Effect3D User Manual · ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Create 3D Animation with Effect3D .....5 Features.....5

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About Effect3D LIMITED USE LICENSE AGREEMENT

By receiving and/or using Reallusion Inc. software, you accepted the Limited use license agreement, which was displayed during the installation process and is visible in the help file. This agreement is a binding legal agreement between Reallusion Inc. and the purchasers, users or evaluators of Reallusion Inc.’s software and products. If you do not intend to honor this agreement, remove all installed Reallusion Inc. software from your computer now.

All the titles, ownership of the software, and the enclosed related documentation remain the exclusive property of Reallusion Inc.

You may copy or reproduce the software or documentation for backup purpose only. The Reallusion.com copyright notice must be included in the backup files.

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California. Should you have any questions concerning this Agreement, you may contact Reallusion.com at the address below:

Reallusion.com 1630 Oakland Rd., Suite A-211 San Jose, CA 95131 Voice: 408.350.1693 Fax: 408.350.1690 http://www.reallusion.com e-mail: [email protected]

Copyright 2001, 2000

http://www.reallusion.com/

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Create 3D Animation with Effect3D ........................................ 5

Features ..........................................................................................5 Applications ....................................................................................6

System requirements ............................................................... 6 Hardware ........................................................................................6 OS....................................................................................................6

Installing Effect3D .................................................................... 6 Getting Started........................................................................ 11 The Effect3D Interface............................................................ 22 Control Panel .......................................................................... 25 Overview of the Open Project Window ................................ 27 New .......................................................................................... 28 User Project ............................................................................ 28 Sample Projects...................................................................... 29

Overview of the Sample Project Select Window ...........................29 Opening a Sample Project ............................................................30

Overview of the Select Object Window................................ 31 Loading an Object by Category ............................................ 31

Overview of the Category Display Window ..................................32 How to Load an Object by Category.............................................33

Importing a 3DS Model........................................................... 34 Overview of the Special Effect Wizard ................................. 36 How to Apply a Select Effect ................................................. 37 The Adjust Effect Parameters Window ................................ 41 The Parameter Options .......................................................... 43

Real Artistic Style Parameter Options ..........................................43 Charcoal Artistic Style Parameter Options ..................................43 Ink Print Artistic Style Parameter Options ...................................44 Thermal Artistic Style Parameter Options ....................................45 Water Color Artistic Style Parameter Options..............................46 Cute Cartoon Artistic Style Parameter Options............................46 Pure Cartoon Artistic Style Parameter Options............................47 Cool Cartoon Artistic Style Parameter Options............................47 Clay Artistic Style Parameter Options ..........................................48 Sketch Artistic Style Parameter Options:......................................48

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Fountain Pen Artistic Style Parameter Options............................49 Pastel Artistic Style Parameter Options........................................49 Goosebump Artistic Style Parameter Options...............................50 Gold Artistic Style Parameter Options..........................................51 Silver Artistic Style Parameter Options ........................................51 Brass Artistic Style Parameter Options ........................................52 Marble Artistic Style Parameter Options......................................52 Wood Artistic Style Parameter Options ........................................52 Haze Artistic Style Parameter Options .........................................53 Stipple Artistic Style Parameter Options ......................................53 Seurat Artistic Style Parameter Options .......................................54 Dry Brush Artistic Style Parameter Options.................................54

Overview of the Select Background Window ...................... 55 Overview of the Sample Background Select Window....................57

Applying a Sample Background ........................................... 58 How to Load a Background................................................... 58 Background Color .................................................................. 59 Overview of the Adjust Environment Parameters Window 60

Commands and Functions.............................................................60 Brightness and Contrast................................................................61 Hue, Saturation and Value............................................................62 Glow..............................................................................................63 Anti-aliasing..................................................................................64 Light ..............................................................................................65 Applying a Shadow........................................................................66 Shadow Environment Effect Screen Options.................................67 Real Shadow Option......................................................................67 Drop Shadow Option ....................................................................69

Overview of the Select Animation Window.......................... 72 Standard Animation ............................................................... 75

Overview of the Standard Animation Select Window....................75 Applying a Standard Animation Sequence ....................................77

Custom Animation.................................................................. 77 Applying a Custom Animation Sequence ......................................77 List of Models with Custom Animation .........................................78

Overview of the Export Window ........................................... 80 Exporting as animation.......................................................... 81 Exporting as an image ........................................................... 82

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Exporting as a BMP Sequence.............................................. 83 Saving a Project...................................................................... 84 Installing Model Packs ........................................................... 85 List of Hotkeys and Shortcuts............................................... 87 Hints & Tips............................................................................. 89

Understanding HSV & B/C environmental effects ........................89 Fine-tuning metal effects for a more realistic look .......................91 Changing an image from color to black & white ..........................91 Subtle Colors using combinations of effects .................................92 Positional Lighting effects ............................................................93 Hotkey and shortcuts.....................................................................93 Copy and paste still images between applications........................93 Save and Re-use your creativity with projects ..............................93 File size optimization ....................................................................94 Make perfect transparency effects ................................................94 Control animation playback speed................................................94 Expanding your 3D-Magic archive...............................................95 Dynamic mouse roll-over effect for HTML ...................................95 Import models from 3DS ...............................................................96 3ds import flexibility .....................................................................96 Sample Reference..........................................................................97 Online Tutorials ............................................................................97

Chapter 1 AAbboouutt EEffffeecctt33DD

Create 3D Animation with Effect3D Effect3D is a powerful editing tool that let’s you create professional looking 3D models, dynamic animations, and use a wide range of 3D effects. Effect3D’s Power Wizard does the work for you, so whether you’re a novice or a Webmaster, you’ll be producing stunning professional quality artwork in minutes. You can import your own 3D models or choose from over 500 models in the 3D-Magic archive. The models are cleverly categorized for easy browsing, and a variety of special effects and vivid animation let customize models with ease.

With more than 20 different 3D effects and textures to choose from you can get away from the ordinary or drab, and give your 3D images that surreal look. Have fun with a marble texture or a metallic gold finish, or maybe it’s a watercolor or pastel look that you want. You’ll find that a little imagination and Effect3D go a long way

With over 50 behavioral animations at your disposal, you’ll have a ton of fun bringing your Web to life! And the SmartWizard will walk you through the easy-to-follow process of applying the animations you want; walking, dancing, and jumping to name a few.

Features • 3D-Magic archive: Effect3D includes an archive of over 500

3D models to give you ample choice. • Artistic Effects: Effect3D’s editor provides 22 customizable

artistic effects to bring your images to life. • BioMorph Animation: Transforms 3D models into fully

animated 3D graphics. • Animated E-mail: Effect3D wraps the image file that you

create so you can send e-mail attachments to your friends.

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Applications The following lists only a few possible applications for Effect3D

• Presentations: Add animated 3D graphics to your presentation • Web Animation: Add animated 3D graphics to your website • E-mail animation: Add animated 3D graphics to your e-mail

messages

System requirements System requirements to create Effect3D files are as follows:

Hardware • Pentium II 233 MHz or higher processor • 32 MB RAM or higher • 50 MB disc space • 16-bit or higher video display • CD-ROM drive

OS • Windows 2000/98/NT 4.0

Installing Effect3D Follow these instructions to install the Effect3D program:

1. Insert the Effect3D CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive. The InstallShield Wizard Setup Program starts extracting files:

Note: If the Installation wizard does not start automatically or if you are installing from a downloaded version click Start, Run. Click Browse, locate the “Effect3dInstall.exe” file on your system, and then click OK.

2. Click OK to start the InstallShield Wizard. 3. After the files have been extracted you will see the following

screen:

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4. Click Next, to begin installing the Effect3D program. The following screen will appear:

5. Read the License Agreement and click Yes if you accept all the

terms of the agreement, if you choose No the setup will close. The following screen will appear:

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6. Input the serial number in the Serial box, and click Next. If you are using the trial version type “Trial Version” in the Serial box. The following screen will appear:

7. Click Next, to choose the default destination folder; alternatively, you can click Browse to select a different folder, and then click Next. The following screen will appear:

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8. Click Next to choose the default program folder; alternatively, you can type in the name of a different folder or select one from the Existing Folders list, then click Next. Setup then copies files to the disk:

9. After Setup completes copying files to your system and finishes updating the register, the following screen will appear:

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10. Click Finish to complete the installation.

Chapter 2 GGeettttiinngg SSttaarrtteedd wwiitthh EEffffeecctt33DD

Getting Started The following example will get you started with the Effect3D program. We take you from starting up a new project all the way through to exporting the finished image(s). This example covers all of the major steps in the creation of an Effect3D image. Expanded treatment of the individual steps is covered in more detail within the following chapters.

1. Click New to begin the project.

New

2. Click Load model by category to choose a model from the

vast 3D object library included with Effect3D, these are conveniently organized by category:

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Load model by category

3. Click the Category select button to bring up the pop-up menu of model categories. There are 22 categories to choose from.

OKObject category

Objects

Category selectDeer

4. In the pop-up category select list click the animal category. 5. Select the deer model by double clicking it, or single click to

highlight the selected model and then Click OK. This will take you to the Select effect window:

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Scroll arrows

Page Number Cute Cartoon

Next

Artistic Style

Move Rotate Scale

6. Use the Scroll arrows to navigate up and down between the different styles effects available.

7. Single clicking any effect style will immediately apply it to the model in the Object editing window. In this example select the cute cartoon style by clicking the Cute Cartoon style icon.

8. Next, click the Scale button. (Hint: Hotkey S) 9. Move the cursor inside the Object editing window. Hold

down the left mouse button and drag the cursor towards the top of the Object editing window, this will increasing the size of the model. To reduce the size of the model drag the cursor downwards.

10. Click the Rotate button. (Hint: Hotkey R)

11. Move the cursor into the Object editing window. Hold down the left mouse button and move the cursor left/right, this will rotate the model along the Longitude axis, moving the cursor up/down will rotate the model along the Latitude axis. Use a combination of Longitude and Latitude to rotate your model to the desired position, and then release the mouse button.

12. Click the Move button. (Hint: Hotkey V)

13. Move the cursor into the Object editing window. Hold down the left mouse button and move the cursor within the object-editing window, this will move the model.

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14. Click Next to move to the Adjust effect parameters window: (Hint: Instead of pressing next you can quickly navigate to your desired window by using Hotkeys, keys 1-8 will take you directly to the corresponding window, also the arrow keys will take you back & forwards one window at a time)

Slider controlSlider

Line selectNext

Toon level

Line width

15. Click the Line width Line select button. The Line width pop-up window will appear:

Second Line width

16. Click the Second line width to apply it to the model, you will notice the lines used to draw the object will become wider.

17. Click the Slider control and, move it all the way to the right to increase the Toon level this will affect the level of detail and to what degree it looks like a cartoon.

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18. Click Next to move to the Select background window:

Sample background

19. Click Sample background to view the sample backgrounds, you can also at this point load a background of your own:

OKG re e n p a tte rn b a c kg ro und

20. Select the green pattern by double clicking it, or single click to highlight and then Click OK. The sample background will be

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applied as the background to the model, and return you to the Select background window.

21. Click Next and go to the Adjust Environment parameters window.

HSV

Saturation

Hue

Reset

Slider control

22. Click HSV, bringing up the Hue, Saturation, and Value parameters. (Hint: Changing these settings can alter an image dramatically and add more reality)

23. Using the Hue slider control, you can see a change in the color tone.

24. Using the Saturation slider control, you can change the brightness of an image.

25. Click the Reset button to undo any changes and return the Hue and Saturation to there default settings

26. Click Shadow.

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27. Click Real Shadow

Real shadow

Opacity

BlurSlider control

Next

28. Drag the Blur slider control slightly to the left, decreasing the Blur. (Hint: Decreasing the Blur gives a harder edge, while increasing softens the edge)

29. Drag the Opacity slider control slightly to the left, decreasing the Opacity. (Hint: Opacity controls how transparent the shadow appears, reduce Opacity for delicate shadows)

30. Click Next to move to the Select animation window:

Standard animation

Apply animation

Preview

Frame rate Rate select Number of frames

Output select

Slider control

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31. Click the output select and the out put select pop-up window will appear:

Standard Size OK

32. Click Standard Size causing the Standard Size pop-up window to appear:

256X256

33. Click OK to apply the new output parameters. 34. Click Preview to see the model in the Preview window (Hint:

Hotkey Space will take you to the Preview window)

Copy Close

35. Click Copy to copy the image to your clipboard. (Hint: You can paste directly from your clipboard into any standard application that supports graphics)

36. To view the image copied to your clipboard, open Microsoft Paint or any other standard graphics tool and paste the image.

37. After returning to the Effect3D Preview screen, click close to return to the Select animation window.

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38. Click Standard animation, opening the Standard animation select window:

Animation Name

OK

Scroll Arrows

Animation Preview

39. Single click the Doing the Twist animation sequence to see a preview of the animation applied to your selected model.

40. Click OK to confirm your choice or double click the selected animation, and return to the Select animation window.

41. Click Apply animation to begin rendering of the animation sequence.

42. Wait for the animation sequence to complete. After the animation sequence has been rendered, the model will be animated. (Hint: To immediately stop an animation sequence or cancel the rendering process press ESC)

43. Drag the Number of frames Slider control slightly to the left speeding up the animation sequence, making it more jerky and reducing the file size. (Hint: A higher number of frames creates a slower animation sequence)

44. Click Apply animation to reload the animation sequence. 45. Click the Rate select button, this opens the Frame rate pull-

down menu:

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46. Select a Frame rate of eight. The new Frame rate will be automatically applied to the animation sequence, this will simply change the speed of the animation playback.

47. Click Adjust effect parameters on the Control panel. 48. In the Adjust effect parameters window, click the Line width

select button. 49. Select the third line width from the top in the Line width pop-

up window. 50. Click Apply animation again to see the changes that you have

made to the model 51. Once you are finally done editing the 3D animation, you are

ready to export. To do this, simply click Export on the control panel. This will bring you to the Export window:

Export as animation

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52. Select Export as animation. This will open the Export window.

53. Enter Dancing deer, in the file name dialogue box. 54. Click the Color Number select button. 55. Select 128 as the new Color Number. (Hint: The number of colors

used effects the size of your output file, to best optimize the file size carefully select the color number that gives you the best results at an acceptable size for your given application)

56. Click save to save your in a GIF file format.

Chapter 3 GGeettttiinngg AAccqquuaaiinntteedd wwiitthh EEffffeecctt33DD

The Effect3D Interface Familiarize yourself with the Effect3D interface. Taking a moment to be acquainted with the Effect3D tools will save you time later, and will help you to create more striking images. Below is a picture of what you will see when Effect3D is opened:

Control panel

Help Minimize Close

Preview Reset camera

Zoom Rotate Move

Previous Next

Apply animation

Output size

Adjust output

Options and Functions:

Opening a project

Description

Control panel The Buttons on the Control panel represent the different stages of the Effect3D wizard. They can be used to move between the various stages at anytime after a New project, User project, or Sample project has been selected.

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Help Opens the Effect3D Help Program.

Minimize Minimizes the Effect3D screen, thus allowing you to do work in other programs.

Close Opens the Close pop-up screen allowing you to close Effect3D.

Preview The Preview screen allows for viewing of the image as it actually appears.

Reset camera Resetting the camera returns the model to the default camera angle. In other words, it undoes any of the changes you may have made with the Zoom, Rotate, or Move tools. This can be done in any of the windows after you have loaded the model.

Zoom The Zoom tool lets you increase or decrease the model relative to the background. To zoom in or out, click Zoom, move the cursor into the Object editing window, and drag the cursor around the window. When you are satisfied with the appearance of the model, release the mouse.

(Hint: Any changes that you make with Zoom, Rotate or Move can easily be undone by clicking the Reset camera tool)

Rotate The Rotate tool lets you rotate the model on a 3D axis. To rotate a model click the Rotate tool icon, move the cursor into the Object editing window, and drag the cursor around the Object editing window. When you are satisfied with the appearance of the model release the mouse.

Move The Move tool lets you change the position of the model in the Object editing window. To change the position of and model click Move, move the cursor into the Object editing window, and drag the cursor around the Object editing window. When you are satisfied with the appearance of the model release the mouse.

Previous Clicking the Previous button takes you to the previous stage in the Effect3D wizard.

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Next Clicking the Next button takes you to the next stage in the Effect3D wizard. (Note: A New, User project, or Sample project must be selected before the next button becomes active)

Apply animation The Apply animation tool starts the animation rendering process and lets you view a selected animation sequence in the Object editing window. (Note: Depending on the complexity of the selected animation sequence and the number of frames selected, the rendering of an animation sequence can take from 1 to 2 minutes to complete)

Output size The Output size icon displays the actual size of the image as it appears in an exported file. To adjust the size of the output click Adjust output.

Adjust output To Adjust the output click, the Output select, and the Output pop-up window will appear. Select the desired output size and it will be applied to the image when you export it.

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Control Panel The control panel lets you move between the various Effect3D windows in a non-linear manner. This means that if you are on the final stage of creating your image, and you want to change something that you did in an earlier stage, you can go straight to it using the control panel.

Export Open project

Adjust environment parameters

Select effect Select object Select animation

Select background Adjust effect parameters

The options are as follows:

Control Panel Description

Open project The first step in any Effect3D project, it is here that you must decide whether you want to open a New project, User’s project or, Sample project.

Select object In the Select object stage, you can choose Load model by category or Load user’s model. Clicking the Load model by category lets you choose from the 3D-Magic archive. Loading a user’s model allows you to import a 3D image of your own.

Select effect The Select effect stage is where the customization of the model really gets underway. In this stage, you can choose from the 22 different Effect3D Artistic styles, ranging from the supercilious to the macabre.

Adjust effect parameter

Adjusting the effect parameters allows you to continue with the customization process that you began in the Select effect stage. With effects ranging from Line-wavy and Line width to Toon level and Vein density The Adjust effect parameters stage provides you with the opportunity to create

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something truly remarkable. (Note: While many of the parameter choices ore common, others are unique to the Artistic style chosen. Some Artistic styles do not offer any parameter choices)

Select background Selecting a background involves selecting a picture or color to act as a backdrop to the 3D model. You can use one of the Sample backgrounds, Load a background, or choose a color as a background.

Adjust environment parameters

Adjusting the environment parameters is the step where you put the finishing touches on the model by manipulating parameters such as creating shadows and changing the lighting of the model.

Select animation Selecting animation allows the user to animate the 3D model. You can choose from the three animation categories: Shape shifting, Bio-morph behavioral animation, and Dynamic lighting.

Export After you have created your Effect3D image, you are ready to Save and Export. When Exporting an object you can choose between Export as animation, Export as image, or Export as a BMP sequence.

Chapter 4 OOppeenniinngg aa PPrroojjeecctt

This is the screen that you see whenever you begin an Effect3D project. Here you choose what kind of project you want to start.

Overview of the Open Project Window Effect3D provides you with the option of opening a New project, a User project, or a Sample project. Your choice depends on what you intend to and how similar it is to either a previous sample or user project.

(Hint: If either one of the Sample projects or one of your own User projects is similar to the project that you are beginning, you can save a lot of time and repetition by using them as a template)

NewUser projectSample project

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New Clicking NEW takes you to the next stage where you can start a new project from scratch. It will take you to the Selecting an object stage. (Hint: New can be selected when a project is unique. If the project is similar to a previous project, save yourself a lot of time and simply load a similar User project or Sample project)

User Project User projects act like templates. Every time you create a new Effect3D project, you are also creating a new template. When beginning a new project that is similar to a previous one, you can import the previous project and make the necessary changes without starting all over again. Selecting User Projects opens previous projects into the Effect3D wizard allowing you to make changes to them. (Hint: This is a great timesaving way to create new animated models without having to redo a lot of work that you’ve already done in another project)

Follow the instructions to import a user file:

1. Click User project. 2. The pop-up Open window will appear:

3. Select the folder in which the model is located in the Look in dialogue box.

4. Enter the file name in the File name dialogue box. 5. Select the type of file in the File of type dialogue box. 6. Effect3D will import the file into the object-editing window.

(Note: The User project must be a previous Effect3D project. It can come from any other source. If you wish to import an model from another source then you should select NEW and then Load user’s model)

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Sample Projects Effect3D provides 16 sample projects. You can use these sample projects simply for inspiration, or if they are similar to a project that you are considering creating on your own, they also can be used as Templates.

Overview of the Sample Project Select Window

Display window

CloseOK

Samples

Green highlight

Functions and options:

Function Description

Display window The Display window appears when you click Sample project.

Close Closes the Sample project display window and takes you back to the Open project window.

OK Confirms and loads your sample project selection.

Samples Displays the sample choices. Select one by clicking it.

Green highlight After clicking on the desired model, a green highlight will encircle it.

Scroll arrows The scroll arrows let you scroll between the pages of the current model category.

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Opening a Sample Project 1. Click Sample project and the Sample project display widow

will appear: 2. Click the sample that you want to load. 3. Click OK to confirm the choice of the sample project 4. To customize the Sample project, use the Control panel to

navigate to the Effect3D wizard. 5. If you have made any changes to the sample project, you can

save it. (Hint: You can keep anything that is suitable to your project and change anything that isn’t. Don’t forget if you save it, you have just made a new template that may come in handy for another project in the future) (Note: If you change your mind and don’t want to use any of the sample projects you can click Close to close the Sample project display window and return to the Open project window)

Chapter 5 SSeelleeccttiinngg aann OObbjjeecctt

Models can be selected from either the 3D-Magic archive, where you can choose from over 500 3D Models organized into 22 common categories, or you can load one of your own 3DS models into the Effect3D wizard.

Overview of the Select Object Window

Loadmodel by category Load users’ model

Loading an Object by Category Loading a model by category allows you to choose from the 500 models in Effect3D’s 3D-Magic Archive. You can use the Magic Archive to search for a specific image, or you can just browse through it looking for inspiration and ideas. The 500 models are organized into 22 common categories. Follow the instructions to load a 3D-Magic archive model: (Hint: Your Model Archive is expandable by visiting the Effect3D web site and downloading the FREE model packs, each Model Pack contains 234 3D Models)

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Overview of the Category Display Window

Display window

CloseOKObject category

Object description

Objects

Category select

Scroll arrowsPage number

Green highlight

Overview of Options and Functions:


Display window Appears when you click Load object by category.

Object category Lets you know which category of models you are currently looking at.

Category select Clicking this brings up the Category pop-up menu. Selecting a category will cause the models of that category type to appear in the Objects display window.

Objects Displays the model choice for the current object category. Use the scroll arrows to view other model choices for the current category.

Object description The model description provides a brief description of the green highlighted model.

Close Closes Object display window and takes you back to the Select object window.

OK Confirms your model selection and imports the model into the Object editing window.

Green highlight After clicking on the desired model, a green highlight will encircle it.

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Page number The page number display lets you know two things. It tells you how many pages of models there are under the current model category, and it tells you which page you are now viewing.


How to Load an Object by Category 1. Click Load model by category. 2. Click the category select button: 3. The category pop-up menu will appear:

4. Select a category and the models of that category type will appear in the object Display window.

5. Use the scroll arrows to scroll between the pages of models. 6. After locating the desired model, click to select it. The selected

model will be green highlighted. 7. Click OK to confirm the selection and go to the Select Effect

window.

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Importing a 3DS Model The following steps demonstrate the loading of a 3DS model or User defined model: (Hint: This option is great for creating images that have a personal significance to you or the person you are creating it for) (Note: Imported models are restricted to those of a 3DS format)

1. From the main control panel click New, then click Load user’s model.

2. The following screen will appear:

3. Select the directory and file in which the model is located. 4. Click open and the 3ds options window will open.

5. By default the Use Effect3D default setting is selected and

Effect3D does not import lighting and material settings. By disabling either the light or material settings you can selectively keep the original lighting and material settings for an imported 3ds model. Note: Normally when importing 3ds models into Effect3D, we do not import the lighting properties or material properties and we apply a yellowish tone. The reason for this is using the original lighting properties may cause the model to appear too light or too dark, and importing a model with its material properties (often pure white with specula zero) limits the way you are able to adjust the color or glossiness of the model. For instance, we apply a yellowish tone during import because black and white does not respond to color

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adjustment, by applying the yellowish tone as the initial color it is easy to change the objects' color via HSV adjustment. Note: With a black or white model it is not possible to adjust color via HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value).

6. Once your selection has been made click OK to import the model into the Effect3D object editing window.

7. Continue to the next stage in the same way as you would for any model to begin editing the model in the Effect3D wizard. (Note: Effect3D doesn’t display the texture from 3DS models but it does reflect the original material settings found within 3DS models)

Chapter 6 AAppppllyyiinngg aa SSppeecciiaall EEffffeecctt

Applying a special effect allows you to render a model in one of the many Artistic styles provided. These styles offer a large number of artistic impressions that enable you to add mood, emotion, and feel to your model. The following steps demonstrate how to apply the Effect3D artistic styles to models:

Overview of the Special Effect Wizard

Style descriptionScroll arrows

Page numberGreen highlight

Artistic Styles

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Overview of the Style Effect Wizard Window:


Page number The page number display lets you know two things. It tells you how many pages of Artistic styles there are and it tells you which page you are now viewing.


Artistic styles Displays the Artistic style choice for the current artistic style page.

Green highlight After clicking the desired Artistic style, a green highlight will encircle it.

Style description The Artistic style description provides a brief description of the Artistic style.

How to Apply a Select Effect The following steps provide a detailed description of how to apply an Artistic style to your model.

1. Click Select effect on the Control panel. This will open the Select effect wizard.

2. Use the scroll arrows to scroll between the Artistic style pages.

3. After locating the desired Artistic style, click it. Selecting it will cause a green highlight to surround it.

4. The selected artistic style will automatically be applied to the model in the Object editing window.

5. After you have located and applied the desired Artistic style, you are ready to continue to the Effect parameters window. (Hint: If the selected style doesn’t have the desired result, select another style and it will be applied to the model. This process can be repeated until the desired artistic style is found) (Hint: In the Style effect wizard the Reset camera, Zoom, Rotate, Move, and output functions are activated. This means that you can change the camera view and view it in the Preview window) (Note: For detailed information on the Artistic styles sees Adjust effect parameters)

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The options and functions:

Artistic Style Options:

Description

Real The default style, and as its name suggests, a model rendered in this style is “realistic”. If you wish to keep the original appearance of the model, then you should leave the Artistic style set at Real. The real style does not provide for any customization in the Effect parameters window.

Charcoal This effect has many of the attributes of the Sketch style, but incorporates more shading and thicker lines. You can customize the Charcoal Artistic Style in the Effect parameters window.

Ink print Using this style, you can give any model a classic print feel. You can customize the Ink print Style in the Effect parameters window.

Thermal Converts an image into “warm” and “cool” colors. It is an excellent way to convey mood with your image. You can customize the Thermal Style in the Effect parameters window.

Watercolor Giving the model the appearance of being painted using watercolors, this style can give your model a childish innocence. It is works well with all kinds of models. You can customize the Watercolor Style in the Effect parameters window.

Cute cartoon Gives the model a cute cartoonish appearance, and is very suitable for projects targeting children. You can customize the Cute cartoon Style in the Effect parameters window.

Pure cartoon Similar to the other two cartoon styles, the Bright cartoon style gives your model a cartoon like appearance. It offers slightly different parameters in the Effect parameters window.

Cool cartoon Offers a variation on the Cute Cartoon and Bright cartoon styles. It renders the model in bright cartoon colors. You might want to play around with the three

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cartoon styles in order to decide which one best suit your needs. You can customize the Cartoon colors style in the Effect parameters window.

Clay This effect turns the image into a 3D-clay statue. The Clay style does not provide for any customization in the Effect parameter wizard.

Sketch If you want to create a 3D model that embodies a classic simplicity, this style renders the model into a black and white sketch of fine lines. You can customize the Sketch Artistic Style in the Effect parameters window.

Fountain pen Gives your drawing the appearance of a spontaneous doodle. You have the choice of customizing the Fountain pen Style in the Effect parameters window.

Pastel This style allows you to give the model a delicate and simplistic look. You can customize the Pastel Style in the Effect parameters wizard window.

Goosebump As its name implies, gives the model the appearance of being covered in small bumps. You can customize the Goosebump Style in the Effect parameters window.

Gold Lifelike golden figures are a click away with the Gold style. You can customize the Gold Style in the Effect parameters window.

Silver This effect conveys a metallic shine and a cool steeliness, and can be applied in many ways. You can customize the Silver Style in the Effect parameters window.

Brass Give you the classic style and dignity associated with brass. You can customize the Brass Style in the Effect parameters window.

Marble Gives the model a Romanesque or Grecian quality that can be useful for giving the model the suggestion of antiquity. You can customize the Marble Style in the Effect parameters window.

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Wood The Wood style will give you a detailed wooden carving complete with the grain of the wood. You can customize the Wood Style in the Effect parameters window.

Haze The Haze effect blurs the edges of the model causing it to lose definition by softening its edges. Useful for creating an aged or weathered look. You can customize the Haze Style in the Effect parameters window.

Stipple The net result of this effect is a model that appears to have been roughly chipped out of a hard stone like material. You can customize the Stipple Style in the Effect parameters wizard window.

Seurat This style applies a rough-hewn look to the model, allowing you to give your 3D model an elemental appearance of coarse simplicity. You can customize the Seurat style in the Effect parameters window.

Dry brush Gives the model a ragged appearance by converting the lines that make up the drawing into a series of brush strokes. It is good for those models where you may not want clear line definition. This style is particularly suitable for animals and models that have a lot of hair as it can give them a more realistic appearance. You can customize the Dry Brush Style in the Effect parameters window.

This completes the artistic style process. Click Next to move to the next stage.

Chapter 7 AAddjjuussttiinngg tthhee EEffffeecctt PPaarraammeetteerrss

The Adjust effect parameters stage allows you to customize the artistic style chosen in the Object effects window. The options vary depending which special effect was chosen. Some artistic styles offer no parameter adjustment choices. Learn the generic commands, and functions available in the Adjust effect parameters window to better manipulate the effect parameters to you liking. Many Artistic Styles also have specific parameter effects which are only available for that particular style, you should learn these too giving you complete control over your chosen style.

The Adjust Effect Parameters Window

Slide bar

Artistic Style

Parameter Choice

Reset buttonSelection displayCheck boxSelect button

Slide bar control

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Overview of functions and commands:


Slider control Move this to manipulate the slider.

Parameter choice Displays the parameter choices for the selected Artistic style.

Artistic Style Displays the Artistic style that you selected in the Object effects window.

Slider Lets you increase or decrease the selected parameter effect.

Select button The Select button has several functions depending on which Artistic style and parameter it refers to. It can be used for Bump image, Line color, Line width, Line density, Ink color, Warm color, Cool color, and Stroke color parameters. (Hint: When the artistic style has a Model color, you must first uncheck the Check box to activate the Select button)

Check box Clicking the check box activates or deactivates the default parameter. (Hint: To customize the default parameter you must first deactivate the Check box)

Selection display The Selection display box displays the parameter option that is currently affecting the model. Varies depending on which parameter it is displaying.

Reset button The Reset button undoes any changes that you have made to the parameters and returns the model to the default parameters.

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The Parameter Options (Note: Don’t forget, if any adjustments that you make is not what you are looking for you can click the Reset to restore the model to its default parameters)

(Hint: If any Artistic style that you chose in the Object effect window has a Model color parameter then you must first deactivate it by clicking on the Check box to alter color parameters)

Real Artistic Style Parameter Options

Parameters Description

Diffuse This adjusts the overall shininess of the model. Increasing diffuse has the effect of increasing the light intensity on matt finished materials, giving the model a brighter look.

Specula This adjusts the intensity of the reflected light on gloss finish materials on the model. No changes are noticeable if the material used is matt; many models have a combination of gloss and matt finish materials.

Glossiness This adjusts the focus of reflected light on gloss finish materials. Decreasing glossiness gives a softer edge to the reflected light.

Absolute Glossiness

The absolute glossiness parameter will set all materials (matt or gloss) to a default value. This gives you to ability to freely alter the glossiness of the whole object to offer more or less gloss.

Charcoal Artistic Style Parameter Options


Stroke density

You can use the Stroke density parameter to adjust the density of the strokes that comprise the model. Adjusting the density changes the visual impression that the model creates. Play around with it until you find the effect you’re looking for. Use the slider control button to adjust the Stroke width.

Line width You can use the Line width parameter to adjust the width of h li h i h d l Th li h f d

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the lines that comprise the model. The lines are the frame and comprise the structure of the model. Adjusting the line width changes the visual impression that the model creates. Play around with it until you find the effect you’re looking for. To adjust the Line width parameters click the Select button causing a pop-up Line width window to appear.

Ink Color You can use the Ink color parameter to adjust the color of the model. Adjusting the ink color changes the visual impression that the model creates. Play around with it until you find the effect you are looking for. To adjust the Ink color parameter, click the Select button causing a pop-up color palette to appear.

Ink Print Artistic Style Parameter Options


Line width You can use the Line width parameter to adjust the width of the lines that comprise the model. The lines are the frame and comprise the structure of the model. Adjusting the line width changes the visual impression that the model creates. Play around with it until you find the effect you are looking for. To adjust the Line width parameters click the Select button causing a pop-up Line width window to appear.

Line wavy You can use the Line wavy parameter to adjust the straightness of the lines that comprise the model. The lines are the frame and comprise the structure of the model. Adjusting the Line wavy parameter changes the visual impression by applying a wave like effect to the model's lines. Play around with it until you find the effect you are looking for. Use the slider control button to adjust the Line wavy parameter.

Ink color You can use the Ink color parameter to adjust the color of the model. Adjusting the ink color changes the visual impression that the model creates. Play around with it until you find the effect you are looking for. To adjust the Ink color parameter, click the Select button causing a pop-up color palette to appear.

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Thermal Artistic Style Parameter Options


Line width You can use the Line width parameter to adjust the width of the lines that comprise the model. The lines are the frame and comprise the structure of the model. Adjusting the line width changes the visual impression that the model creates. Play around with it until you find the effect you’re looking for. To adjust the Line width parameters click the Select button causing a pop-up Line width window to appear.

Brightness You can effect how bright or dark the model is with the Brightness parameter. Your choice of how bright you want the model to be, and the effect that it creates, will be influenced by your choice of background. Use the slider control button to adjust the brightness of the model. (Hint: To see how changes made to the model’s brightness interact with the background you may want to skip to the Select background window, apply your background and then return and make any necessary changes to the Brightness)

Cool/Warm color

This parameter is unique to the Thermal Artistic style. The color scheme of thermal models is comprised of warm and cool colors. The Cool and Warm color parameters allow you to make changes to these colors. You can effect the visual impression that the model creates by changing these parameters. Play around with them until you find the combination that you’re looking for. To adjust the Cool and Warm color parameters, click they’re respective Select buttons causing pop-up color palettes to appear.

Line color You can use the Line color parameter to adjust the color of the lines that comprise the model. The lines are the frame and comprise the structure of the model. Adjusting the line color changes the visual impression that the model creates. Play around with it until you find the effect you’re looking for. To adjust the Line color parameter, click the Select button causing a pop-up color palette to appear.

Mix Proportion

The mix proportion parameter will change the proportion of the Cool color and Warm color used in the effect. This gives the effect a warmer or cooler feel.

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Water Color Artistic Style Parameter Options


Line width You can use the Line width parameter to adjust the width of the lines that comprise the model. The lines are the frame and comprise the structure of the model. Adjusting the line width changes the visual impression that the model creates. Play around with it until you find the effect you’re looking for.

To adjust the Line width parameters click the Select button causing a pop-up Line width window to appear.


Cute Cartoon Artistic Style Parameter Options



Toon level The Toon level parameter lets you adjust to what degree the model appears as a cartoon. It does this by giving you a choice of a range of colors. The Toon level option can make profound changes to the appearance of the model. Use the slider control button to adjust the Toon level.

Line color You can use the Line color parameter to adjust the color of the lines that comprise the model. The lines are the frame and comprise the structure of the model. Adjusting the line color changes the visual impression that the model creates. Play

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around with it until you find the effect you’re looking for. To adjust the Line color parameter, click the Select button causing a pop-up color palette to appear.

Pure Cartoon Artistic Style Parameter Options



Wash level The Wash level parameter adjusts the intensity of the model’s colors. It can be used to give the model a faded sun-bleached look or a brand new appearance. Use the slider control button to adjust the Wash level.


Cool Cartoon Artistic Style Parameter Options



Toon level The Toon level parameter lets you adjust to what degree the model appears as a cartoon. It does this by giving you a

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choice of a range of colors. The Toon level option can make profound changes to the appearance of the model. Use the slider control button to adjust the Toon level.


Clay Artistic Style Parameter Options


None No parameters are available with this Artistic Style

Sketch Artistic Style Parameter Options:




Line wavy You can use the Line wavy parameter to adjust the straightness of the lines that comprise the model. The lines are the frame and comprise the structure of the model. Adjusting the Line wavy parameter changes the visual impression by applying a wave like effect to the model’s lines. Play around

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with it until you find the effect you’re looking for. Use the slider control button to adjust the Line wavy parameter.

Fountain Pen Artistic Style Parameter Options



Line wavy You can use the Line wavy parameter to adjust the straightness of the lines that comprise the model. The lines are the frame and comprise the structure of the model. Adjusting the Line wavy parameter changes the visual impression by applying a wave like effect to the model’s lines. Play around with it until you find the effect you’re looking for. Use the slider control button to adjust the Line wavy parameter.


Pastel Artistic Style Parameter Options



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Line wavy You can use the Line wavy parameter to adjust the straightness of the lines that comprise the model. The lines are the frame and comprise the structure of the model. Adjusting the Line wavy parameter changes the visual impression by applying a wave like effect to the model’s lines. Play around with it until you find the effect you’re looking for. Use the slider control button to adjust the Line wavy parameter.


Goosebump Artistic Style Parameter Options


Bump density

You can use the Bump density parameter to increase the number of bumps on the surface of the model. Changing the Bump density will alter the visual impression that the model creates. Play around with it until you find the effect you’re looking for. (Hint: Use the slider control button to increase the Density of the bumps, this increases the number of bumps in an area)

Bump height You can use the Bump height parameter to give a more pronounced effect on the surface of the model. Changing the Bump height will alter the visual impression that the model creates. Play around with it until you find the effect you’re looking for. (Hint: Use the slider control button to adjust the height of the bumps, this gives a more pronounced effect)

Bump image The Bump image parameter affects the type of bump applied to the image. Changing the Bump image will alter the visual impression that the model creates. Try out the four different bump images until you achieve the effect that you want. To adjust the Bump image parameter, click the Select button causing the pop-up Bump image window to appear.

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Gold Artistic Style Parameter Options



Reflection Reflection affects the way that light is reflected. Clicking the Reflection Check box causes environmental reflection from the light sources to be reflecting off the model. This parameter effect’s the feel of the model and is good for making subtle changes to the overall impression created by the image.

Silver Artistic Style Parameter Options




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Brass Artistic Style Parameter Options




Marble Artistic Style Parameter Options


Vein density The Vein density parameter lets you adjust the shape of the vein pattern in the marble. Adjusting the vein pattern can help you to create different artistic impressions with the model. Use the slider control button to adjust the Vein density.

Wood Artistic Style Parameter Options


Grain density

The Grain density parameter lets you adjust the shape of the grain pattern in the wood. Adjusting the vein pattern can help you to create different artistic impressions with the model. Use the slider control button to adjust the grain density.

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Haze Artistic Style Parameter Options


Stroke width The stroke width parameter adjusts the width of the strokes that comprise the model. Play around with it until you find the effect you are looking for. Use the slider control button to adjust the Stroke width.

Stroke length

The stroke length parameter adjusts the length of the strokes that comprise the model. Play around with it until you find the effect you are looking for. Use the slider control button to adjust the Stroke length.

Stroke color The Stroke color parameter adjusts the color of the strokes that comprise the model. Clicking the Select button causes a pop-up color palette to appear. Play around with the different color options until you find the effect you’re looking for.

Model color When this option is activated, the strokes that comprise the model are at their default colors. When it is deactivated, the Stroke color option can be used to adjust the stroke color.

Stroke angle You can use the Stroke angle parameter to adjust the angles of the strokes that comprise the model. Adjusting the angles makes significant changes to the visual impression that the model gives. Play around with it until you find the effect you are looking for. Use the slider control button to adjust the Stroke width.

Stipple Artistic Style Parameter Options


Stroke density


Stroke color The Stroke color parameter adjusts the color of the strokes that comprise the model. Clicking the Select button causes a pop-up color palette to appear. Play around with the different

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color options until you find the effect you’re looking for.

Model color When this option is activated, the strokes that comprise the model are at their default colors. When it is deactivated, the Stroke color option can be used to adjust the stroke color.

Seurat Artistic Style Parameter Options


Stroke density


Dry Brush Artistic Style Parameter Options


Stroke width The stroke width parameter adjusts the width of the strokes that comprise the model. Play around with it until you find the effect you’re looking for. Use the slider control button to adjust the Stroke width.

Stroke length

The stroke length parameter adjusts the length of the strokes that comprise the model. Play around with it until you find the effect you’re looking for. Use the slider control button to adjust the Stroke length.

Stroke density


Chapter 8 SSeelleeccttiinngg aa BBaacckkggrroouunndd

In this section, you can select a background to apply to your image. The background is the stage on which your model acts. It can be used to enhance the overall impression that your image creates.

Overview of the Select Background Window

Sample background

Load background

Background check box

Color select

Background color display

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Select Background Window Commands and Functions:

Option Description

Sample background Brings up the Sample Background window.

Load background Select this if you want to use one of your own images as the background.

Background check box

When checked the Background color is applied in the object editing window.

Background color display

Displays the selected background color. The default color is white. (Hint: The color in the color display will not be applied in the Object editing window unless the Background check box is checked)

Color select Allows you to select a background color. Clicking it will cause the pop-up color palette to appear.

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Overview of the Sample Background Select Window

The sample backgrounds provide you with several background choices to enhance your image. These sample backgrounds are extremely versatile and can be used to create a variety of impressions.

CloseOK

Sample description

Samples

Green highlight

Sample Background Select Window Commands and Functions:

Option Description

Green highlight After clicking the desired background, it will be highlighted with a green box.

Sample description Displays a brief description of the green highlighted back ground.

Close Closes the sample background display window and takes you back to the Select background window.

OK Clicking OK confirms your background selection and applies the background in the Object editing window.

Color select Allows you to select a background color. Clicking it will cause the pop-up Color palette to appear.

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Applying a Sample Background The following steps demonstrate how to apply a sample background:

1. Click Sample background, in the Select background window. This will take you to the Sample background Select window.

2. Select the desired background by clicking it. It will become green highlighted.

3. Click OK to apply it, and return to the object-editing window.

How to Load a Background The option allows you to select and load a background from your own picture archive. There are no size or resolution restrictions on importing backgrounds. You can Load .BMP, .JPG, or .GIF file formats. As these are three of the most common picture formats, you have a great deal of freedom in importing backgrounds. (Hint: This is a great way to give your image a personal significance for you and the recipient)

Loading a background:

1. Click on the Load background icon. This will cause the Load background image file pop-up window to appear.

2. Select the folder in which the desired picture is located. 3. Select the file name. 4. Select the file type for the image. 5. Select open. This will automatically import the desired picture

into the object-editing window, as the background.

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Background Color The Background color option gives you the choice of applying a color as the background. The Color palette pop-up window provides you with a large number of standard colors to choose from. If you are looking for something more customized, you can create your own background color. After you have made your background choice, the Effect3d wizard automatically imports it into the picture.

The following instructions describe the process of selecting a background color:

1. Activate the Background color option by clicking the Background check box.

2. Click the Color select icon and the color palette will appear. 3. After selecting the desired background color in the pop-up

color palette, click OK to apply the background color. This will bring you back to the Select background window.

Chapter 9 AAddjjuussttiinngg tthhee EEnnvviirroonnmmeenntt PPaarraammeetteerrss

Adjusting the environment parameters allows you to make further adjustments to the object in its background. The effects manipulate your object through image processing. This means that when you adjust one of the environment parameters, Effect3D does the work for you, ensuring that you get a clean image without any fringing effects or misplaced pixels.

Overview of the Adjust Environment Parameters Window

Slide bar

Parameters choice

Reset

Slide bar control

Environment control panel

Commands and Functions

Option Description

Parameters choice The icons on the Environment control panel take you to the various environment effect choices. Clicking an icon brings up the parameter choices for that effect.

The Control panel headings are: • B/C • HSV

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• Glow • Anti-aliasing • Light • Shadow

Parameter choice Displays the parameter choices for the selected Environment effect.

Slider The slider, including the Slider control, lets you increase or decrease the parameter effect.

Slider control The slider control is the active component of the Slider. You manipulate the effect by sliding this control left and/or right

Reset The Reset button undoes any changes that you have made to the parameters, and returns the object to the default parameters.

Brightness and Contrast Brightness and contrast let you change the brightness of your model and adjust the model’s contrast in relation to the background.

Note: Brightness and Contrast can be used to affect how the image meshes with your Web site.

Reset button

B/C

Contrast

Brightness

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Brightness and Contrast:

Description

B/C Clicking this will bring up the Brightness and Contrast parameters.

Brightness Use the slider control button to adjust the brightness of the model.

Contrast Use the contrast slider control button to affect how washed out your model appears. Images that have a low contrast have little variation between the light and the dark areas. High contrast models, on the other hand, have a more pronounced differentiation between light and dark areas.

Hue, Saturation and Value This option allows for adjusting the hue, saturation, and value of the image.

Saturation

Reset buttonValue

HueHSV


Hue, Saturation and Value:

Description

Hue Allows you to manipulate model’s color by changing the hue of each pixel in the spectrum. This means that, if part of the model is yellow, changing it slightly to the left will make it orange. All of the colors that make up the model will undergo this change taking on more of the attributes of the color that it is next to on the color spectrum. (Hint: Use the slider control to make adjustments to this parameter)

Saturation Allows you to increase or decrease the intensity of a d l’ l If f l h h d l i d ll

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model’s colors. If you feel that the model is too dull you can increase the saturation and the model’s colors will become brighter. Decreasing the saturation gives you the opposite result. Use the slider control to adjust this parameter.

Value Used to determine the level of light in the color, 0% is black 100% is white. Between 0 and 100 are various levels of 'light' or 'dark' colors.

Glow The glow option allows the user to create a halo around the model. The color and the width of the halo can be adjusted to achieve the desired effect.

Reset button

Glow check boxGlow

Neon color

Line displayBlur

Neon select

Neon displayLine width

Line select


Glow Description

Glow Clicking Glow on the Environment control panel lets you apply the glow effect. (Hint: You must click the Glow check box to apply and adjust the Glow effect)

Glow check box To apply a halo you must click the Glow check box. After you have checked it, the halo options will appear, and the halo will be applied to the model.

Blur Increases and decreases the sharpness of the halo’s edges.

Use the slider control to effect the changes

Line width Refers to the width of the halo. The current width is di l d i h Li id h di l i d

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displayed in the Line width display window.

Allows you to select the width of the halo. Clicking it will cause the pop-up line width window to appear. You can choose the desired line width and apply it to the model.

Neon color Neon color refers to the color of the halo. All the colors are rendered in neon in the color palette. You can see the current color of the halo in the Neon display.

Clicking it will cause the pop-up color palette to appear. You can choose the color you like and apply it to the model.

(Hint: To change the color click Neon select)

Reset button The Reset button undoes any changes that you have made and returns the halo to the default settings.

Anti-aliasing This option allows you to smooth the jagged appearance of diagonal lines in a bitmapped image. The pixels that surround the edges of the line are changed to varying shades of color in order to blend the sharp edge into the background.

Reset buttonCheck box

Anti-aliasing


Anti-aliasing Description

Anti-aliasing Clicking Anti-aliasing on the Environment control panel lets you apply Anti-aliasing.

Check box Anti-aliasing is applied to the model when the Check box has been checked. To undo the Anti-aliasing

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effect, uncheck it.

Reset button The Reset button undoes any changes that you have made and returns the halo to the default settings.

Light The lighting option allows you to apply stage lighting to the model. It lets you decide from which direction you wish the stage lighting to come.

The ‘light’ options are as follows:

Light Description

Keylight The Keylight is set far above the model and casts a light over the top of the model. It is this light (whether on or off) which projects the Real Shadow. This light is fixed above the model and will move when the model is rotated.

Sidelight

The Sidelight casts a light from the left side of the model. This light is fixed to the side of the model and will move when the model is rotated.

Backlight

The Backlight casts a light from behind the model. This light is fixed to the back of the model and will move when the model is rotated.

Fill Light on/off

The fill light is a positional light, which you can use to optimally light your model. By altering the longitude and latitude you can set the light to cast from any direction.

You are also able to set the color of the light being cast, this helps you to enrich the models appearance.

(Hint: When you turn on the Fill light, if the environment

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is too bright, try turning off side light, backlight, or keylight to get the best result)

(Hint: If by turning off the default lights, the object is too dark try to combine lighting adjustments with the diffuse effect parameter found in the Real Effect. Diffuse will affect the material brightness attribute)

Color Color refers to the color of the light that is given off by the Fill light. You can see the current color of the fill light in the Fill light display box.

Clicking it will cause the pop-up color palette to appear. You can choose the color you like and apply it to the model.

Longitude Adjusting the longitude of the Fill light will alter the position from where the light is cast along a horizontal plane around the model. The slide bar will adjust the light source from 0-360 degrees.

(Hint: use a combination of longitude and latitude to set the Fill light to cast light from your desired position)

Latitude Adjusting the latitude of the Fill light will alter the position from where the light is cast along a vertical plane around the model. The slide bar will adjust the light source from 0-360 degrees.

(Hint: use a combination of longitude and latitude to set the Fill light to cast light from your desired position)

Reset button The Reset button undoes any changes that you have made in the Light effect.

Applying a Shadow The Shadow effect is where you choose between applying a Real shadow, a Drop shadow, or No shadow.

Reset button

Shadow

No shadow

Real shadowDrop shadow

Shadow select

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Shadow Environment Effect Screen Options The options are as follows:

Shadow Description

Shadow When you click this button, the Shadow options will appear in the Environment effects window.

Shadow select Lets you apply the respective shadow effects to the image.

Reset button Undoes any shadow effects that you may have applied to the model and returns it to the default settings.

No shadow If you don’t want your model to cast a shadow you can check this option.

Drop shadow To apply a Drop shadow effect, click the Drop Shadow select button. This will take you to the Drop shadow options.

Real shadow To apply this effect, click the Shadow select box located next to its left. This will take you to the Real shadow options.

Real Shadow Option The Real shadow option allows the user to cast a real shadow on the ground based on the positioning of the lighting within the scene.

Reset button

Real shadow

Opacity

Blur

Reset buttonSliders

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Real shadow Description

Real shadow Brings up the Real shadow options.

Blur The Blur slider manipulates the definition of the shadow’s edges. A large increase in the amount of blur will give you a shadow that blends into the background, while no blur at all will give you a hard edged shadow that stands out against the background.

Changing the Shadow blur:

• Click the Blur slider control.

• Drag the slider control to the right to increase the Blur.

• Drag the slider control to the left to decrease the Blur.

Opacity The Opacity slider affects how concrete or transparent the shadow appears. To create a more concrete shadow, increase the blur and vice versa to create a more transparent shadow. A large increase in the opacity will give you a shadow that stands in stark contrast to the background, while decreasing the opacity will give you a more delicate shadow.

Changing the Opacity:

• Click the Opacity slider control. • Drag the slider control to the right to increase

the opacity of the shadow. • Drag the slider control to the left to decrease

the opacity of the shadow.

Reset button The Reset button undoes any shadow effects that you may have applied to the model and returns it to the default settings.

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Drop Shadow Option This option allows the user to apply a shadow cast on the back wall.

Offset select

Opacity

X,Y offset

BlurDrop shadow

Reset buttonOffset displaySliders


Hard Shadow Options

Description

Drop shadow Applies a Drop shadow effect behind the model.

Blur The blur slider effects the definition of the shadow’s edges. A large increase in the amount of blur will give you a shadow that blends into the background, while no blur at all will give you a hard edged shadow that stands out against the background.

Changing the Shadow blur:

• Click the Blur slider control.

• Drag the slider control to the right to increase the Blur.

• Drag the slider control to the left to decrease the Blur.

Opacity The Opacity slider effects how concrete or transparent the shadow appears. A large increase in the opacity will give you a shadow that stands in stark contrast to the background, while decreasing the opacity will give you a more delicate shadow.

Changing the Opacity:

• Click the Opacity slider control.

• Drag the slider control to the right to increase

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the opacity of the shadow.

• Drag the slider control to the left to decrease the opacity of the shadow.

X,Y offset The X, Y offset allows you to move the position of the drop shadow on a horizontal or vertical axis.

The X offset:

The X offset manipulates the position of the shadow on a horizontal axis. Choosing a positive X offset value will cause the shadow to move to the right, and a negative X offset value will cause the shadow to move to the left of the model. The current X offset value can be seen in the Offset display.

Changing the X offset:

• Click the X-Offset Offset select button. This will cause the Offset pop-up window to appear.

• Select the X Offset value that you want, and it will be applied to the drop shadow in the Object-editing window.

The Y offset:

The Y offset effects the position of the shadow on a vertical axis. Choosing a positive Y offset value will cause the shadow to move up, and a negative Y offset value will cause the shadow to move down in relation to the model. The current Y offset value can be seen in the Offset display.

Changing the Y offset:

• Click the Y-Offset Offset select button. This will cause the Offset pop-up window to appear.

• Select the Y Offset value that you want, and it will be applied to the drop shadow in the Object-editing window.

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Offset Display The two Offset Displays let you see the respective X, Y Offset values of the current drop shadow.

Reset button The Reset button undoes any shadow effects that you may have applied to the model and returns it to the default settings.

Offset Select Clicking the Offset Select buttons will cause the X, Y offset pop-up window to appear, allowing you to change the X, Y offset values.

Chapter 10 SSeelleeccttiinngg aann AAnniimmaattiioonn SSeeqquueennccee

In this step, an Effect3D BioMorph effect is applied to animate your model. Select an animation sequence, and the wizard will animate the model for you.

An animation sequence is made up of a series of individual pictures called frames. Each frame differs slightly from the preceding one and when they are flashed in rapid succession, they appear as a moving model to the human eye.

Note: Remember that slower animation sequences require more frames and more frames take longer to render and require more memory when saved.

Overview of the Select Animation Window

Frame rateNumber of frames

Custom animation

No animation

Play animation

Preview

Rendering display

Animation select

Frame sliderRate SelectRate display

Slider controlStandard animation

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Hard Shadow Options

Description

No Animation This is the default selection.

Standard Animation Effect 3D provides you with many different standard animation choices.

Custom Animation This checkbox will automatically be selected if you load one of the Custom animation objects.

Number of frames Number of frames and Frame Rate are in fact interrelated with each other. These two options directly correlate with the smoothness and speed of the animation sequence.

The higher the number of frames, the smoother the animation sequence will appear.

Changing the Number of frames:

• To increase the Number of frames, click the Frame slider control and drag it to the right.

• To decrease the Number of frames, click the Frame slider control and drag it to the right.

(Hint: A higher number of frames creates a slower animation sequence, requires more time to render, and creates a larger file when saved or exported)

Frame rate This controls the speed at which the animation changes from one frame to another.

Increasing the Frame rate number means that less time will transpire between each frame. With less time between frame rates, the animation sequence is more fluid. Decreasing the frame rate number has the opposite effect by slowing the rate at which the animation changes from one frame to the next. It creates a jerkier animation sequence.

Changing the Frame rate:

• Click the Rate select button. This will cause the

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Rate select pop-up window to appear.

• Select the desired Frame rate and the Effect3D wizard will automatically apply the new frame rate to the animation sequence.

Rendering display After you have selected an animation sequence, You can view the animation sequence in the Object editing window. To view the animation you must click Apply animation. The Rendering display lets you see this application or rendering process, so that you know when it has been completed. A red bar moves across the Rendering display.

Animation Select Clicking the Animation select takes you to the Standard animation window where you can choose and apply an animation sequence.

Frame slider Lets you change the Number of frames by moving the Slider control to the left or right.

Rate select Clicking on the rate select will cause the Frame rate pop-up window to appear allowing you to change the Frame rate.

Rate display The Rate display lets you see the Frame rate that the animation sequence is currently set at.

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Standard Animation Clicking the Standard animation button brings up the Animation Select window. You can choose from one of Effect3D’s BioMorph animation sequences and apply it to your object.

Overview of the Standard Animation Select Window

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Animation Options

Description

Animation Choices Displays the various animation sequences available in the Standard animation select window.

Animation description

Provides a brief description of the green highlighted animation sequence.

Close Closes the Standard animation select window and takes you back to the Select Animation window.

OK Confirms your animation selection and applies it to the model. (Hint: Before the animation sequence animates the model, it needs to be rendered. You can do this by clicking Play animation)

Page number Shows you how many pages of animation sequences there are, and which page you are looking at.

Scroll arrows Let you scroll between the pages of the animation sequence choices.

Animation preview

Clicking any animation will display a preview. Effect3D creates a low quality rendering of the animation applied to your selected model. This allows you to understand how the animation will interact with your model, if the result is as you expected, then select the animation by double clicking the image or pressing the OK button. If not simply select another.

Green border When moving your mouse within the animation select window, a green border will surround the animation effect you currently have your mouse over. This will cause the animation description to appear in the Animation name box. Clicking the desired animation will apply the animation preview, double clicking will select the animation and return you to the select animation window.

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Applying a Standard Animation Sequence 1. Click Standard animation. This will cause the Standard

Animation Select window to appear. 2. Click on the desired animation sequence to see an animated

preview, if the result is not as you had expected select another animation sequence.

3. Once you have found your desired animation sequence click OK to confirm your selection or double click the animation sequence. This will return you to the Select Animation window.

4. At this point the animation has been selected by not applied, click Apply animation to apply the animation sequence to your model. Rendering of your animation can take a while, if at any time you wish to stop the animation sequence or cancel the rendering operation press the Esc key.

5. You can make changes to the animation sequence with the Frame rate and Number of frames controls.

Custom Animation Some of the Models in the Effect3D Magic-archive come already animated. Custom animation applies to these models.

Applying a Custom Animation Sequence When a model has a custom animation sequence, this means that the Custom animation sequence has already been applied, and you don’t have to do anything to animate it.

You may want to make changes to the custom animation sequence. This is done with the Frame rate and Number of frames features.

If you want to use a model that has a custom animation sequence, but you don’t want its animation you can:

1. Click No animation 2. Select Standard animation

(Hint: Custom animation can only be applied to those models that have this feature)

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List of Models with Custom Animation

Model Name Animation

PDA with cover Cover opens and closes

Electric fan Head and blades turn

Light bulb yellow Stylized flashing effect

Computer loading symbol

Stylized bulging connection

Computer loading symbol

Rotating disk and arrows

Arrow connecting squares

Animated arrow

Button with hand Hand pressing button

Button withdraw Animated arrow pointing to button

Rocket 5 Second countdown

Bomb with lit fuse Burning down fuse with explosion

Telephone symbol Shaking handset

Telephone receiver Listen and talking stylized gesture

Figure in mechanical jaws

Jaws open and close

The word “new” stylized

Sparkling effect

Mailbox stylized Letter floating in to letterbox

Internet chatroom symbol

Talking head motion

Lips stylized Kissing action

Face with magnified eye

Magnifying glass motion with bulging eye

The word “start” stylized

Clapperboard motion

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Enter symbol Opening manhole with arrow pointing inside

Compass directional Spinning compass needle

Scales golden Scales balancing motion

Ornithopter bright Flapping wings

Man waving flags cartoon

Waving flags

Jaws open Set of teeth opening and closing

Skull proportional Jaw opening and closing

Four leaf clover symbolic

Spinning leaves

Windmill stylized Spinning blades

Water tap Water dripping

Storm cloud Flash of lighting

Robotic arm Pick and place motion

Cog wheels Turning cogs

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Overview of the Export Window Effect 3D allows you to Save and Export your images in several formats. You can either export as an animated image (.gif), a static image (.gif, .jpg, .bmp) or as a bmp sequence. The export buttons will be enabled or disabled based on the type of project you have created, for instance if the model is not animated the export animation button will be disabled. From this window you can select:

• Export as Animation

• Export as image

• Export as BMP sequence

• Save project

Export as BMP sequence

Export as animation

Save project

Export as image

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Exporting as animation Exporting your image as an animation let’s you export the background and the animated image in a .GIF format.

How to export as an animation? 1. Click the Export as animation button. This will cause the

Export file dialogue box to appear:

2. In the Save in box, enter the folder name that you want to save your image in.

3. In the File name box, enter a file name for your image 4. Click in the Transparent color box if you want to save your

image with a transparent background color. 5. Carefully choose the number of colors with the color number

selector; this is used to optimize the file size by controlling the number of colors available within the image. A preview of the first frame in the animation sequence is shown as well as the output file size. (Hint: By changing the color number you will see the preview image and file size reflect those changes immediately, carefully look at the these results to choose the optimal color number, this depends on your application, however for web based graphics you want to try and keep the sizes under 50K)

6. Click Save to save your image.

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Exporting as an image Exporting as an image is the most flexible way to export your work. It allows for exporting in GIF, JPG, and BMP file formats.

How to Export as an image? 1. Click the Export as image button. This will cause the Export

file dialogue box to appear:


3. In the File name box, enter a file name for your image 4. In the Save as type box, you can choose which file format you

would like to save your image as. 5. Click in the Transparent color box if you want to save your

image as a transparent color. 6. Choose the color number with the color number selector. 7. Click Save to save your image.

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Exporting as a BMP Sequence Exporting the object as BMP sequence allows the file to be used in all windows applications that support BMP software routines. To export an object as a BMP file follow the steps below:

How to Export as a BMP Sequence? 1. Click the Export as a BMP sequence button. This will cause

the Save BMP Sequence Files dialogue box to appear:


3. In the File name box, enter a file name for your image 4. In the Save as type dialogue box, you can choose to save your

image as a BMP sequence or as all. 5. Check the Open as Read only box if you want to save your

image as a read only file. 6. Click Save to save your image.

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Saving a Project Models, effects, effect parameters, backgrounds, environmental effects, and animation can all be saved in Projects.

Projects allows you to re-use your creativity time & time again, enabling you to re-create different models with the exact same look and feel for continuity of your images. Saving Projects also saves time and allows you to keep the parameters of your most dazzling effects.

How to Export as a project? 1. Click the Save project button. This will bring up the Save

project file dialogue box

2. In the Save in box enter the folder name that you want to save your project in.

3. In the File name box, enter a file name for your project. 4. In the Save as type dialogue box, you can choose to save your

image as a Project file or All format. 5. Click Save to save your image.

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Installing Model Packs Once you purchase and become a registered user of Effect3D, you are able to increase the number of models available to you by installing one of the model packs which are available for download from the Reallusion website: http://effect3d.reallusion.com/e3d_bonus.asp

Each model pack includes up to 234 new 3D models, after installing all of the model packs your 3D-Magic archive will increase to over 500 Models.

Follow these instructions to install an Effect3D Model Pack:

1. Click Start, Run. Then click Browse and locate the “Effect3dPack1.exe” file on your system (Note: this example is to install model pack 1).

2. Click OK to start the InstallShield Wizard.

3. After the files have been extracted you will see the following screen:

4. Click OK, to begin installation of the Effect3D model pack.

During the installation process you will be able to see the progress of the installation. The following screen will appear:

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5. After installation is complete the following screen will be

displayed, Click Finish to close the InstallShield Wizard.

6. Open Effect3D and browse the 3D-Magic archive, all the new

models should now be visible.

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Use Hotkeys and shortcuts to speed up your navigation around the Effect3D windows and menus.

List of Hotkeys and Shortcuts The following Hotkeys can be used when working in Effect3D:

Hotkey Function 1 Takes you to the Open project window 2 Takes you to the Select object window. 3 Takes you to the Select effect window. 4 Takes you to the Adjust effect parameters window. 5 Takes you to the Select background window. 6 Takes you to the Adjust environment parameters

window. 7 Takes you to the Select animation window. 8 Takes you to the Export window. ! Takes you back one window at a time. " Takes you forward one window at a time. F1 Opens the help file. F2 Saves the project.

Space Takes you to the Actual view window ESC Stops the animation sequence.

A Applies a selected animation sequence. R Rotates the model in the Object editing window. V Moves the model in the Object editing window.

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S Scales the model in the Object editing window Alt+F4 Closes Effect3D

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Hints & Tips For a more up to date list of hints and tips visit the Reallusion web site: http://effect3d.reallusion.com/

Understanding HSV & B/C environmental effects HSV stands for Hue, Saturation and Value. This is a very useful effect as you can control color, intensity and brightness.

Hue:

By increasing or decreasing the Hue value you can see that the models color changes, with a yellow model increasing the hue will make the model orange, decreasing will make it green as seen below:

Saturation:

You can use the Saturation value to control the intensity of a model, if you think the model is too bright or dull change the Saturation value, the effect can be seen below:

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Value:

By increasing or decreasing the Value parameter you change the level of light, in effect this controls the amount of white that is contained within the model and how ‘light’ or ‘dark’ it appears, the effect can be seen below:

B/C stands for Brightness and Contrast, these effects are also very useful when combined with the HSV effects.

Brightness:

This controls the intensity of the model, and has a similar effect as the Value parameter. Increasing the Brightness gives a “washed out” or “over exposed” look. Over exposed images can be improved by decreasing the brightness.

Contrast:

This controls the variation between light and dark areas of a model; low Contrast has little variation between the light and dark areas. High Contrast on the other hand, has a more pronounced differentiation between light and dark areas.

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Fine-tuning metal effects for a more realistic look Often metal effects look too bright or not bright enough, by changing a few basic parameters you can make them look much more solid and realistic. The dramatic improvements can be seen below:

This was done by first changing the brightness parameter; in this case we reduced the brightness. Then further adjustments were done with the HSV and B/C parameters, by altering the contrast and HSV we finished with a much more realistic metal effect.

Changing an image from color to black & white If you want to change a color image into a black & white image it can be simply achieved by reducing the saturation parameter, then the value parameter can be adjusted to get just the right effect. This result of this simple effect is shown below:

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Subtle Colors using combinations of effects Using a combination of the Fill light and HSV you are able to make some very subtle changes in the mood of your object. For instance, by taking the model shown below we can alter the HSV to give a soft yellow color.

Using a white model for instructional purposes, you can use the Fill light to cast a different color on to the surface of the image. Below you can see we have used a blue color light to illuminate the white model.

By casting this same blue color light on to the original soft yellow model we get a purple color with subtle hints of blue and yellow.

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Positional Lighting effects Effect3D allows you to precisely position the Fill light to cast light from any direction onto your model, this is achieved through a combination of Longitude (horizontal) and Latitude (vertical) controls found within the environment parameter window.

Hotkey and shortcuts Use Hotkeys and shortcuts to speed up your navigation around the Effect3D windows and menus. Details of Hotkeys and shortcuts are shown here.

Copy and paste still images between applications Effect3D uses standard graphic formats, so you can quickly copy and paste still images between applications without needing to save. For any creation you wish to paste into another application, click Preview to see the model in the preview window. Click Copy to copy to your clipboard, switch to any standard application that supports graphics. Use the paste function to paste directly into your application.

Save and Re-use your creativity with projects Effects, effect parameters, backgrounds, environmental effects, and animation can all be saved in Projects. This allows you to re-use your creativity time & time again, enabling you to save time and keep the parameters of your most dazzling effects.

Details for saving a project are shown here.

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File size optimization Based on your planned use of animated file outputs from Effect3D it is very important to best optimize the file size for its intended use. The file size is mainly affected by the following; image size, number of frames, and number of colors.

Image size; you should try to keep the image size to a minimum; your model should completely fill the area of the image.

Number of frames; although more frames gives a smoother animation, it directly affects the file size; this number is a compromise giving you the smoothest animation effect at an acceptable file size.

Number of colors; a high number of colors gives any shading, shadow or color transitions a very smooth and well blended effect, select the number of colors that provides you the smoothest look at an acceptable file size. When exporting an animation a preview is visible to assist with selecting the number of colors. More details can be here.

Make perfect transparency effects When creating animated models that are going to be exported with the transparency effect. Improve the look of the image by using a similar background color that you plan to use the finished graphic with. This is because anti-aliasing will blend the model edge color with the background color to give a smooth edge. If you use a different background color the edge will be noticeably different, the difference is more noticeable in animated images.

Control animation playback speed Playback speed of an animation is mainly controlled by the frame rate, however the number of frames also has an affect. The frame rate changes the delay between each frame of the animation sequence. A fast animation transitions from frame to frame very quickly, another method is to reduce the number of frames in the animation, but this reduces the smoothness.

If you want to have a very slow animation sequence that is not jerky you may also have to increase the number of frames so the delay between frames is not too long. The default frame rate is 10fps, which gives a smooth animation.

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You should also consider file size optimization when animating your models.

Expanding your 3D-Magic archive The Effect3D application comes with 50 3D models and animations installed. Once you purchase and become a registered user of Effect3D, you are able to increase the number of models available to you by installing one of the model packs which are available for download from the Reallusion website: http://reallusion.reallusion.com/e3d_bonus.asp

Each model pack includes up to 234 new 3D models, after installing all of the model packs your 3D-Magic archive will increase to over 500 Models.

Details for downloading and installing the Effect3D model packs are shown here.

Dynamic mouse roll-over effect for HTML You can create dynamic mouse roll-over effects on your web pages by saving a static image and then an animated version of the same image. If you are using a tool like FrontPage or Dreamweaver you can add this effect simply by selecting the option. If you need to do it manually you must add some JavaScript to your page. Below is an example of the JavaScript required, it is broken down into 2 parts. The first should be added into the page:

<script>  </script>

<script>  </script>

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Replace the “staticimage.gif” and “animatedimage.gif” filenames with your own; also the numbers “20,20” refer to the image size.

Next add the following section where you wish the image to be displayed, again replace the filenames and image size to suit your application:

 <a href="yoururl.htm" onmouseover="filter('img1','a2'); window.status='Status Message';return true;" onmouseout="filter('img1','a1'); window.status='';return true;" onclick="window.focus()"> <img src="images/staticimage.gif" name="img1" border=0 width=20 height=20></a> 

Import models from 3DS Effect3D is capable of importing standard 3D models. Models should be 3DS format. For power-users who wish to import 3DS models, and then wish to apply Effect3D’s wide range of animation and effects. You can find details of how to import 3DS models here.

3ds import flexibility Effect3D adds a yellowish tone for external models when they are imported, this is because black and white do not respond to color adjustment. By adding the yellow tone it is easy to change the model to your desired color via HSV adjustment.

Effect3D provides an absolute glossiness option in the Real artistic style, the reason for this is different 3D software often generate 3ds files with different material settings and the specula set to zero, therefore you are not be able to adjust the glossiness within Effect3D without this option being set (every value multiplied by zero is still zero). By turning on this option you are able to make the material as glossy or as matt as you wish.

Effect3D optionally does not import the lighting settings included with 3ds files. Using settings included with a 3ds file often will limit how you can adjust the model within Effect3D. Light settings for imported models can range widely. This can make a model appear too dark or

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too bright by using the original settings. You can optionally keep the original light settings, use Effect 3D default light settings, or keep the original plus add Effect3D lighting settings.

Sample Reference To help you get started, give you a little inspiration and better understand some of the abilities of the Effect3D product we have included a number of sample projects. Details of how to access these samples are shown here. Once open you can use the same settings and select different models to apply the effects to.

Many more samples and examples can be found in our online gallery by visiting http://effect3d.reallusion.com/e3d_gallery.asp

Online Tutorials To get the most up to date information you can at any time view any of the online interactive tutorials that are available at http://effect3d.reallusion.com/e3d_tutorial_main.asp

http://effect3d.reallusion.com/e3d_gallery.asp

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Documents

Effect3D User Manual · ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Create 3D Animation with Effect3D .....5 Features.....5