Difference between revisions of "Doc:How Do I"

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(Answering Karlb)
(darco explained how to link layer shapes. Yay!)
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== Fill an outline? == (Requested by [[User:Karlb|Karlb]])
 
== Fill an outline? == (Requested by [[User:Karlb|Karlb]])
  
We hope there'll be an easy answer to this as Synfig is revised! There are a couple solutions on the [[Wish List]]. As for now:
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There are several options:
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* The easiest way is to link a new region layer to the outline's shape.
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*# Create the [[Outline Layer|outline]] you want to fill.
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*# From the [[Layer Menu]] (either context-click on the [[Layers Dialog]] or use the [[Canvas Menu Caret]]) create a new [[Region Layer]]
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*# Make '''sure''' that the [[Region Layer]] is above the [[Outline Layer]] in the [[Layers Dialog]] - this affects which layer's shape remains after the link.
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*# Select both layers in the [[Layers Dialog]] This will display only the parameters shared by both layers in the [[Params Dialog]].
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*# Context-click on the [[Vertices Parameter]], and select [[Linking|Link]].
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*# The [[Region Layer]] will snap to the shape of the [[Outline Layer]].
 
* When you create an [[Outline Layer|outline]] with the [[bline tool]] that you intend to be a filled area as well, make sure you select the Fill checkbox in the [[bline tool#Options|tool options dialog]]. Obviously, this doesn't help much if you realise later that you needed a fill here.
 
* When you create an [[Outline Layer|outline]] with the [[bline tool]] that you intend to be a filled area as well, make sure you select the Fill checkbox in the [[bline tool#Options|tool options dialog]]. Obviously, this doesn't help much if you realise later that you needed a fill here.
 
* If you are using the [[draw tool]], there is a button at the bottom of the [[draw tool#Options|tool options dialog]] labeled "Fill Last Stroke", which creates a new [[Region Layer]] and links its shape to the previously drawn outline. Unfortunately, it doesn't work as of Synfig Studio v0.61.04
 
* If you are using the [[draw tool]], there is a button at the bottom of the [[draw tool#Options|tool options dialog]] labeled "Fill Last Stroke", which creates a new [[Region Layer]] and links its shape to the previously drawn outline. Unfortunately, it doesn't work as of Synfig Studio v0.61.04
* There appear to be mechanisms in place for linking the shape of a new layer to that of another layer, by selecting the list of vertices, and using the context menu to reference them to the first layer. The interface for this is not complete yet either.
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* Create a [[Region Layer|region]] with the same number of ducks, and manually link each duck. If you want a region that depends on multiple outline layers, this is really your only choice for now.
* Create a [[Region Layer|region]] with the same number of ducks, and manually link each duck. This is possible in the current version, but takes forever.
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So in short, hang in there! Looks like there should be a few easy ways to fill an outline in upcoming releases. For now it's possible, just rather difficult.
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Revision as of 09:15, 17 January 2006

Languages Language: 

English • español • français


Apply a gradient to an object instead of the entire canvas?

  1. Create the region you want to fill with a gradient, and the gradient layer, if you haven't already.
  2. Make sure that the gradient layer is above the region layer in the Layers Dialog.
  3. Select both layers, right click, and select Encapsulate.
  4. Expand the new Inline Canvas layer if it's not already, and select your gradient layer.
  5. In the Params Dialog select the Blend Method parameter, and choose Onto from the drop-down menu.

The gradient will clip to the visible area of the region below it inside the Inline Canvas. (and any other layers in that section).

Show or hide a layer, or fade the effect of a blur?

In the Params Dialog, look for an option labeled Amount - this controls how much of the blended result of the layer is composited with the blend of the layers beneath it.

In other words, for a typical layer, this will 'fade it out'. For a Blur Layer set to "Straight", this will fade between the blurred version and the unblurred version of the canvas. If you want it to become less blurry, adjust the Blur Layer's 'size' parameter.

== Fill an outline? == (Requested by Karlb)

There are several options:

  • The easiest way is to link a new region layer to the outline's shape.
    1. Create the outline you want to fill.
    2. From the Layer Menu (either context-click on the Layers Dialog or use the Canvas Menu Caret) create a new Region Layer
    3. Make sure that the Region Layer is above the Outline Layer in the Layers Dialog - this affects which layer's shape remains after the link.
    4. Select both layers in the Layers Dialog This will display only the parameters shared by both layers in the Params Dialog.
    5. Context-click on the Vertices Parameter, and select Link.
    6. The Region Layer will snap to the shape of the Outline Layer.
  • When you create an outline with the bline tool that you intend to be a filled area as well, make sure you select the Fill checkbox in the tool options dialog. Obviously, this doesn't help much if you realise later that you needed a fill here.
  • If you are using the draw tool, there is a button at the bottom of the tool options dialog labeled "Fill Last Stroke", which creates a new Region Layer and links its shape to the previously drawn outline. Unfortunately, it doesn't work as of Synfig Studio v0.61.04
  • Create a region with the same number of ducks, and manually link each duck. If you want a region that depends on multiple outline layers, this is really your only choice for now.


Languages Language: 

English • español • français