HELPCompose > Scene Assets > User Object > 3D Object
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3D Object


A 3D object looks just like a generic object in the Scene Asset Bin. But when you drop it on Compose stage you will notice the difference. Unlike a generic object, you see a distinctive turning cube at the center of 3D object's bounding box (see sample screen below). As you grab the cube it will stop turning. You can then turn the cube around in a pseudo 3D manipulation to get an angle (or instance) you want for your object. A 3D object can contain 8 instances of a scene element. Each instance can be defined independently or collaboratively with other instances to serve for composition or narrative purposes. For example, you can fit these instances with 8 angles of a same object to create a 3 dimensional presence of an object. You can also use the instances to build an interchangeable narration by fitting them with 8 different story outcomes. There are many possibilities to use of 3D object.

 



3D Object How To

Here is a guide for you to create your own 3D objects:


1.
You have to use a Flash capable application to prepare your 3D object and publish it in SWF file format.


2.
Set the dimension of your object to 166px (width) by 162px (height). You may, however, use any other size or aspect ratio for your objects. But to minimize distortion of your bounding box and for optimum on-stage maneuverability, we recommend to stay close to (or in proportion to) the dimension above.


3.
Now go to your "user" scene asset directory (C:\Comixware Assets\user\scene\bin1) and find a sample 3D object source file named "sc3d_object.fla". This sample file is come with your Comixware package. Open it with your choice of Flash application, see how it constructed and use it as template to create your own 3D object.


4.
In the sample "sc3d_object.fla", the artworks are comprised of 8 static angles of a same object in equal frame length (10 frames each) by vector graphic. Your artwork doesn't have to be like that at all. Replace the artwork in the sample fla with your own artwork. Make sure you place your artwork within the confine of your document. You can make each instance of your artwork a still picture or an animation of the same or different frame lengths or even subject matters. The artwork can be originated from Flash or imported of other formats supported by Flash. The only thing to observe is to divide your timeline into 8 blocks (not necessary equally) and name the first frame (Keyframe) of each block by a number from 1 to 8 (as shown in the sample).


5. IMPORTANT: Save and publish your Flash movie with a "sc3d_" prefix in its name. For example you wanted to call your movie "godzilla.swf". In order for Comixware to recognize it as a 3D object, you should name it "sc3d_godzilla.swf" instead.
Make sure there is NO SPACE or illegal character (\ / : * & . " ? < > |) in your file name. Also your SWF should not be compressed.


6.
Now place your 3D SWF file in any of "scene" bin folders under "user" directory (C:\Comixware Assets\user\scene\). Launch Comixware and drop your 3D object onto Compose stage. Voila, you'd see a turning 3D cube at the center of its bounding box ready for action.


7.
CAUTION: Depending on your system, objects contain heavy graphics and/or of large file size could impair your Comixware performance.




 

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