was possible, but now I can't find it. I want to swap the selection... unselect the current selection, but select the current unselected CPs. An alternative would be a way to add the current selected CPs to the hidden CPs (as opposed to adding the unselected CPs with Shift-H). I can select the "other" CPs and do a Shift-H, but it's a lot more work, and I'll be doing this a lot as I attach decals to surfaces of a somewhat crude NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race car. (It'll be whizzing around a race track, so it doesn't need to be perfect.) Here, I've hidden most everything other than the right side of the truck, and I've cli…
Last reply by nemyax, -
- 7 replies
- 1.3k views
hi all i go make my cartoon right now but i don't understand the use of render server and render slave - how to export a project to theses programs ? - if i understood, i export so to render server which makes run render slave ? under wine on linux i canno't directly run render slave thanx a lot for all, you are gentle people and i like it regards stéphane
Last reply by stefff285, -
- 2 followers
- 21 replies
- 1.3k views
It was suggested that I start a new topic thread on 5 point patches. It is an issue that evidently keeps popping up. In searching the archives I found A couple of suggested remedies (hitting the period key twice, among others) that haven't seemed to work for me. The situation has cropped up, for me at least, while doing exercises 10:The FW-190 Fighter , 11: the Giraffe, and 11.5: Make A Face from ToaA:M. When I click on the 5-point patch button (at the right side tool bar) the cursor acquires a '5-point patch" icon and the button goes dark, but no matter where or how I click with the 5-point cursor nothing happens and the cursor returns to normal. Fee…
Last reply by Jeba, -
- 19 replies
- 1.3k views
I need help on whell rotation, can any body help me PLEAZE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last reply by Sacman, -
Can anyone recommend an artist for hire that could draw a character (front & side) that could be used as a rotoscope? I have to search the internet for pics when I create a character, since my drawing skill is limited to a bad stick figure. It really limits me to what I can create. Thanks - Eric
Last reply by aen916, -
- 3 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi Guys I know its been a little while. Where can i find the data download zip? Cant remember.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 6 replies
- 1.2k views
Has anyone attempted to make a animation of a welding torch raining down sparks and what not?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 35 replies
- 1.2k views
This really has nothing to do with A:M. It's about the avatar (if that's even what they're called) that is placed next to your name. I can't seem to find the setting to add an avatar to my profile. Are there certain specifications that you have to follow when adding an avatar? Thanks, Masna
Last reply by Masna, -
- 19 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi folks, looking for some opinions on rigging... I'm reaching the point where I'm needing to rig my character. It's a little daunting. Okay, it's a LOT daunting. :-) I don't really know what all my options are, but from what I've been able to see there's: the 2001 rig, the Squetch rig or create a custom one. I'm on a Mac and running Tiger, so The Setup Machine isn't an option for me. I've been messing with the 2001 rig (after doing the boneless thom tute) and it goes okay until I start getting to parts that deviate too much from the default rig or go past the tutorial (like finger bones). Not understanding how all of the various hidden bones work, I'm…
Last reply by largento, -
- 1 follower
- 36 replies
- 1.2k views
i made a run cycle; a choreography that i saved as an action. created a new chor for testing speed in relation to distance, imported the runcycle and scaled its length in the view that's all white with only red squares. prolonged the cycle to span the scene, then proceeded to animate the cycle nailing toes so thom wouldn't ski. took a break, closed am. came back, worked on an object in the same project then returned to the finished runcycle across the stage. thom was skiing. i cursed "must have scaled something by accident" and did it all over again. rendered, pondered, took notes and went to bed. today i open the project and whaddyaknow, thom is skiing…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 14 replies
- 1.2k views
I have a model that has bones and CPs assigned to these bones. Or so I thought. When in bone mode and I click on the top level object in the PWS, a black bone shows up. According to what I have read, this is the default bone to with all "unassigned" CPs are assigned. I have looked and looked at my model and cannot find any black CPs. What can I do?
Last reply by Muff, -
- 1 follower
- 16 replies
- 1.2k views
I bought animation master from a guy off the internet. it was version 11.5. im gonna buy version 14 bt i need the activation code. The guy neve gave me the activation code for it is it somewhere on the disc?
Last reply by DJBREIT, -
- 1 follower
- 6 replies
- 1.2k views
So if I buy the subscription License for $79.99; What happens when it expires? Does the software become useless or I just don't get the latest updates/patches? Thanks
Last reply by Blickfang, -
- 1 follower
- 17 replies
- 1.2k views
As I understand it, one should be able to import a sequence of images into A:M and treat them like a movie. I'm seeking to bring in a previously rendered sequence to A:M Composite to merge with other layers but each time I import a sequence on my Mac, all I end up with is a PWS stuffed to the gills with individual pictures that can only be referenced or manipulated one at a time. 3 layers of 300 frames each suddenly becomes an all day head-to-the-desk-tedious task. I think I've seen a screenshot of how this theoretically should work and a sequence ought to import as a single object with the individual pictures nested inside of it. A:M can do this, right? Am I having a pro…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 13 replies
- 1.2k views
I want to groom hair on a model and i went to "new"- "pose"-" percentage" in the modeling window, then I go to "view"" toolbars" and check "grooming" and close. The box appears when I check the box but when I close the window it disappears. I just downloaded the new version after not working with the software for a while and am a little rusty so Im not sure what my problem is, but I didnt see any other posts about it so it might just be me, any help would be appreciated
Last reply by richard m peplinski, -
- 11 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi all Well this is quite embarrassing but I'm having issues trying to activate AM. I've spent the last 15-20 minutes searching and reading but I am still stumped. First the version I bought is the lifetime not the yearly one, don't know if that makes a difference. I have AM installed but I don't see a master.lic file only a master.txt file. When I look at the details of my account I see: Transaction ID AuthCode I tried both of these codes but nothing. There are two other codes but I assume they have to do with the credit card. Where do I find the activation code. *hangs head in embarrassment* EDIT: May have jumped the gun as it shows it's st…
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 1 follower
- 18 replies
- 1.2k views
Rather than take too much time investigating I'll ask to be reminded here. Having one place to look will help immensely. So... Who do I owe a TAoA:M certificate to? Please post a note here so I don't forget you. I'll try to catch up quickly but it may be after Hash Bash before any certificates get out. Seeing your post here should expedite the process. Thanks in advance, especially to those that have emailed and expressed their interest. If you've completed TAoA:M... I O U!
Last reply by Atomike, -
- 2 followers
- 19 replies
- 1.2k views
I'm trying to get my fire with a flickering light - I've looked through the forum and found that if I render the fire to a tga alpha channel I could apply it as a gel to a klieg light ( ) However, I've tried various ways - the simplest is rendering a ball with the flame material as described in TaoAM Chapter 16. I get the alpha channel for the ball, but the flames do not show in the alpha channel. Am I doing something wrong, or are particles not supposed to show up in the alpha channel? I was reading this thread on Compositing Particles, and, while it is all a bit too hard for me, it does seem to imply that you can get an alpha channel from particles. …
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 1 follower
- 19 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi all, Just got a problem, I wanted to create and simulate water. I have made the material but the water is just a material. How do i animate it? does it do this automaticly. I have selected animate but i dont realy now what i am doing Please help
Last reply by elliotclem1, -
- 25 replies
- 1.2k views
I'm working on a realistic model of my Acoustic guitar, I plan on putting a mahogany decal on the sides.The grain will be running lengthwise on the sides. I would think that I should "flatten" the sides to apply the decal. I did a search and tried to follow Rusty's wonderful tutorial, but I'm not doing a face, and I think I could get by with a simple overview of the process. Mainly, How do I flatten and once there how do I get it back to where it was? Thanks, Myron
Last reply by MJL, -
- 1 follower
- 8 replies
- 1.2k views
Im new to all of this and everthing im working with is old v12 and all old tutorials,im hoping to scrape up the money to get $79 sub,and should I (since im just learning) better off getting the newest version or is most of the program the same ,and if i get to know v12 ill still know whats going on in v16.In a nutshell what has changed or is that too much to get into with me just starting out?Are there alot of plugins that were separate from A:M now a part of A:M and does set up machine still work in the newer versions,if you could point me in the right direction I would be very grateful.
Last reply by mouseman, -
- 18 replies
- 1.2k views
I am new to animation master, my friend let me borrow his old 2003 version but when i install all the textures are not there and the example models aren't there! All there is is a few post effects. If anyone can please help me get the basic textures and models and all that stuff i would be very great full. Thanks in advance.
Last reply by higginsdj, -
- 1 follower
- 11 replies
- 1.2k views
I need help modeling. How do they construct a 3D model from a 2D picture? Please I am really needing help on this.
Last reply by Muff, -
No Library?
by Masna- 16 replies
- 1.2k views
Hey guys, I just uploaded A:M onto my new computer and for some reason my library doesn't seem to be coming up. All of the folders are in the computer, but not linked to the library. Does anyone know how to fix this? Thanks, Masna
Last reply by Gerry, -
- 2 replies
- 1.2k views
I'm running latest version of A:M in MacOS 10.9.5 on a 2014 Macbook Pro. Importing targa files seems to be my best option for using rotoscopes and decals in the modeling window (jpg won't import). The images do not display correctly in the modeling window. Only part of the image is viewable. This makes it very difficult to place decals correctly on a surface, though once I do apply them after considerable effort, the decals render correctly. Modeling using the images as rotoscopes is impossible. My graphics were set to OpenGL3 initially, but I changed them to OpenGL. This gave me about 50% better viewing, but it still is not a viable option. Does anyone ha…
Last reply by cribbidaj, -
- 9 replies
- 1.2k views
The advertisement for A:M 2007 said it has dual-core support, can someone tell me how to enable it? See: http://robwilkens.com/tao/notdual.jpg On the left-hand of the attached image, you'll see exercise 2 rendering, on the right side of the screen, you see "Core 1: " and "Core 2: " usage. Core 2 is clearly doing the bulk of the rendering, as it's near 100% usage.. Core 1 is almost sitting idle, so clearly it doesn't appear to be being used. There's got to be some magic trick to enable dual-core support. Do I need to switch to a beta version to get this? -Rob
Last reply by rickh, -
- 4 replies
- 1.2k views
So , lets suppose the big bad gods took away all your own characters and you were left with choosing only one library actor. Who would it be? I am asking because I am still working on learning modeling and do hope hope to create my own characters someday but in the meantime I need to also work on learning animation techniques and just wondered what some of your thoughts would be on that. Thanks.
Last reply by Vertexspline, -
- 16 replies
- 1.2k views
I've no idea whats it called, nor had much luck finding it. Best thing I can do is describe what I'm looking for. A while back, when I was digging through toe forums killing time, I ran in to a tutorial (believe a video), where a very fine spline mesh of the lower torso and legs got scaled down to tightly fit around the legs and keep a set distance. Pretty sure it's mostly used to make cloth pieces fit correctly and keep the required distance for so it can be animated. I'm unable to find it, nor do I have an idea whats it's called. All I know I've need for it now I hope some one understand what I'm talking about and can point me in the right direction …
Last reply by markw, -
- 1 follower
- 21 replies
- 1.2k views
Why the jitter? Is the jitter from the BVH? FCP_jump.mov
Last reply by mtpeak2, -
- 1 follower
- 13 replies
- 1.2k views
Is there a way to control the Bezier handles (or bias handles if you like) in the timeline's f-curve mode? Here's a picture of what I mean—see the point on frame 19: I wasn't able to find anything on the topic in TAOAM.pdf. And if A:M doesn't let you do that, how do you ease in and out?
Last reply by nemyax, -
- 1 follower
- 7 replies
- 1.2k views
Greetings, A returning A:M "user" from long ago. Air quotes because I played with the software, but not to the extent of many famous A:M alumns (B. Prince, Raf Anzovin, Victor N., many others). I'm looking forward to exploring the latest and greatest. I'm a long time 3D artist working in research, creating environments and models for interactive simulation. I recently came to the conclusion that I need to step up and take my work to the next level. My first CG workshop (Become a Better Artist with Rob Chang) was an eye-opener for this atelier-trained artist, and a step on the path to self-improvement. I have some big goals personally and profes…
Last reply by markw, -
- 6 replies
- 1.2k views
Hey Guys, I'm in this version 18. And on PC. There has been a consistent crash that has happened when I copy a group of splines/ cps and paste them in the same model. It doesn't happen every time, but I would say it does happen about once or twice a day. Has this been fixed in later V18 version. Thanks
Last reply by NancyGormezano, -
- 8 replies
- 1.2k views
Still in the process of learning the program, but i cant find anything in the manual or here that explains why im consistently getting these odd shaded triangle sections whenever i try to make a sphere of any kind. They originate from the top and bottom where all the CPs meet and extend out along the surface when i put it in shaded wire-frame view, has anyone else seen this or am i just missing something downright obvious?
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 10 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi All, I've been trying to create a dimension rounded bump on the surface of a globe. Using the library materials, I'm getting either spikes or rectangular protrusions, but not a smooth rounded look. It would also be wonderful to have some size variation in the bumps. What is the best way to approach this ? Thanks for any suggestions.
Last reply by itsjustme, -
- 6 replies
- 1.2k views
I was gone for awhile taking classes in another software and I find myself wanting to dive back into Animation master and I see a sub-forum with this my curiosity is peeked. Question so there was a certification in this at one time or is this in the planning? I could not look in the forum as it was marked private. Thanks. TaoA:M (The Art of Animation:Master) Online
Last reply by Dpendleton77, -
- 11 replies
- 1.2k views
so my motherboard went bad. they sent me another. i installed and all seemed to work well. i just installed the new AM update and got the error above. i saw some threads on this and did a search and there must be at 200 files with different dates. am i screwed here. do i have to re-format? mike
Last reply by Jason Simonds, -
- 1 follower
- 9 replies
- 1.2k views
I know how to do a copy flip attach, but my computer doesn't. Everything get discomboerated. Also anytime I do a copy many of the CP's are locked on the 0 reference line and will only move on the Y axis. Is it me, my computer, or the software?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 15 replies
- 1.2k views
I've seen mention of the plugins on this page ( http://www.innovateenterprises.com/AM/ ) in several posts here on the forum. First I tried the LWO13 and OBJ13 plugins using A:M 13beta2. I opened a new model window and clicked file/plug-ins/import/ and tried to import LWO and OBJ. In both cases, no new window ever popped up to let me choose a file to import. When those didn't work, I went back and opened up A:M version 12.0v+ and tried using the LWO12.hxt. This time a window did pop up to let me pick a file. Then it asked at what angle control points should peak. After that I got the following error message: "Not a Lightwave object (Missing LWOB tag)". …
Last reply by walasek, -
- 3 followers
- 11 replies
- 1.2k views
I made a mouth for my character, but when I did the dope sheet the jaw doesn't move or barely moves. Why doesn't my jaw lipsinc with the words.
Last reply by arkaos, -
- 3 followers
- 27 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi Everyone, I am trying to create my first model of a Winnie the Pooh Character. I imported the Rotoscope and began to draw the required ARC's to match 1/2 of the face. The problem is that when I create the Arc that I want, I also create an Arc I don't want. I'm not sure how to explain this, I think the picture will do the best job. Also, my plan for creating this character is as follows, does it make sense? 1. Import the Rotoscope (Front View) 2. Outline Half of the Face 3. Mirror the Half Face at the Center Line 4. Then do Left View, and import Rotoscope of Side View 5. Outline Side View 6. then I'm not sure what to do next. Thanks…
Last reply by Serega-198323, -
- 14 replies
- 1.2k views
I posted earlier that I haven't been yet able to try this software, so I have silly questions. I do hope I'm not testing any of your patience. I'm guessing there is a lot to animation, more than I'm aware of, and perhaps rendering is the least of it. I'm looking at A:M and Houdini Escape as options, and with a workstation ATI card in my laptop, Houdini renders faster than the other software I've tried(GPU rendering). Yet... A:M's TAO technical manual says that the patch exports take under a hundred patches and turn into thousands on a single character. Does this patch modeling and painting make rendering any faster? My processor is only an i5 in my laptop and fr…
Last reply by southpawami, -
- 8 replies
- 1.2k views
new audio for using forces force tut using_forces.mov force_tut_better_audio.zip
Last reply by Vertexspline, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 1.2k views
I met an animation major, and she was saying how on job application reels, it's best to use a minimalistic "rig" rather than a fully fleshed character. She also said some people will throw away a tape just because of the rig they see used. So my question is, what's a good pre-made rig for A:M to practice animating, not modeling? Mind you I do own the bonus models DVD, so those are fair game for recommendations.
Last reply by heyvern, -
- 8 replies
- 1.2k views
Hello all, Been a while since I have posted (went back to college). Now that I am almost finished and I was Spammed to upgrade to V13 (and I will), My old computer crashed about a week or so ago (crappy performance since I bought it 2 years ago) so I have one to just get by for college work (word processing, etc). When I order a new computer, what specs are best for AM now. I would prefer to either get a Mac that will boot also to windows but I don't know if I want to spend that much money. Feel free to change my mind because I would like to Final Cut Studio. (now you know why I am hesitant to get a mac...i already have the adobe products) OK, so providing…
Last reply by SirSpectre, -
- 3 replies
- 1.2k views
Question: how do I assign multiple materials to a single model? For example, a 'skin' material for a human character's body, and an 'eye' material for the eyes? Thanks! Bryan
Last reply by bcgreen24,