Show Sequence

The Line->Show Sequence command in the Tools module displays a sequence of .lin format pictures (wireframe or hidden-line rendered).

Combining .lin and .pic Files

If you want to render some 3D elements to make them look like traditional 2D cel animation pieces, you can convert line files (.lin) into picture files (.pic) using this command.

In the Show Line Sequence dialogue box, you have the option of saving the .lin files as .pic files while being displayed. You can also use the showlin standalone, which does the same thing. The only difference with using showlin is that the line file is always displayed on the screen. See the Standalones HTML file on the Online Documentation CD for more information.

Procedure

1. Choose the Line->Show Sequence command. The database browser is displayed.
2. Select the sequence by clicking any .lin sequence file name and then Ok or by double-clicking on the file name.
   
   The Show Line Sequence dialogue box is displayed.

Parameters

Start Frame

First frame of the sequence.

End Frame

Last frame of the sequence.

Step

Step increment for the sequence.

Width

Image resolution in pixels. The aspect ratio is defined by the width, so the height is automatically set accordingly.

Buffered

If you want to show the image on the screen and set the playback speed, select the Buffered option and the Number of frames per second.

Output to a File

Saves the image in a .pic file. Type the name for the .pic file in the Output File Name text box.

Alpha Channel

Saves the alpha channel in the .pic file. The Alpha Value sets the intensity of the lines in the alpha channel. The background is always 0 (black).

Loop in Sequence

Displays the sequence in a loop.

When using this option, the left mouse button plays the sequence backward, the right mouse button plays the sequence forward, and the middle mouse button allows you to stop. If you hold down the middle mouse button while dragging the mouse left or right, you can play the sequence forward or backward at a speed relative to that at which you drag the mouse.

If the Buffered option is not selected, the animation plays from disk continuously, and the mouse buttons have no effect on the playback.

Antialiasing

Reduces jagged edges on all lines, but this is especially visible on oblique lines.

Background Colour

Defines the colour for the background with a value ranging from 0 to 1 for each Red, Green, and Blue component.

Foreground Colour

Defines the colour for the foreground (lines) with a value ranging from 0 to 1 for each Red, Green, and Blue component.

Last updated 02-apr-1998