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A:M Forum Rules
GENERAL FORUM GUIDELINES
The A:M Forum is for technical support and the sharing of tips and ideas between users/prospective users of Hash software. It is moderated constantly by technical support representatives.
DO'S!
-Ask questions about the software.
-Assist other users... everyone was new at this once.
-Inform people of your version/platform when asking for help.
-Share resources; tutorials, models, textures, tips and techniques (link to useful websites).
-Post links to your work, or where your art is being used online (on websites, in games, toons', etc.)
-Search the A:M Forum and FAQ. The question you are about to ask may have already been answered.
-Organize and inform others about user groups, IRC chats, image and animation contests, job opportunities, etc.
-Discuss what you are working on and let everyone know about magazine reviews and articles that relate to your projects.
DON'TS!
-Do Not be rude or disrespectful or mean to other forum members in any way. Personal attacks will be removed.
-Do Not post bug/crash reports to the list (send bug/crash reports to http://www.hash.com/reports.
-Do Not complain about forum content. Complaints or suggestions can be sent directly to hash@hash.com
-Do Not reprimand other forum members for violating forum rules, that's the moderators job, which (unless you are a moderator) you are not.
-No complaining or whining on the forum or distribution of misinformation.
-No flames of any kind.
-No Off Topic posts. (Posts in the Off Topics section should be related to A:M in some form or fashion or benefit the A:M community as a whole).
-No soliciting of any kind without prior approval.
-No threads or comparisons related to other 3D Applications.
-No "Wish list" or feature requests, they should be sent to www.hash.com/reports for categorizing and prioritization (User requests define the future development of the software).
-No "me too!" posts
-No discussion of Hash Internal Affairs (finances, advertising, PR.)
-No posting of private email to the forum unless permission of the author is granted. (Private correspondence should remain private)
-No very general questions like: "how do I make a good 3D model" make your questions as complete and concise as possible.
If you have questions as to whether it's appropriate, send it to: support@hash.com, We'll be happy to let you know whether it is, or is not appropriate.
User Led Forum Considerations
Firstly and foremostly, please remember this is Martin Hash's forum and that it is every A:M User's primary resource for information about A:M. In order to remain relevant we need everyone's continuing support and interest.
Secondly, understand there is a distinction between A:M (the program) and the A:M forum. There are some topics and issues that are outside the scope of this forum and most can be deduced by reading through the forum guidelines. These include such things as Hash Inc internal policies, business practices, trade secrets, and specific plans for the future not yet publicly released. Each of these would be fascinating topics of their own but are better reserved for private communications with a representative of Hash Inc.
Related to the second, is purchasing, customer service and other areas outside the purview of the common user who may have no interest in such things; subjects relating to money exchanging hands are beyond the scope of the A:M Forum and often can lead to conflicts of interest between users and/or Hash Inc. (If Hash Inc cuts you a deal on volume purchasing it's really no one else's business). Likewise, individual complaints about a product or service are best remedied by going direct with Hash Inc representatives empowered to make decisions. Please allow them them the time necessary to resolve your specific issue and consider the cost of customized solutions.
This last area is likely the source of much confusion because many see the A:M Forum as the official outlet for Hash Inc... and it is. But the forum is not designed for conducting business and private matters best resolved by going to Hash Inc directly. Similarly, bug reports are best resolved by entering them directly into the A:M Reporting system.
Many problems can be easily addressed at the user level just by asking fellow users in the forum. If someone at Hash Inc suggests the forum as a source, it is very likely a problem can be easily resolved. For tougher issues there is even more reason to take the issue directly to the source... you don't want the issue discussed... you want it resolved quickly.
Finally, remember that we want to pass this forum on to future moderators and generations of A:M Users in the absolute best condition possible. A:M is just that good a program and is worthy of our consideration.
Thanks for making the A:M Forum a great community.
4,160 topics in this forum
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- 13 replies
- 1.7k views
from model [baldy_ready_update.mdl] and [my model] I can't create folder and sub-folder in Relationships folder of my model, please tell me how to group them in folder and sub-folder? thank you very much Bobby
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 13 replies
- 2.8k views
Hello Everyone, I have a question about how A:M can be like Auto CAD. (if there is a section about this then please let me know or direct me) (sorry) Years ago I used Auto CAD / Inventor and it was the easiest program to use to make any object. I liked how that in the program I can make a basic object and edit it in a breeze by clicking on parts and setting a measurement and it would auto correct and align itself. An example would be a simple Lego piece. I can make a block and add 1 cylinder at a corner. Then I can simply click on the block and type in the measurements to make a rectangle, and then click on the cylinder and input how many to copy/ paste and …
Last reply by pixelplucker, -
- 1 follower
- 13 replies
- 1.6k 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
- 13 replies
- 2.8k views
Hi, Having played around with pose sliders and building sub-assemblies I decided to start working on Bone Constraints. Looked easy enough - first mistake. Looked far too easy. Here is the model that I am using It has 1 bone, and all the CPs are allocated to that bone. Previously, I used a pose slider to allow the model rotate around the bone (i.e. along Z), so now want to do it with a bone constraint. Selected the bone and set up the constraints So far so good. I set up an action to test it out and when I selected it, there was just one ring to manipulate the model as I had hoped. However, I then tried dropping the model into a choreogr…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 13 replies
- 2.9k views
Damn SEAMS!!!! Can't get rid of them. Only "seams" to happen with bump mapping. Tried stretching, shrinking the seam in Action to compensate but to no avail. Bump is fine everywhere but the seam. It is an image applied after the color decal using the "add image" function. I expected to get some kind of seam from mapping front and back half of the model but wtf is this? Please see attached and thanks in advance for any help. I can't think of anything else to try.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 13 replies
- 995 views
Hey, just wated to ask if there is any way to show objects in viewport faceted rather than smooth. Here is a pic to illustrate what i'm looking for https://imgur.com/RSqtLWT
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 12 replies
- 1.5k views
The A:M Community always stands ready to help each other out and this is indeed one of the reasons why I devote time to the community. I've been on the recieving end of the community's generosity more times than I can count. Having said that... a word of caution to new users might be in order. The knowledgeable among us (old and new) can certainly help us through the trouble spots but carelessly abusing the graces of others is guaranteed to put a stop to such excellent assistance rather than see it prosper and get us to the goal (whatever that may be in each case). Of course, A:M Community members can defend themselves so I'm not attempting to speak for th…
Last reply by vf124, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 1.5k views
As a test for my first animation in A:M, I want everything to happen around a group of rocks [underwater]. What's the easiest way to make the camera revolve around a center? In other programs, I could move the 'geometric center' of the object. In this case, do I need to move the 'camera bone'?[attachmentid=12848]
Last reply by ArgleBargle, -
- 2 followers
- 12 replies
- 1.1k views
Having got my camera questions sorted out [Thanks again to all...] two other things I'd like to include in this first animation is [1] shafts of light coming down from above. I suspect it's a volumetric light solution, but could someone get me jump-started? In Carrara, we could install 'light cones'. [2] Does A:M support caustics for shimmers of light on the ocean floor? Thanks.[attachmentid=12862]
Last reply by Eric2575, -
- 12 replies
- 829 views
One of the most rustrating things about learning a new app., is remembering where the tools live. I know I managed this once before, but for the life of me, I cannot remember where to go to specify a image as a Bump Map.
Last reply by Kelley, -
- 12 replies
- 930 views
As I'm putting certificates together for those that completed The Art of Animation:Master in 2005 I'm reminded of a few of the obstacles that animators have run up against while working through the manual here in the New Users Forum. I can see a few things to help streamline the process of administration/certification on my end too. Everyone's ideas are solicited in an effort to keep TAoA:M fun and educational. If you've completed the exercises online in the forum I'd especially like to hear from you. Some of the things I'm hoping to implement this year include: Collect all the exercises into one user friendly interface on a webpage to launch off from. …
Last reply by Robert-Jank, -
- 12 replies
- 1.1k 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, -
Hi everyone, I would like to put a heart shaped window in a door. I have my heart shape-----I have my door----and I have A:M's documentation. But I can't seem to find the "Boolean Cutter" option anywhere? Is using the "Boolean Cutter" the best way to go about building a window? Thanks -Josh
Last reply by Luxo, -
- 12 replies
- 1.2k views
Hello - I have created as short walk cycle with a model I created that I am now in the process of animating for a short film. The resulting choreography is okay, but I feel it is hard to focus on the girl model as she walks across the screen. I'm experimenting with lights and what not, but really have no idea what I'm doing. I thought it might be because I rendered it at A:M's default 30fps, but when I change the project's fps to 24, the choreography speed still looks the same. I'm unable to attach the file to this forum because I get a "You are not permitted to upload a file with that extension." error message. How can I show my results so members can see it? …
Last reply by cribbidaj, -
- 12 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi All, I have tried many times the Wizards Duplicator. AM will not duplicate the texture map attach to the group being copied. Do I need to turn on a menu item somewhere? I can copy a group and then paste groups with it texture maps ok but not when I use Plugin>Wizards...>Duplicator... Can somebody help me? Technodandy
Last reply by Technodandy, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 1.2k views
Is there anyway to render this and like be able to animate with it?
Last reply by brainmuffin, -
- 12 replies
- 1k views
I might be jumping the gun on this question and will find the answer soon-- I'm working through the tutorials in the David Rogers book (BEST BOOK EVER, based on the first 1/3, at least--the tutorials are very instructive and logically arranged) and I just modeled my first realistically-muscled appendage (a leg). To keep spline density low, the tut focuses on using spline bias manipulators to define the musculature. On the tut, however, the only cps whose bias is manipulated belong to the spline rings going around the leg. Is it standard/advisable, when modeling, to adjust bias on splines running lengthwise, as well? Is there a reason to stick with bias manipul…
Last reply by C-grid, -
- 12 replies
- 983 views
I'd like to collect a few Cameras to add to the Extra DVD as it seems like it might be a great resource to explore. In particular I'm interested in collecting a variety of render styles with settings for people to examine on the DVD. If you have an old project laying around gathering dust you can import it into v13 and see what settings are there. If its a keeper save the camera as an external .CAM file and share it here. If you'd prefer your particular settings to be revealed when the DVD is released that is fine too. You can send the files to me via email if you prefer. Attached is the plain ol' default v13 camera. All settings are (of course) default! …
Last reply by the_black_mage, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 871 views
I just wanted to post a special thank you to all the nice folks that I have met here at Hash and online in the community chat room. A special shout to Martin, Rodney, George and Mark for all your assistence. I am going to be having brain surgery next week and won't be around for some time. Thank you for your kindness. Keith Buck BUDDHABUCK
Last reply by the_black_mage, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 815 views
Sorry for starting so many new threads, but I'm basically diving headlong into A:M this weekend, and I've taken all next week off to submerge myself in it. So bear with me. The trouble I'm having right now is that when I start a new action, a few bones (thigh and calf) are missing from my rig. When I lift the foot, or pull down the pelvis, the knee bends properly. So it is seeing the bones and the model is responding properly, but I cannot see them, nor select them to manipulate them. I could assign coordinates mathematically, but that would be a nightmare to have to do that every time, and I like to be able to see the skeletal structure as I animate. All othe…
Last reply by Dhar, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi, I would like to make a series of children's cartoons based on religious principles. I have a very talented artist but who has no computer skills. I am a programmer with little natural artistic talent. I'm researching the feasibility right now. Can anyone provide me their opinion if I am being realistic with this and what kind of commitment I'm looking at? I have wanted to learned 3D animation for a while but have never been able to get the right software or spend enough time. I am proficient in Photoshop and Flash. Thanks, Luke
Last reply by phatso, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 1k views
Hello, I was in Fry's the other night and just happened to find a copy of the A:M software while looking at video editing applications (I do quite a bit of audio engineering and mixing and just got into video). Anyway, animation and modeling strikes me as fun. I have no goal for using the software other than something fun to do during spare time and if I were to get good enough, perhaps have some fun composing music for short animated videos. Anyway, to the question: I have no animation or modeling background, so how realistic is it that I would be able to learn how to use this software? More specifically, I guess I'm looking to figure out whether the time i…
Last reply by Bob Savage, -
- 12 replies
- 820 views
Hello - I got this question all the way to the last part, and having trouble there. I am trying to play a 10 second video clip on a object (television) I created. I imported the video clip as a sequence of targa images, and set it as a decal on the (television). That worked great and when I scrolled across the timeline it played the video. The problem is when I pull the TV into a Chor it doesn't show the video when I render it. Not sure what I am doing wrong - is there a setting in the options that I am missing or something? Thank you - Eric
Last reply by MMZ_TimeLord, -
- 12 replies
- 1.1k views
Ok so here is my problem: While i am modeling in a modeling window my FPS is about 80fps +/- and is very good. but while i rig my character, and use it in a action window to animate it drops to 7FPS and this only happens when i use bones. I wonder why this is happening becase i have a strong computer. The model is only 1600 patches Animation is very hard to do with this low framrate here are some pictures i took This is in the modeling window And this is in the action window I hope somone ca help me. thanks!! Elias
Last reply by eliaskiller, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 851 views
When I save a file it gives me a saving error saying exception #005, and it may not have saved right...anyone have this happen or know what to do... thanks.
Last reply by Stronghorn, -
- 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
- 12 replies
- 1.1k views
Yo guys, long time no post. I'll save the catch-ups for another thread, but I have a question that's been bugging me lately and I figured it seemed a little newb-ish, so I thought this would be the place to put it. The topic description pretty much says it all; I've been reading alot of 3D tutorials about edgeloops and I'd like to know exactly how they make facial expressions easier to work with. Maybe I'm just missing something cause I haven't really done much outside of blinking and some fairly simplistic expression work, but I feel like I'm kinda missing something here. Thanks in advance and I hope you hear from you guys soon.
Last reply by ypoissant, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 1.3k views
Hi - I am thinking of buying A:M Painter and wanted to get some imput from anyone that has bought it and uses it. Can you flatten a model or portion of a model and apply a decal within the painter program - or is the flattening done in Animation Master? Any pros and cons of the program - I would appreciate any input. It is an inexpensive program, so I will probably just buy it and try it out. Thank you - Eric
Last reply by flashawd, -
- 2 followers
- 12 replies
- 1.9k views
Hi Everyone, Somewhere in my past searches, I found the 1998 Manual. For a newbie, it explained some of the various terms and methods that most users seem to know but I am unaware of. I know that some of things have chanegd, but, having the very basic knowledge can make the learning process easier and greatly speed up the learning curve. Does anyone know of a link where I can find them? Thanks, Bob
Last reply by Jentham2000, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 952 views
i am trying to render a movie with one of my alien models, and it's about 2 minutes.... and the estimated render time is 200 hours O_O is it supposed to do this? if so, then..... well, i don't know what i'll do.
Last reply by heyvern, -
- 12 replies
- 1.4k views
I'm currently working on a 2d game that supports alpha channel PNG/TARGA files and I was wondering if there was a way I could render to TARGA and have only the model itself reder and everything else be a "blank" background. This is a vital process for my game and I'm hoping it can be done in A:M if it helps, I'm using v11.1H Thanx guys.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 2 followers
- 12 replies
- 843 views
I'm looking to create an effect with sprites (sparks) that will swirl around an object in a vortex like shape. The effect I have in mind is along the lines of when the Beast turns back to a man in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast". Anyone have some ideas on I can do this??
Last reply by fae_alba, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 969 views
Hi - I have a potential client that want their plastic bottle modelled in 3D and animated to show how it works. I have been playing around w/ the fluids tutorials and all the samples that people have generously posted and it seems that fluids is more designed to work as a faucet, hose, water fountain... anything flowing. Is it possible to have fluid in a bottle for example tip up the bottle and have it flow into a second chamber. I posted a flash anim of the bottle I modelled doing a 360 spin, so you can see the hole in the center that connects the two chambers that I need the fluid to flow through. Any help would be appreciated - even when you check "object collision…
Last reply by flashawd, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 799 views
if youv ever played any sci phi games you will notice that they usualy have a force field or bubble that has a really cool plasma effect , halo 1 in the control room for example , i was woundering if there was a way to do this in AM sort of like this with out so many colors and transparent rainbow image and sorta lke this, its the one on the bottom as i couldent add the pic here as saying something about picture extentions picture any other vareation on this would also be appreceated as i need some thing workable before flashy
Last reply by Caroline, -
- 12 replies
- 1k views
How would you go about making the abyss from the movie the abyss.
Last reply by thefreshestever, -
- 3 followers
- 12 replies
- 1.4k views
Hey I had AM a year or so back and got busy and ended up giving it up and now am considering coming back to it. My question does anyone know about any decent and affordable motion capture suits that are compatible with AM as well as maybe some tutorials for it. Thank you all for your time and I am sorry if this has already been posted.
Last reply by Alejandro Munoz, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 1.1k 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, -
- 12 replies
- 1.1k views
i was wondering if AM has the ability to save a small animation as a animated gif or a item of the same relevance
Last reply by Masna, -
game modding
by Akai- 12 replies
- 871 views
Hi, I'm new here and just picked up A:M about a week ago; as such still going through the tutorial guide. When I was in school a couple of years back, I had a small team working on a total conversion mod (demo) for UT2004. Back then we were using 3DS MAX... It was on all the lab PCs. I'm looking to start working on it again, soon. Any pointers on workflow, stuff that A:M does well for UT modding or not, cautions and pitfalls are appreciated. Thanks guys!
Last reply by Akai, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 878 views
Sorry to bother you guys again, but.... do you know if there is a way to move a group of keyframes in the choreography (possibly by using the timeline) to a different time in the choreography? kind of like Flash? And... if that isn't possible... could you make that possible in a future upgrade of A:M?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 12 replies
- 885 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, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 949 views
I have some objects in my choreography. I select them and make them a named group. I try to pivot the group. The group pivots on the screen, but no keyframes are created. I put them in position 1 at point A on the timeline and position 2 at point B on the timeline. There are no keyframes in the timeline. When I preview the choreo there is no rotation. What am I missing?
Last reply by Jeetman, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 822 views
Hey, Im new to Animation Master and the forums, so I'm working off version 12 (cant afford the updated ones ).. but I seem to be having a problem rendering.. I've been doing the Chorus Line tutorial from the book, and when i go to render, I cant click on any of the settings (like Final, Toon etc).. I can name the file but it wont let me click ok any ideas? thanks in advance!
Last reply by Caroline, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 1.1k 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, -
- 3 followers
- 12 replies
- 757 views
I'm trying to learn how to mix animation with live action video and I'm having a hard time learning. I've seen a few tutorials but they aren't complete enough as I'm too inexperienced to pick up on how to do the directions. This CD is referred to often, but it always points to pluginz.com and apparently they don't have it anymore. Does anyone have any idea how I can get one, or the replacement if there is one? Thanks.
Last reply by robinsn, -
Render Times
by danf- 12 replies
- 1.1k views
What are the factors that influence render times?
Last reply by danf, -
- 12 replies
- 638 views
I am sure there is a simple answer to this. I need a shot of a desert sun as if someone were looking straight up at it. so blue sky and sun only. then I am going to animate circling buzzards. Any suggestions on a good sun please?
Last reply by TheSpleen, -
- 2 followers
- 12 replies
- 1.3k views
OK due to some post by other iv come to the conclusion that textures most likely wont do it for me( note there was nothing wrong with the post they just steered me in a new direction) so i need to know how to make materials, any help would be nice
Last reply by Helojammer, -
- 12 replies
- 1k views
When I activate the Cloth Wizard in a choreography, it works pretty well. When I activate the Cloth Wizard in a different choreography, with the same model, the cloth just bounces all over the place or something, when I simulate. I notice that each time I use the Cloth Wizard, a new Spring System folder appears in the Objects folder; I assume this means I can reuse this one spring system in other choreographies, instead of clicking "Cloth Wizard" every time, but when I put a model with that spring system into a different choreography, I can't figure out how to use the system. However this is done, I presume you can do the same with spring systems you create from…
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 12 replies
- 865 views
Didn't know wheather to post this here or in the TaoAM. I guessed here. I'm working on some simple smart skin for a petal on a flower. Is there a way to measure the length of the center spline before smart skinning and then while smart skinning so I can make sure the petal maintains its length? Seems like it should be simple but I can't find how to check a spline length between two CP's. Thanks,
Last reply by TNT,
