CompuServe Thread

>> The procedure sounds much like Lightwave and other standard 3-D packages. << Yes, this is standard functionality for any 3-D software. >> Can I set my objects out on the "stage" and grab and stretch points there, or do I have to make the shapes in an editor << Editing object points can only be done in the modeller, called "Detail editor" in Imagine-speak. However, that does not mean you have to edit an object out of context. You can load as many objects as you like inside the Detail editor, giving you a sense of context when editing certain objects; you can then save multiple versions of those, to be used in the animation by loading them into the Stage or Action editors. Imagine's hierarchical capabilities also allow you to build complex objects from individual parts. For example, you could create the left half of a revolver, and turn it sideways, to create a shell or cradle into which the inside components of the firearm would be visible. Then, create individual objects representing each part. You can then group any dependent (children) objects to their parent. (Children can have children, and so on) For example, all parts would be grouped to the left half; this way, whenever the left half moved, all parts would follow and the whole group would move as one. The children, however, would still be free to move and rotate on their own. For example, the trigger could rotate at the same time as the entire gun moved. When the trigger has rotated enough, the, ummm… "thingie" <grin> could then strike the bullet, which could then shoot down the barrel and out the revolver at high speed. All these parts would be placed, rotated, and moved in context; each arrangement would constitute what Imagine calls a "State", essentially a pose. You could name the states as follows: Begin The revolver in its initial state. Trigger-pulled When the trigger has been pulled. Thingie-hits-bullet When the thingie hits the bullet. End The bullet has travelled, say, 20 feet. When you saved the entire revolver "group", all states would be saved along with it. You would then load the group at frames 1 for 30 frames in state "begin", then load the same group at frame 31 for 15 frames, morphing over those 15 frames to state "trigger-pulled", and so on. P.S. One function which Imagine offers is called "Snapshot". It allows you to save an object as it appears in any Stage frame; this snapshotted (?) object can be loaded into Detail and serve as a guide if you need to create/edit another object so that it fits/abutts/etc. precisely against the snapshotted object. For example, taking a snapshot of the revolver at frame 40 would show the trigger pulled 2/3 of the way, something which you haven't modelled directly. I have no idea whather Snapshot is something you night need, but I thought I'd mention it. Blaq!