To Record a Sequence
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In the FlyThrough Producer dialog, choose Tools > Record.
The Record Sequence dialog opens.
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From the Format option menu, choose the format in which to save the sequence.
Refer to the note below for information on choosing a format.
- In the Files field, enter the name of the sequence file, or the first file in the series.
- Use the controls in the Directories and Drives sections to specify the destination drive and directory.
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Click OK.
Note: It is recommended that you choose a format that creates separate frame images, such as Targa or TIFF. When you select these formats, a separate file will be created automatically for each frame in the sequence. By default, when you select one of these formats, a number is added at the end of the filename and this number will be incremented for each frame saved. For example, if the name of the file is orbit.dgn then the first frame of a Targa-format sequence would be named orbit01.tga by default. Subsequent frame files then would be named orbit02.tga, orbit03.tga, orbit04.tga, and so on. In the event of an interruption to the process, you can return later and pick up from the next frame number in the sequence. If you choose to use a name other than the default, you must make sure that you add a number to it for incrementing during recording.
If you choose FLI or FLC, the sequence will be saved as a single 256-color animation file. If you choose Windows AVI, the sequence will be saved as a single 24 Bit Color animation file. For these formats, however, the whole animation has to be retained in memory as it is processed. In the event of an interruption, you will lose the entire sequence and have to start again. It is recommended, therefore, that you select another format. Later, if necessary, you can convert the sequence to FLI/FLC or AVI via the Movie Player.
Note: The lower the resolution, the faster each frame is rendered. For example, use a low resolution to test your lighting and camera settings. Once you are satisfied with the production, record the sequence at a higher resolution.
To achieve a smoother animation with FlyThrough Producer:
- Minimize the difference between successive frames (use more frames).
- Increase the speed at which the sequence is played.
You can control what elements appear in the sequence. To avoid including lights or the camera path in the sequence, place those elements as construction elements or on a separate level(s). When you record the sequence, turn off Constructions, or the specific level(s) for the output view. Constructions are turned on and off for a view in the View Attributes dialog.
