SWfX feature wish list

[RBlank_Wildform]

Hey everyone:

I saw a couple of posts on requests for features for us to include in future versions of SWfX. I thought It would be best for everyone for me to centralize the discussion in one thread.

So, please post your ideas here. We'll reply as possible.

Thanks,

r

[gerbick]

apply multiple effects
view/alter the frames length/timing
view the file size from within the program
specify color of certain effects - like change the star colors, what not...
input multiple strings of text
have an easier path for file inclusion within Flash
import other *.swf's
create an effect matrix (okay, this one is weird... imagine being able to not only apply multiple effects during different time frames, but also adjust the time frame, the objects [object oriented timeline, like AfterEffects/LiveMotion], and change certain portions of effects, camera, opacity, velocity, amount of effect, transition, what not... like I said, weird one - I got it all worked out in my head though!)
and
customize the UI - aw c'mon, now that would be cool.

there... said it...

[RBlank_Wildform]

Hey all, I am reposting this reply to Gerbick, originally posted in a separate thread.

apply multiple effects

we are working on ways to do this. However, while you can not yet apply multiple effects using SWfX, as joscha said, you can customize an effect to appear exactly as you want it and then use it as many times as you like. This is much easier now that we have released the .FLAs for all 100 effects.

view/alter the frames length/timing

Basic controls for this are already in there: you can customize the SWF fps, and the length of the frame delay between the beginning of each character animation.
We are currently exploring ways to expand the functionality in this area.

view the file size from within the program

good idea

specify color of certain effects

Yes. This is something we definitely want to add for the next version. Until then, you can adjust the colors of those elements by creating your own effects. Again, this is much easier now that you can get all 100 .FLAs.

input multiple strings of text

This is interesting and something we are looking into.

have an easier path for file inclusion within Flash

Not sure what you mean.....

import other *.swf's

Currently you can import SWFs, but only as effects, not as objects to animate. You can expect to see this feature implemented at some point.

customize the UI

A skinnable SWfX 2 is possible.

Thanks!

r
[/B][/QUOTE]

[gerbick]

okay, hate to be a pain...

just wanted to add my 2cents where it would be seen. what I mean about the file inclusion was misworded. It may have read as for a quicker way to include the WildSWfX generated *.swf's, but instead, I meant for the WildSWfX recently released *.fla's. The files have text that has already been made into symbols, not editable text.

more ideas:
some low level scripting (just stop, goto frame, what have you, not true actionscripting)
shorten the load time - hey, I got p3-650, 512mb of RAM, still takes a while to load the 115 effects
a gauge to how many frames an effect lasts...

um... okay, all for now. Keep up the good work... I like the proggy.

[RBlank_Wildform]

Originally posted by gerbick
[B]I meant for the WildSWfX recently released *.fla's. The files have text that has already been made into symbols, not editable text.[B]

Gerbick:

I don't quite understand your question here. The .FLA files we posted can be used to create your own effects. It contains a "letter" movie, containing an edit-text field, and a "letter[n]" movie which contains the actual animation.

I haven't tried opening these .FLAs in the Flash 5 creation tool, however, and that might be the problem.

some low level scripting (just stop, goto frame, what have you, not true actionscripting)

This is a good idea.

shorten the load time - hey, I got p3-650, 512mb of RAM, still takes a while to load the 115 effects
a gauge to how many frames an effect lasts...

We want to shorten the load time. SWfX takes time to load because it loads all the effects in your effects directory. So, until we make this faster, you can shorten the load time, by moving the .wfx files you don't use from the "effects" directory to a separate directory. Be sure to save them, because you might want them later. Just drop them back in the "effects" folder when you do.

a gauge to how many frames an effect lasts...

Good idea.

Thanks!

r

[zankye1]

What about a Timeline and Scenes Like Flash ans Swish?
Thanks

[RBlank_Wildform]

Originally posted by zankye1
What about a Timeline and Scenes Like Flash ans Swish?
Thanks

This is a good suggestion. We are looking into various options for object control over time, and you will see a timeline or some other sort of time mapping mechanism in future versions.

Of course, right now, you can use SWfX with Flash. Use all the superb creation functions of Flash, and then use SWfX to apply the animation to all your text.

Thanks!

r

[gerbick]

okay, all concerning fonts...

how about:
mixing fonts - highlight one part of a sentence/phrase, assign different fonts
mixing colors - highlight one part of a sentence/phrase, assign different colors
morph from one font to another (action/effect perhaps?)
opacity control
um...

that is all I can think of right now...