Keyframing Cookie cutter, Mask generator not the same as Size/Position

browj2 wrote on 10/2/2017, 12:03 PM

Using VPX patch 15.0.4.176.

Some of the new effects, like Cookie Cutter and Mask Generator have some problems.

1. Cookie cutter problems:

a. Keyframing is difficult and is not like doing it in Size/Position. Under Size/Position, make a key frame, move along the timeline and change the zoom and position. Go back to the first kf; the values are still as before. In Cookie cutter, change the shape to a rectangle, change something to make the first kf, like x and note the values of x and y; note the default size of 0.25. Move along the timeline a few seconds and make changes to position (x and y) and to size - make it 0.30. Go back to the first kf and you will see that the y kf is no longer what it was initially (it changes to the value done at the second kf) and the size is no longer 0.25 but is now 0.30. To get the kf to work, you have to expand the kf line into its parts, and add kf's to the y and Size lines. To get a kf to work on a second parameter, you have to go to the existing kf, make the change, then press on create kf again. These should work as elsewhere in the program. It also seems to be the case in other newer effects, like Mask Generator.

b. Click and drag on any of the values, like size, x or y, changes the value immediately to 0 or 1. Dragging with the mouse should have a gradual effect like the slider but more refined. Try this with Size/Position and you will see what I mean. It also seems to be the case in other newer effects, like Mask Generator.

Can someone please confirm this? This is probably the same in MEP.

Thanks,

John CB

Comments

johnebaker wrote on 10/2/2017, 4:30 PM

Hi John

We have had a discussion of both these issues some weeks ago about setting the keyframes and the sliders for another effect - cannot remember which it was at the moment.

Cookie cutter - this is one of those effects where you have to apply the keyframes individually for the first keyframe, after that it works as it should - here is a crude example:

The sliders is a bug.

HTH

John EB

browj2 wrote on 10/2/2017, 9:19 PM

Hi John EB,

I think that the previous discussion was about the mixer when I noted that dragging on the text boxes made a gradual change, and you replied that this works on all sliders.

For the Cookie cutter, the problem is having to create a keyframe for the start and change of each parameter. For example, normally, if I change one parameter, say x, and create a keyframe at the beginning, there is a kf made for everything. Move along the timeline and change the x value and the y value and a second kf is made for each of these. But for Cookie Cutter, no kf is created at this point for y, only x. As you say, you have to apply the kf's individually for the first kf for each parameter that will be modified.

This is not obvious when one is use to kf"s being created for all parameters when only one parameter is changed. Is this documented anywhere? Am I missing an updated manual for VPX9?

Size/Position

Cookie cutter

John CB

johnebaker wrote on 10/3/2017, 3:52 AM

Hi John CB

Using the Size/position example if you click on an object and change its size, position zoom etc, a keyframe is not added for any of the settings.

This is common for many such effects, in the past when responding to posts concerning Keyframing I have always stated that you must 'lock' the initial parameters by manually adding the first keyframe, otherwise later adjustments will override the initial setting.

. . . . you replied that this works on all sliders . . . .

The slider issue with dragging the values for the Cookie Cutter is a bug and I get the same as you do, however when you try this with other effects eg Size/position it works correctly which IIRC was what I was referring to ie those I tested.

John EB

browj2 wrote on 10/3/2017, 8:58 AM

Hi John EB,

My point is only that you have to create the first keyframe for each individual parameter whereas with Size/Position you only have to create the first keyframe for one parameter and keyframes are created automatically for all other parameters. Then you can simply change the first keyframe of a second parameter without having to click on the create kf button. Since there are now two different methods, I am wondering if this is not an oversight or whether or not it is a good thing. I prefer the Size/Position type of automatic creation of keyframes for all parameters upon creating the first kf for one single parameter. It seems that the new method has added in many additional clicks unnecessarily. So, should one complain or accept the two different methods?

John CB

johnebaker wrote on 10/3/2017, 12:38 PM

Hi John CB

. . . . So, should one complain or accept the two different methods? . . .

A very good question, for which I do not have a definitive answer.

I can see the logic of setting individual parameters for some of the effects - ie set those you want to change individually at the start so that you do not accidentally change those you want to stay constant.

With Size/position the behaviour is also valid, for example, with Size/position if you change the the size, you are almost certain to change the position so put all the keyframes in ready.

I will ask the question of whether this is by design, or indeed a bug.

HTH

John EB

browj2 wrote on 10/3/2017, 12:51 PM

Hi John EB,

I raised the issue in a supplement to my last ticket, but it is likely that Support will not understand, so your input to Support would be greatly appreciated.

You may want to ask about an updated manual at the same time. I think that the only one that we have is for VPX8.

I raised the issue about the errors once again (third time) in the Shortcuts_EN.pdf file for zooming on the timeline. I should have put on the list that this file should be accessible from under the Help menu, as there are probably very few users who are aware of its existence.

Thanks,

John CB