Animation Builder - Toolbox, Hide Parts and Animation Values
Introduction
In this major release, we are introducing several new features to the Animation Builder that will enhance the quality and control of your animations within the Frontline app.
Animation Builder Toolbox
We are excited to introduce the Animation Builder Toolbox.
The toolbox provides a variety of tools, indicators, and hand gestures that you can use to enhance your animations.
How to Use the Toolbox
When you select a part to animate, you will see a new icon that allows you to open the Toolbox. Inside the Toolbox, you'll find a library of tools.
After selecting an object from the Toolbox, it will be added to your list of items. Unlike digital twin parts, you can set an initial position for the tool. Click on the small tool icon next to the tool's name to open a numeric menu for moving and rotating the tool. You can also use the gizmo to place it manually.
Scaling Tools
We have added the option to scale tools in the Animation Builder, alongside the move and rotate options. Scaling can be applied within different waypoints, allowing you to create scale animations for the tools. You can use the default scale of the tools at the starting point or adjust it as needed.
Note: Scaling is currently available only for toolbox items.
To scale a tool, go to the Starting Point waypoint where you can scale it up or down. Create waypoints, move, rotate, and scale your tools to see your animations in action on the preview bar. It’s that simple.
Waypoints - Hide Parts
We are excited to introduce the ability to hide parts within a waypoint.
Previously, parts could only be hidden at the end of an animation. In the next version, you will be able to hide different parts throughout the animation, giving you greater flexibility in animating your digital twin.
When creating a waypoint, you will see a new checkbox labeled "Hide Part." Checking this box for a specific part means that the part will stay hidden from this waypoint until you turn it on again.
Best Practices for Hidden Tools
To maintain a smooth animation flow, it is recommended to hide a tool immediately after its use. Follow these steps to do so effectively:
Create a Waypoint for Hiding: After the tool's animation is complete, create a new waypoint dedicated to hiding the tool.
Set a Short Timeframe: Assign a 0.1-second timeframe to this waypoint. This ensures that the tool is hidden almost instantaneously after its previous animation.
Seamless Transition: By hiding the tool right away, your animation flow remains uninterrupted, and there are no pauses or breaks caused by the tool remaining visible longer than necessary.
By following this practice, you can ensure that your animations are fluid and professional, with tools disappearing seamlessly after their use.
Copy/Paste Animation Values
Easily copy and paste transform values between items and waypoints, simplifying your animation process.
Inside a Waypoint, we've added a 3-icon menu that allows you to copy and paste animation values between different parts.
Animate, copy, and paste.
Gizmo Alignment
Choose between Local and Global alignment for your transformation gizmo, adjusting its orientation from the model's local to the global coordinate system. Select the alignment in the waypoint that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
This major release introduces several enhancements to the Animation Builder in the Frontline app, including a versatile toolbox, the ability to hide parts within waypoints, easy copying and pasting of animation values, and adjustable gizmo alignment. These updates significantly improve the quality and control of your animations.
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