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Naming imported elements

Posted: 19 Oct 2007, 15:34
by mkrokes
Hello:
I am trying the demo version of TVPaint and I have a little problem I would like to share with you.
I have drawn and scanned quite a bit of animation which is broken down into different layers. The fact that the numbering of my drawings are not represented in the "Layer Panel" is making the composing of the shot a bit harder. Is there a way I can see the name/numbering of my imported files so that I can keep track of them and spread them as they are in my dopesheet?
I hope I explained this clearly enough, sorry if not, english is not my first language.
Mike

Posted: 19 Oct 2007, 18:52
by Patrice
Hi mkrokes,
In order to have a sequence of your imported files you need to name it like that:
MyFile_001
MyFile_002
...

Then Load "MyFile_001", uncheck the "image" box and press the import button. TVP Animation will automatically load all files named MyFile_xxx on the same layer.

Identifying frames by their names

Posted: 19 Oct 2007, 19:23
by mkrokes
Hi Patrice:
Thank you very much for the quick reply.
I think I didnt explain very well my problem. I already did what you are describing and, yes, TvPaint is importing them in the correct order. My problem is that once they are on the "layer panel" I cant move them around individually to reuse some animation without confusing myself.
I will be more specific. I have the mouth on one layer, the head on another layer, and the eyes on another layer. I find quite hard to time these elements as planned in my dopesheet because there is no easy numbering to actually recognize them on the "Layer Panel". The drawings for the mouth layer are pretty similar and is hard to see which frame corresponds to which layer just by looking at the drawings.
A solution I have thought of is to scan each drawing with its corresponding number (code) so that afterwards I can recognize which goes where. The problem is that I would have to erase the numbers when I am happy with the layering and timing.
It would be much easier if every frame had its name (x001, x002, etc..) shown. In this way is much easier to keep track of how long each drawing extends for and where it comes from. It is much easier to match different layers if you are able to recognize easily the exposition of every different drawing (x001, x002, x002, x003, x 004, x004, x004, x005, x005, x005, x 005, x 005, x005, x006 , x007) etc.....
I know you can switch you Layer Panel to show icons...is there anyway I can make TvPaint show me the name of the file..when they are on the "laer Panel"?
I am really sorry if this seems confusing...i
Thanks again,
mkrokes

Posted: 19 Oct 2007, 19:42
by ZigOtto
aren't you using TVPA Pro, mkrokes? because using the XSheet layer would allow you to use pictures (source) by names, and to time your animation using names exactly as in a classic vertical dope-sheet.

Posted: 19 Oct 2007, 20:08
by mkrokes
No, it is not the Pro version. ok, that must be it. I will try the demo for the Pro version and give that a try.
Thanks,
mkrokes

Posted: 19 Oct 2007, 20:24
by ZigOtto
regarding how to work with the xsheet layer, better to have a look to the manual first. :wink: