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Animating in Studio

    Table of contents
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    Procedures | References

    When you animate a part, camera, or light the result is an “action” placed in the animation timeline. Animation actions are easily modified either directly or through the same dialog that was used to create them. You can drag the action along the timeline, edit the start or end time positions, and mirror the action for an easy reversal of the action. You can rename the Studio nodes in the Scene or Animation browser. Renaming in one browser affects both.

    Video Producer, part of Inventor Studio, enables the use of multiple camera footage, called shots, still shots, and shot transitions to produce a more cinematic animation.

    Composing an Animation

    Composing an animation can be as simple as creating a turntable camera or as complex as a fly-by camera following a path while your product goes through its paces and interacts with other objects. You determine the level of complexity. As always, keeping it simple makes it easier and faster to produce.

    When composing an animation consider the following:

    • What is the purpose of the animation? Is it to show off product functionality or to make a simple animation such as a turntable with the product center stage? Write down the things you want to accomplish with the animation.
    • Where should the cameras be placed?
    • Do I need shots from multiple cameras? How many different angles do I need?
    • Will I use props to show my product in its environment? Where should I place them?
    • How long will the animation be?

    If you have not created a storyboard before, here are a few steps toward making a simple one. These steps can be done digitally (various software products are available for this) or by hand.

    1. Decide if props will be used.
    2. Create and position your cameras, render test images for each camera angle. If it is convenient to do so, you may want to place these in a document so they are easy to access later.
    3. Write down the corresponding animation action, whether model, camera, or lighting, that is to take place with the camera angle images.
    NoteSpending a little time making a storyboard has a few benefits: helps you keep the end goal in focus; provides a point of reference as you move along in the process; produces a sample that can be reviewed and refined.

    Producing Video Footage

    Use Inventor Studio to use one or more cameras to create composited animations. Video Producer has commands to combine the footage from one or more cameras, from any of the animations in the open document, into video footage. Additionally, there are shot transitions, such as fade and gradient wipe, that enable a more cinematic look for your animation.

    Using Video Producer you can:

    • Use shots from any camera, of any animation within the same document, to produce a single animation. The shots can be a range of frames/time or as simple as a still shot.
    • Specify the portion of camera footage to use.
    • Specify transitions such as fading at the beginning or end, and between shots.
    • Modify the span of the shots and transitions

    When you activate the Video Producer command, the software takes snapshots of all existing cameras and places them in the Shot browser in the dialog box. The number of shots captured depends on the number of cameras you defined for your images and animations, and how many animated sequences each camera was assigned. For example, a camera that was animated as a turntable has one snapshot to represent the camera. A camera that was animated three times in an animation has three shots in the browser, one for each animated sequence.

    Use transitions to blend two shots with an effect between them. You can create and maintain multiple productions inside your part.

    Rendering Animations

    Inventor Studio provides commands for rendering during the animation design process or for final output.

    If, during animation design, you are curious what your animation looks like, but not concerned with the final rendered appearance, you can do a preview render. Preview renders use the standard Inventor graphic system for producing the animation output. You can quickly render the animation to see part motion and camera animation without waiting the lengthy time that is required for a realistic rendered result.

    Later, when the animation is complete, you can render it with full lighting and reflection using the Shaded render type or you can use the Illustration type to produce a more “cartoon” looking rendering. Also, if you used Video Producer to composite various camera shots and transitions into video footage, you render its output.

    When you use the render animation command you can:

    • Preview Render using the standard Inventor graphics for output. Preview Render uses the current scene lighting for rendering.
    • Render Shaded and Illustration type output with specific settings for each type.
    • Render specific frames, time range, or the full animation and output them as image sequences or in video formats (wmv or avi).
    • Specify output size by selecting from a list of preset values or specifying any size and ratio up to 3000 x 3000 pixels.
    • Select a frame rate from the list of commonly used frame rates.
    • Render video footage from Video Producer

    Procedures

    Produce animations

    • Define your purpose and outline the main aspects of your animation. Plan the elements, including a rendered scene, lights, cameras, and actions appropriate for your purpose.
    • Use any of the animation commands (in any order) to build the animation.
    • Add actions to the timeline one at a time.

    Before you begin the animation procedures:

    1. Open an Autodesk Inventor LT Part.
    2. Rotate or move the view to the position you want to start with in the animation.
    3. Enter the Studio environment. On the ribbon, click Environments tab Begin panel Inventor Studio.
    4. Activate an animation. In the browser, expand the Animations node, and double-click the icon in front of Animation1, or any animation listed. To start a new animation, right-click the Animations node, and then click New Animation.

      Alternatively, open the Animation Timeline. The last animation is activated.

      When an animation is activated, the animation commands are available, and the Animation Timeline is displayed.

    Detailed animation workflow

    Create an animation

    1. In the Animation Timeline, drag the slider to the position where you want to end the first action.
    2. To create a camera for animation, set the view to the position you want the camera to start from. Right-click, and click Create Camera from View.

      You can create as many cameras as you want.

    3. To animate the camera, expand the Cameras node in the browser, right-click the desired camera, and click Animate Camera.
    4. In the timeline, camera selection list, click the active camera in the animation.
    5. In the graphics area, change the view to the next position for the camera, and in the Timeline, click the Add Camera Action icon.
    6. In the Timeline window, click Expand Action Editor to see the action bars for all of the separate actions in the animation, and the browser tree of all of the items represented by the action bars.

      To modify the start and end of an action, drag the start and end of any of the action bars.

      To reposition an action within the row, click and drag the mid-section of the bar. There is no change to the duration. You can double-click an action to display its dialog box for editing.

    7. When you are satisfied with your edits to the animation setup, click Collapse Action Editor, and then click Go to Start. Click Play Animation to see the animation with the edited start times.

      You can edit the action bars again if necessary.

    8. With the current time set at the end of the animation, start the next action sequence, repeating the steps to define the action.
    9. When finished, click Go to Start and play the animation through. You can use the Action Editor to make final adjustments.
    10. The animation is automatically saved in the Animations folder in the browser.
    11. Use Render Animation to create an .avi file. You can render the animation as is, or use the styles commands to enhance it. For more information about using the Lighting Styles, and Scene Styles commands, see Create a rendered image.

    Workflows for animation commands

    Animation Timeline

    Control the timing of all actions in the animation, and play the animation.

    1. Move the slider to the time position in the timeline for the action.
    2. In the graphics area, define the animation action using the various Studio commands.
    3. For multiple actions in the animation, repeat steps 1 and 2 until the animation looks the way you want it.
    4. Click Expand Action Editor to see the action bars for all of the separate actions in the animation. The timeline browser contains a tree of all of the items represented by the action bars.

      The current time indicator is the topmost item. You can drag it to a new position, and the animation updates accordingly.

      To change the start time for an action, select the action bar and drag the start or end handle to the desired time position. The position does not have to coincide with the current time indicator.

    5. You can copy and paste actions in the same row or of the same type into the timeline at another time location. The actions are pasted back to back. Drag the action bar to create gaps between actions.

    6. When you are satisfied with your edits to the animation setup, click Collapse Action Editor, and then click Go to Start. Click Play Animation to see the animation with the edited start times.

      You can edit the action bars again if necessary.

    TipThe Animation Timeline window is pseudo-docked to the Inventor application window. When either window is moved the other remains in its place. Double-click the window title bar to re-position the animation timeline window within the application window.

    Animate Parameters

    Animate the values of one or more user parameters. Available only in files that contain user parameters.

    1. On the ribbon, click Render tab Manage panel Parameter Favorites and mark any parameters you want to animate as favorites. They are added to the Animation Favorites folder.
    2. If the Animation Timeline is not already displayed, on the Render tab, Animate panel, click Animate Timeline. Drag the slider to the position where you want to end the first action.
    3. In the browser, click the Animation Favorites folder to expand it.

      Right-click the parameter you want to animate, and then select Animate Parameter. All of the user-defined parameters in the active file are listed. User parameters that were previously animated are stored in the Animation Favorites folder.

    4. In the Animate Parameters dialog box, enter a value for the end time.

      On the Acceleration tab, set the velocity, or select Constant speed so that there is constant speed throughout the animation action.

    5. Click OK.
    6. If desired, render the animation, specifying the light style, scene style, and camera to use.

    Fast Action alternative method:

    Move the timeline slider.

    1. Expand the Animation Favorites folder, and double-click a parameter node.
    2. It creates an action for the parameter, from the last action, and displays the current parameter value.
    3. In the Parameter edit control dialog box, enter a new constraint value, and then click the check mark to accept the input.

    Animate Camera

    Specify an existing camera or create a new one, and define the playback path and time.

    1. If the Animation Timeline is not already displayed, on the Render tab, Animate panel, click Animate Timeline.
    2. In the graphics area, rotate or move the model to the position you want to start with in the animation. You can use the zoom and pan commands.
    3. To create a camera, do the following:
      • Use the Rotate View command to set the view for the start of the animation.
      • Right-click in the graphics area, and then click Create Camera from View or right-click the browser icon next to Cameras and click Create Camera from View.
    4. To use an existing camera, do the following:
      • In the browser, expand Cameras and right-click on an existing camera and click Animate Camera.
      • In the Animation Timeline dialog box, select a camera from the list. Use the Rotate View command to change the view.
      • Click Add Camera Action to set the camera to the current view and add an action bar for that position.
    5. Move the slider to the next position where you want to end the action.
    6. On the ribbon, click Render tab Animate panel Camera and define the camera action.

      If you want a turntable effect, select the Turntable option on the Turntable tab.

      On the Acceleration tab, select Constant Speed.

    7. When you complete animating the camera, you can view the animation with that cameras perspective or from another perspective. Select the camera from the Animation timeline list to view the animation through a specific camera. Select Current Camera to watch the animation and camera movement from another perspective.
    NoteYou can copy and paste a camera in the same animation. The copy is placed next to the original in a selected state ready to move and edit.

    Animate a camera along a path

    You can create product walk-throughs or fly-bys. To animate a camera along a path you must:

    1. Create a part containing a 2D or 3D sketch. The path sketch geometry must be contiguous, no gaps.
    2. Switch to the Inventor Studio environment.
    3. Activate the Animation Timeline command.
    4. In the timeline, move the Timeline slider to the time position where the camera path animation concludes.
    5. In the scene browser, right-click the camera you want to animate and click Animate Camera.
    6. In the Animate Camera dialog, click Definition.
    7. In the Camera dialog, specify whether the camera Target is fixed, floating, or travels along a path. If the target follows a path, use the selection command to specify the path sketch.
    8. In the Camera dialog, specify whether the camera Position is fixed, floating, or travels along a path. If the camera position follows a path, use the selection command to specify the path sketch.
      NoteThe target and position path geometry must be different entities.
    9. Having selected a path, you have the option to specify the start and end positions along the path for either the camera or the target. After selecting the path, the end handles, triangle (starting point) and square (ending point), can be dragged along the path limiting the camera or target travel.
    10. Specify the other settings as needed.
    11. Render the animation using the preview render option. You can see the results of your animation quickly without the lighting affects. Make any necessary adjustments, and then do a shaded rendering.

    Animate Light

    Lighting Styles, individual lights in styles, and local lights can be animated. Animated lights are displayed in the animation browser. When animating lights certain parameters are available for use, such as position, target (spot only), color, and so on. As with other animated objects, the animated light action can be edited in the timeline either through the context menu or by double-clicking the action bar in the timeline.

    Animating a lighting style

    1. If the Animation Timeline is not already displayed, on the Render tab, Animate panel, click Animate Timeline.
    2. Set the timeline slider to the end time position for the animated lighting style.
    3. Right-click the Lighting Style and click Animate Light. The Animate Light dialog box displays.
    4. Click Definition. Edit the lighting style position. The position represents where the animation action ends. For example, if a lighting style is moving from point A to point B, edit the position so that the light is at point B.
    5. Modify settings for the animation time in the dialog box as needed.
    6. On the Acceleration tab, select Constant Speed or an appropriate setting for the animation action.
    7. Click OK and the action populates the timeline.
    8. When you complete animating the lighting style you can view the animation using the timeline playback controls or by Preview rendering the animation.

    Animating a light in a style

    1. If the Animation Timeline is not already displayed, on the Render tab, Animate panel, click Animate Timeline.
    2. Set the timeline slider to the end time position for the animated light.
    3. In the scene browser, right-click the light and click Animate Light. The Animate Light dialog box displays.
    4. Click Definition. Edit the light position. The position represents where the animation action ends. For example, if a light is moving from point A to point B, edit the position so that the light is at point B.
    5. Modify settings for the animation time in the dialog box as needed.
    6. On the Acceleration tab, select Constant Speed or an appropriate setting for the animation action.
    7. Click OK and the action populates the timeline.
    8. When you complete animating the light, you can view the animation using the timeline playback controls or by Preview rendering the animation.
    NoteYou can copy and paste a light in the same animation. The copy is placed next to the original in a selected state ready to move and edit.

    Animating a local light

    1. If the Animation Timeline is not already displayed, on the Render tab, Animate panel, click Animate Timeline.
    2. Set the timeline slider to the end time position for the animated local light.
    3. In the scene browser, in the Local Lights folder, right-click the local light and click Animate Light. The Animate Light dialog box displays.
    4. Click Definition. Edit the local light position. The position represents where the animation action ends. For example, if a light is moving from point A to point B, edit the position so that the light is at point B.
    5. Modify settings for the animation time in the dialog box as needed.
    6. On the Acceleration tab, select Constant Speed or an appropriate setting for the animation action.
    7. Click OK and the action populates the timeline.
    8. When you complete animating the local light, you can view the animation using the timeline playback controls or by Preview rendering the animation.

    Animation Tutorial

    Animate turntables

    When you implement a turntable effect as a function of a camera, the camera rotates around a stationary model.

    When you implement a model turntable, the model rotates in front of a stationary camera.

    Create a camera turntable

    1. On the ribbon, click Environments tab Begin panel Inventor Studio.
    2. On the ribbon, click Render tab Animate panel Camera .
    3. In the Camera dialog box, Turntable tab, select the Turntable box to enable the controls.
    4. In Axis, choose from one of the five available axes:
      • X, Y, or Z origins
      • Camera-H for horizontal rotation around the vertical axis of the target
      • Camera-V for vertical rotation around the horizontal axis of the target
    5. In Direction, specify the direction of rotation about the axis, either clockwise or counter-clockwise. The default direction is clockwise.

      In the graphics area, a turntable axis and direction graphic is displayed so you can verify your selections.

    6. In Revolutions, specify the number of revolutions per second the turntable makes in the animation. The minimum value is .01.
    7. Click either / min or / sec to specify calculations in minutes or seconds.

      or

      Click +/- to use acceleration. In this case, specify the duration of the action and number of revolutions, and the acceleration input dictates the speed they are accomplished. The default is Constant Speed.

    8. In Time, specify a setting. The default is Loop. The action begins at time position 0.0 if no other camera actions exist. Otherwise it begins after the nearest camera action.

      When a loop is the first or only action, the action bar spans the full animation. You can adjust the time span to make space for a new action.

      When you place a turntable action between two existing actions in the timeline, the loop spans the entire time between them.

      NoteWith Loop selected, if you change the animation length, the loop adjusts automatically to include the entire animation. After you edit the End time to a value less than the end of the animation, the loop no longer adjusts automatically.
    9. If necessary, change the start and end timeframe.
    10. In the Animation browser, an action bar representing the turntable action is displayed, indicating that the turntable is in use.

      To delete the turntable action, delete the action bar in the browser, or clear the selection of the Turntable check box.

    Video Producer

    Video Producer enables the creation of a more cinematic animation through the combining of camera shots coupled with the use of shot transitions. In Video Producer, you drag and drop shots and transitions onto the timeline and edit their handles to create a composited video for output. Preview rendering the result and refining the output helps you quickly produce a compelling animation.

    Compose Video Footage

    The following steps outline how to create composite video output with transitions:

    1. On the ribbon, click Render tab Animate panel Video Producer . The software caches snapshots for all saved cameras in Studio. A progress indicator displays as each camera shot is cached. The Video Producer window displays. This process occurs once for a production unless cameras are added or modified between production editing activity.
    2. On the left are the Shot and Transition tabbed browsers. In the Shot browser, right-click on an animation shot node and click Add to Timeline. Camera Shots are added to the timeline and conceptually, are placed end to end with no gaps between shots.
      TipYou can drag and drop camera shots or transitions from the browser into the timeline. Faded previews are displayed during the drag and drop operation.

      Video Producer timeline during a drag and drop operation for shots and transitions.

    3. Add shot Transitions in the same manner as Shots. A faded preview of the transition is displayed under the cursor as you drag, see the previous image on the right. Use transitions or fade in, fade out, fade between, and so on. There are four different transition effects: Fade, Gradient Wipe, Slide Left, and Slide Right.
      ImportantThe entire transition time lays over the shot footage. As a result, when planning for transition, we recommend that you define and use longer footage segments so the transitions do not overlap any important visual aspects of your shot.
    4. Edit a shot or transition by selecting it in the timeline and using the handle at either end to resize the shot. This process modifies the duration of the selected shot or transition. Neighboring footage is unaffected. You can also right-click and edit through the dialog box.
    5. To modify the duration for adjacent timeline objects simultaneously, select one and highlight the other. Position the cursor over the border between the timeline objects, then click and drag to modify the duration of both objects.
    6. Before going to preview render, ensure the length of the Video Producer animation by setting length in the Animation settings.
    7. When ready, Preview Render the animation using the command in the Video Producer window. Keep in mind that Video production increases rendering time in order to allow the shots and transitions to be properly blended for the specified effect.
    8. Once you finish the preview render, view it, then change anything needed and repeat the process.
    9. When ready, render a final animation with full fidelity.
    NoteWhen active, a production is rendered rather than an animation. To render an animation only, deactivate any active production.

    Rendering an Animation

    Rendering an animation outputs the animation according to the settings you specify in the render dialog box. There are three tabs in the dialog box that provide settings based on the selections you make on the General tab. We recomend using the Preview Render option to confirm the camera shows the animation in the way you want.

    Before you render an animation, must make sure that no productions are active. In the browser, expand the production folder and if a production is active, it will have a check mark next to it, right-click and deactivate it. Active productions take precedence over active animations at render time.

    Specify rendering settings for an animation.On the ribbon, click Render tab Render panel Render Animation.

    1. On the General tab, specify:
      • Height and Width
      • Camera
      • Lighting and Scene Style
      • Render type - Shaded or Illustration
      NoteWhen rendering an animation, not a production, you can only record one camera at a time. If you want to use multiple cameras when rendering the animation you must use Video Producer or other video editing software.
    2. On the Output tab, specify: whether to render all or part of the animation. You may choose to render the animation in reverse. Provide the output file name and type (.avi, .wmv, or static images) and the frame rate. Use Preview render to quickly see the results. Preview render uses the scene or IBL lighting from the modeling environment instead of Studio lighting.
      • File type and name the animation will be saved to. If you select WMV as an output type, use the Custom option for Network Bandwidth with a value of 700 or higher.
      • Full animation or Time range. Use a time range to produce segments of the animation. Specify the range in seconds or frames. To specify frames, use the letter ‘f’ after the value, for example, 24f to 124f.
      • Antialiasing level. The higher the level, the more time required to produce the output.
      • Format. You can specify video output or image output which results in each frame being output as an image. You would compile these in a third-party editor to produce the animation.
      • Preview: No Render. Use this option to preview the output in a file. Lighting and scene information is not rendered.
      • Frame Rate. As a gauge, typical television and movie frame rates are between 24 and 30 fps.
      NotePreview Render records the animation using model scene elements such as lighting, shadows, and reflection.
    3. On the Style tab, when rendering the final version, select True Reflection for realistic output. If producing Illustration output, this tab will present several settings allowing control over the illustration output.

    References

    Animation timeline

    Specifies the duration in seconds for each of the actions that comprise an animation. Plays the actions in an animation in sequence, or plays actions specified in the timeline. When opened, activates the last animation.

    Access:

    		Ribbon: Render tab Animate panel Animation Timeline

    On the Render tab, Animate panel, click an animation command. Both the animation command and the timeline are displayed.

    Controls

    Plays the animation in the graphics area without rendering, and records a rendered version of the animation.

     

    Go to start

    Sets the current time to zero, which is the start of the animation.

     

    Play animation

    Plays the animation. Changes to Stop Animation during playback.

     

    Stop Animation

    Plays the animation. Changes back to Play Animation.

     

    Play animation in reverse

    Plays the animation in reverse.

     

    Current time mark

    Moves the slider to the time location you enter. Accepts input to one decimal place, representing a one tenth second interval.

     

    Go to End

    Moves the current time to the end of the animation.

     

    Toggle Repeat

    Repeats the previous action in a continuous loop. The default acceleration is Constant Speed.

     

    Record animation

    Opens the Render Animation dialog box, Output property page, where you record the rendered version of the animation.

     

    Add camera action

    Creates a camera action ending at the current time, with properties of the active view. Not available if Current View is selected in the Active Camera box.

     

    Camera list

    Sets the active camera for playback.

     

    Animation Options

    Opens the Animation Options dialog box.

     

    Expand Action Editor or

    Collapse Action Editor

    Displays and hides the Action Editor and browser for animations.

    Action Editor Edits time for actions in a spreadsheet view of multiple actions represented by bars. You can drag the start, end, and finish of each bar to a new position.

    Animation Browser Displays a tree containing animated:

    • Cameras.
    • User parameters.

    Slider

    Controls the time span for each segment of an animation, and plays segments separately or in sequence. You can drag the slider from one position to another.

    Sets the current time to a specified position on the time bar.

    Arrows

    Use the previous or next arrows to move the animation one unit of time as measured in the current time scale.

    Current time mark

    Indicates the current time position in the animation with a transparent box traveling over the time bar. You can drag the box to move from one position to another.

    Time bar

    Displays the timeline and provides a visual indication of the time scale.

    NoteWhen creating animations in the timeline and rendering them, be sure to deactivate any production nodes unless you are working in a production. Because productions access all animations they are considered a higher priority and, when active, take precedence over active animations.

    Animation options

    Provides settings for the length and velocity of the animation.

    Access:

    In the Animation Timeline dialog box, click Animation Options.

    Length

    Specifies values in minutes and seconds for the length of the animation.

    or

    Fits the length of the animation to the current time.

    Velocity Profile

    Specifies values in time or percent of the three components of velocity: Start, Duration, and End. When a number is entered in a given box, the numbers in the other boxes are calculated automatically, and the requirement to click a selection is eliminated.

    Time is defined in seconds. The smallest acceptable increment is 1/10th of a second.

    Percentage values are calculated to total 100. The default percentages are 20, 60, 20.

    Percentage Specifies the expression of values as percentage in Velocity Profile.

    Time Specifies the expression of values as time in Velocity Profile.

    Specify Velocity Specifies that you enter values for the velocity profile. Select this option to set the default velocity values for subsequent actions.

    Use Default Settings Specifies the default velocity profile of 20%, 60%, 20%.

    Constant Speed Specifies one speed throughout the action.

    Reset Restores default settings.

    Playback Interval

    Enable When selected, specifies that you enter a value in Second for playback interval. Realtime playback is lost. The default is not selected.

    If you move the slider quickly from 1.0s to 30.0s, the interval speed plays everything until it catches up with the time where you set the slider. It prevents the solver state from changing too abruptly. This advanced setting measurably affects those interactive areas noted.

    Second Specifies the rate for playback of animations, editing actions, and dragging the slider. The default setting is 0.50 seconds when Enable is checked.

    NoteThis setting does not affect record time.

    Animate Components

    Animate Fade

    Animate Constraints

    Animation Favorites - Constraints

    Animate Parameters

    Defines user parameters in the current document.

    Access:

    		Ribbon: Render tab Animate panel Parameters

    Animate

    Action

    User Parameters Selects one or more user parameters.

    Start Specifies a start value in parameter units.

    End Specifies an end value in inches. To choose from most recently used values, click the arrow on the input box and select from the menu. If no values were previously used, then no values are displayed. You can adjust any value in the input box.

    NoteYou cannot enter the start value manually. The end value is automatically populated with the start value. Specify the desired parameter end value.

    Time

    Defines the start and duration of a task in the animation timeline.

    From Previous Starts transformation at the end of the previous action. It is the default time setting.

    Specify Specifies you set the time mark to begin transformation.

    Instantaneous Specifies instant action with no duration.

    Start Starts the action at the current time. Available only if Specify Start Time is selected.

    Duration Specifies a fixed duration for the animation sequence. Available only if Specify is selected.

    End Ends the action at the current time.

    NoteTime fields are enabled only if required by the action.

    Acceleration

    Velocity Profile

    Specifies values in time or percent of the three components of velocity: Start, Duration, and End. When a number is entered in a given box, the numbers in the other boxes are calculated automatically, and the requirement to click a selection is eliminated.

    Time is defined in seconds. The smallest acceptable increment is 1/10 of a second.

    Percentage values are calculated to total 100. The default percentages are 20, 60, 20.

    Percentage Specifies the expression of values as percentage in Velocity Profile.

    Time Specifies the expression of values as time in Velocity Profile.

    Specify Velocity Specifies that you enter values for the velocity profile.

    Use Default Settings Specifies the default velocity profile as established in the Animations Settings dialog box.

    Constant Speed Specifies one speed for the entire action.

    Reset Restores default settings.

    Complete action and start new action

    Ends the current action definition, advances the timeline by the New Action Increment value, and begins a new action of the same type.

    New Action Increment

    Specifies the increment to advance in the timeline for a new action.

    Parameter Favorites

    Lists user parameters and parameters that were renamed. Provides a means to add selected parameters to the Animation Favorites folder in the Browser. Available only with files that contain parameters.

    Access:

    		Ribbon: Render tab Manage panel Parameter Favorites .And then, in the dialog box, click the Parameters icon.

    File tree window

    Lists only part files that have user parameters or parameter name changes.

    Parameter Name

    Lists the name of parameters in the selected file selected. File is selected from the file tree.

    Value

    Lists the value of the parameter.

    Favorites

    If checked, saves the parameter in the Favorites folder.

    Animation Favorites - Parameters

    Parameters that were animated or nominated as favorites occupy the Animation Favorites folder. Their presence in the folder enables the special animation double-click behavior described here.

    Access:

    		Animation Favorites folder, double-click the parameter node.

    Set the timeline to the position you want. double-click the animation favorites node for the parameter you want to animate. Specify the parameter “end” value. A new action is created at the current time position beginning from the previous action. If the edit is performed during a time position when the animated parameter is updating the action is split into two actions.

    Animate Parameter

    Adds an animate parameter action to the timeline using the parameter value you specify.

    Animate positional representations

    Animate Camera

    Specifies an existing camera, activates it, and defines the playback path and time.

    If the camera was selected before the command activation, the selected camera is used. Otherwise, you specify the camera to animate.

    Access:

    		Ribbon: Render tab Animate panel Camera

    Animate tab

    Camera

    Specifies the camera to use for the animation.

    Definition Opens the Camera dialog box where you can modify the settings for the current camera.

    In the Camera Definition dialog specify the various animated states for the controls.

    In the Placement section:

    Use the Target selection command to specify the camera target. Then specify how the target is to react to camera movement.

    • Fixed - the target position remains stationary regardless of where the camera moves.
    • Floating - the camera and target move as a single unit. It is the default behavior and is what previous releases used.
    • Path - select this option if you want the camera target to follow a path. Select the path the target follows. Paths can be either 2D or 3D sketch profiles. To reverse the target direction on the path, check the Reverse box.

    Use the Position select command to specify the camera location. Then, specify how the camera reacts to animation.

    • Fixed - the camera remains stationary regardless of where the target moves.
    • Floating - the camera and target move as a single unit. It is the default behavior and is what previous releases used.
    • Path - select this option if you want the camera to follow a path. Select the path the camera follows. Paths can be either 2D or 3D sketch profiles. If the camera moves in the opposite direction from what you want to check the Reverse box.

    You can edit the path engagement location, where the camera or target start and end, by using the handles on either end of the path. The green triangle is the start position and the red square is the end position.

    If you need help defining the path, see information about 2D and 3D part sketches.

    Roll Angle and Zoom value can also be set.

    Path

    Sharp Uses no smoothing between the start, duration, and end values.

    Smooth Uses a continuous motion curve to transition between the start, duration, and end values.

    Time

    Defines the start and duration of a task in the animation timeline. Time fields are enabled only if required by the action.

    From Previous Starts transformation at the end of the previous action. It is the default time setting.

    Specify Specifies that you set the time mark to begin transformation.

    Instantaneous Specifies instant action with no duration.

    Start Specifies the time mark at which the action starts. Available only if Specify is selected.

    Duration Specifies a fixed duration for the animation sequence. Available only if Specify is selected.

    End Ends the action at the current time.

    Turntable tab

    Action

    • Turntable When selected, activates the turntable action and activates turntable controls. Places an action bar in the animation timeline.

      When cleared, turntable action is deleted.

    • Axis Specifies one of five available axis choices about which the camera revolves to achieve a turntable effect:

      X, Y or Z Origin

      Camera-H Associated with the camera target, and provides horizontal rotation around the vertical axis of the target, like the Orbit horizontal handle movement.

      Camera-V Associated with the camera target, and provides vertical rotation around the horizontal axis of the target, like the Orbit vertical handle movement.

    • Direction Specifies a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation about the axis based on looking toward the axis normal to the center of rotation. The default direction is clockwise. When you select a direction, the axis graphic is updated.
    • Revolutions Specifies the number of revolutions per minute or second the turntable makes in the animation. The value range starts at .01 per minute.

      +/- When selected, uses acceleration for revolutions. Dictates the number of revolutions that occur across the duration of the action.

      /min When selected, revolutions are calculated in minutes.

      /sec When selected, revolutions are calculated in seconds.

    Time

    Defines the start and duration of a task in the animation timeline. Available only if required by the action.

    Loop Repeats the action in a continuous loop. When turntable is selected and is the only animated action the camera has, the loop spans the whole animation by default. When a loop turntable action is placed between actions in the timeline, the action spans the time between the existing actions. If animation length is changed, the end of the turntable action is adjusted automatically to fit the change.

    Specify Specifies that you set the time mark to begin transformation.

    Start Specifies the time mark at which the action starts. Available only if Specify is selected.

    Duration Specifies a fixed duration for the animation sequence. Available only if Specify is selected.

    End Ends the action at the current time.

    Acceleration tab

    Velocity Profile

    Specifies values in time or percent of the three components of velocity: Start, Duration, and End. When a number is entered in a given box, the numbers in the other boxes are calculated automatically, and the requirement to click a selection is eliminated.

    Time is defined in seconds. The smallest acceptable increment is 1/10 of a second.

    Percentage values are calculated to total 100. The default percentages are 20, 60, 20.

    Percentage Specifies the expression of values as percentage in Velocity Profile.

    Time Specifies the expression of values as time in Velocity Profile.

    Specify Velocity Specifies that you enter values for the velocity profile.

    Use Default Settings Specifies the default velocity profile as established in the Animations options dialog box.

    Constant Speed Specifies one speed for the entire action.

    Reset Restores default settings.

    Complete action and start new action

    Ends the current action definition, advances the timeline by the New Action Increment value, and begins a new action of the same type.

    New Action Increment

    Specifies the increment to advance in the timeline for a new action.

    NoteUse Animate Camera to implement a turntable effect as a function of a camera, where the camera rotates around a stationary model.

    Animate Lights

    Specifies the parameters to be animated over a time duration. If the lighting style or light is selected before command activation, the available parameters apply to that selected object. If the command is activated before a selection, you specify the lighting style or light for the command. .

    Access:

    		Ribbon: Render tab Animate panel Light

    And then select the light style or light to animate. From the Scene browser, right-click a lighting style or light node and select Animate Lights.

    Animate tab

    Light

    Click Select to choose the Light to use for the animation. If the Animate light command was selected from the context menu the light is already selected.

    Definition Opens the Light definition dialog box where you specify the settings for the selected light at the end of the animation sequence.

    In the Light Definition dialog specify the various animated states for the controls.

    General tab

    In the Placement section:

    Use the Target selection command to specify the light target location. Control not enabled for point lights.

    Use the Position select command to specify the light location.

    Illumination tab

    Use the slider control to specify the light Intensity. Use the input field for an explicit value.

    Use the Color command to specify the light color. Presents the standard Color dialog box.

    Directional tab (directional lights only)

    Use the Longitude slider to specify the light position. Use the input field for explicit values. Values are in degrees.

    Use the Latitude slider to specify the light position. Use the input field for explicit values.

    Point tab (point lights only)

    Use the Position fields to specify the light position in X, Y, Z coordinates. The values are relative to the part 0,0,0 position and use the part model units.

    Spot tab (spot lights only)

    Use the Position fields to specify the light position in X, Y, Z coordinates.

    Use the Target fields to specify the light target position in X, Y, Z coordinates.

    Use the Hotspot input field to specify the diameter of the light hotspot.

    Use the Falloff input field to specify the diameter of the light falloff.

    Time

    Defines the start and duration of a task in the animation timeline. Time fields are enabled only if required by the action.

    From Previous Starts transformation at the end of the previous action. It is the default time setting.

    Specify Specifies that you set the time mark to begin transformation.

    Instantaneous Specifies instant action with no duration.

    Start Specifies the time mark at which the action starts. Available only if Specify is selected.

    Duration Specifies a fixed duration for the animation sequence. Available only if Specify is selected.

    End Ends the action at the current time.

    Acceleration tab

    Velocity Profile

    Specifies values in time or percent of the three components of velocity: Start, Duration, and End. When a number is entered in a given box, the numbers in the other boxes are calculated automatically, and the requirement to click a selection is eliminated.

    Time is defined in seconds. The smallest acceptable increment is 1/10 of a second.

    Percentage values are calculated to total 100. The default percentages are 20, 60, 20.

    Percentage Specifies the expression of values as percentage in Velocity Profile.

    Time Specifies the expression of values as time in Velocity Profile.

    Specify Velocity Specifies that you enter values for the velocity profile.

    Use Default Settings Specifies the default velocity profile as established in the Animations options dialog box.

    Constant Speed Specifies one speed for the entire action.

    Reset Restores default settings.

    Video Producer

    Specifies camera shots and transitions that are combined and rendered as one animation. The camera shots can come from any Studio camera in the active document.

    Transitions provide a means of smoothly moving between camera shots. These help improve the quality and clarity of the video production by helping the audience note changes in vantage points. Standard transition types are defined in the software..

    Access:

    		Ribbon: Render tab Animate panel Video Producer

    To create a Production, right-click the Productions folder and select New.

    To activate or deactivate a Production, right-click the Production node and select Activate. When a production is active the context menu entry Activate is checked.

    ImportantWhen rendering, productions have precedence over animations. To render an animation, and not a production, deactivate any active production. Right-click the production and select Activate to deactivate it.

    Playback Controls

    Plays the production in the graphics area without rendering, and records a rendered version of the production. The production timeline reuses applicable animation timeline controls.

     

    Go to start

    Sets the current time to zero, which is the start of the animation.

     

    Play animation

    Plays the animation. Changes to Stop Animation during playback.

     

    Stop Animation

    Plays the animation. Changes back to Play Animation.

     

    Play animation in reverse

    Plays the animation in reverse.

     

    Current time mark

    Moves the slider to the time location you enter. Accepts input to one decimal place, representing a one tenth second interval.

     

    Go to End

    Moves the current time to the end of the animation.

     

    Toggle Repeat

    Repeats the previous action in a continuous loop. The default acceleration is Constant Speed.

     

    Record animation

    Opens the Render Animation dialog box, Output property page, where you record the rendered version of the animation.

     

    Expand Action Editor or

    Collapse Action Editor

    Displays and hides the Timeline Editor and browser for productions.

    Timeline Editor provides interactive edit access to shots and transitions. You can drag the start, end, and reposition shots and transitions.

    Shot/Transition Browsers Display a list containing cameras and camera transitions.

    Shots

    The Shots browser has a tree control that lists all cameras defined for the active part, no matter how many or few. Pausing the cursor over a shot node will preview the first frame of the shot.

    To place a Shot into the timeline, drag and drop the shot onto the timeline. Alternatively, right-click the desired shot and select Add to timeline.

    Editing a shot

    Edit a timeline shot through a dialog box by double-clicking it or right-clicking and selecting Edit. Edit interactively by placing the cursor over the left or right edge of the shot, then click-drag to extend or contract the shot time.

    When using the dialog box the following controls are available:

    Animation FootageSpecifies the animation and available animation footage in increments of time. The value cannot exceed the length of the shot.
    • Animation - specifies the animation providing the footage that is used.
    • Start - specifies the point in time, within the animation, that the footage is taken from. For example, if an animation is 4 seconds long (0s - 4s) and the desired footage starts at 1s, then the subsequent camera shot is made of footage starting at 1s or later if you so specify.
    • Duration - this value is driven by the shot duration and cannot be edited. It is presented as information.
    • End - states when the animation footage ends. It is the sum of the start position and duration.
    Shot FootageSpecifies the amount of camera footage presented in the animation.
    • Camera - Specifies the camera that provides the shot. The selected camera is shown but you can select any camera in the list.
    • Start - Specifies segment of animation footage used for the shot. Must be set equal to or greater than the Animation Footage start value.
    • Duration - specifies the length, in time increments, for the shot footage. This value drives the Animation Footage Duration.
    • End - specifies when the shot footage ends.

    When multiple shots occupy the timeline, edit the sequence of the shots by dragging and dropping the shot where you want it. A shot cannot be dropped “inside” of another shot.

    Transitions

    The Transitions browser contains a list of available camera transitions. Right-click and select Add to timeline to append a transition to the timeline. To insert a transition between shots, drag and drop the transition between the shots in the timeline.

    Editing a transition

    Edit a transition through the dialog box by double-clicking it or right-clicking and selecting Edit. To edit a transition interactively, place the cursor over the left or right edge of the transition, then click-drag to extend or contract it.

    TransitionSpecifies the transition type and displays the adjacent shots.
    • Type - select from the available transition types. There are no methods for customizing types.
    • From Shot - notes the adjacent shot before the transition.
    • To Shot - notes the adjacent shot after the transition.
    ColorSpecifies the color used in the transition where applicable, such as when using fade or gradient wipe start and end transitions.
    Timeline PositionSpecifies where in the timeline the transition takes place. The transition lays over the camera shot. It is possible to define a transition that eclipses the shot.
    • Start - specifies the point in time when the transition starts.
    • Duration - specifies the length, in time increments, for the transition.
    • End - specifies when the transition ends.
    Editing the duration changes the end time position correspondingly. Editing the end time position changes the duration value correspondingly.

    Render Animation

    Specifies general settings for rendering animations.

    ImportantWhen rendering, productions have precedence over animations. To render an animation, and not a production, deactivate any active production. Right-click the production and select Activate to deactivate it.

    Access:

    		Ribbon: Render tab Render panel Render Animation

    When you select the Shaded or Illustration style, it is applied to the entire image or animation. Only one style can be applied at one time. Changes to the applied style must be done as a post process in an image editor.

    General tab

    Width and Height

    Specifies the width and height for output of rendered animations. To choose from most recently used values, click the arrow on the input box and select from the menu. You can adjust any value in the input box.

    Select Output Size Provides a list of values from which you can select for output size.

    Lock aspect ratio

    When selected, maintains the aspect ratio defined by the current animation width and height.

    Camera

    Specifies the camera for the active document.

    Lighting Style

    Provides a list of Lighting Styles from which to select. If no lighting styles are available, animations are rendered with the active lighting style.

    Scene style

    Provides a list of Scene Styles from which you can select. If no scene styles are available, animations are rendered with the current Autodesk Inventor LT background.

    The Current background setting uses the model environment settings for ground shadows and reflections.

    Render Type

    Provides two separate rendering output styles that are applied to the entire animation. The two styles can be blended only as a post process in an image editor.

    Shaded Includes the option for True Reflection. Determines the options available on the Style tab.

    Illustration Provides a set of options on the Style tab for Color and Edge selections. Determines the options available on the Style tab.

    Output tab

    Output file

    File browse window Specifies the required output file for animation rendering. Click the icon to the right of the file browse window to start the Open dialog box where you can browse to and select a file in AVI or WMV format. If you do not specify a file, and try to render, the file selection dialog box is displayed.

    NoteIf you specify WMV as the output file type, use the Custome value for Network Bandwidth in the ASF Export Properties. Specify a minimum value of 700 for the output.

    Time Range

    Entire Animation Specifies the start and end times for the entire animation. Choose from most recently used values, click the arrow on the input box and select from the menu. You can adjust any value in the input box.

    Specified Time Range Specifies the start and end times for a segment of the animation. Start time must be less than or equal to end time. Choose from most recently used values, click the arrow on the input box and select from the menu. You can adjust any value in the input box.

    Reverse When selected, the animation records in reverse, from the end time to the start time. The time edit controls display the appropriate reversal.

    Anti-aliasing

    Specifies no anti-aliasing.

    Specifies low anti-aliasing.

    Specifies high anti-aliasing.

    Format

    Video Format Specifies the video format.

    Image Sequence Format Specifies the image sequence format.

    Preview: No Render

    When selected, renders a preview animation using model scene elements such as lighting, shadows, and reflection.

    Frame Rate

    Specifies a value for frames per second. You select the value from the list.

    Launch Player

    When selected, starts the player for video format only.

    Style tab - Shaded

    True Reflection

    When selected, reflects objects in the scene. When not selected, the image map specified in Appearances or Scene Styles is used and rendering takes less time.

    Style tab - Illustration

    Color Fill

    Source

    • No Color Removes all color and presents the rendering as lines only.

      Appearancee Renders the image with the assigned material appearance color. It is the default.

      Specify When selected, displays a single color you select for the part model. Overrides the default color.

     

    Levels Represents color levels with a slider. The default is 2. Not available if no source is selected.

    Show Shiny Highlights When selected, shows a highlight with a specular value of 50%. Not available if no color is selected

    Edges

    • Show Outline Edges When selected, shows the outside edges of the component.

      Show Outline Edges When selected, shows the outside edges of the part.

      Show Interior Edges When selected, shows the edges inside the outline of the part.

      Thickness Controls thickness with the slider or edit box. Range is 1.0 to 5.0 and the default is 1.0. Available only if Show Outline Edges or Show Interior Edges is selected.

      Color Specifies the color of both the outline and interior edges.

    Rendering Tutorial

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