MACROMEDIA DIRECTOR MX-USING DIRECTOR MX, Use Manual

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Chapter 6 196
Using the Space to Time command
To move sprites from adjacent channels to a single sprite, you use the Space to Time command
(Modify > Space to Time). This method is convenient when you want to arrange several images
on the Stage in one frame and then convert them to a single sprite.
Arrange sprites on the Stage in a single frame.
Space to Time converts sprites from adjacent channels to a single sprite.
Onion skinning provides a benefit in the Paint window similar to that provided by Space to Time
on the Stage. For more information, see “Using onion skinning” on page 234.
To use the Space to Time command:
1
Select Edit > Preferences > Sprite and set Span Duration to 1 frame.
Set the span duration to any setting you like, but Space to Time works best with shorter sprites.
2
Select an empty frame in the Score.
This is usually at the end of the Score.
3
Drag cast members onto the Stage to create sprites where you want them to appear in the
animation.
As you position the sprites on the Stage, Director places each sprite in a separate channel. Make
sure all the sprites are in consecutive channels.
4
Select all the sprites that are part of the sequence in the Score or on the Stage.
5
Select Modify > Space to Time.
The Space to Time dialog box appears.
6
Enter the number of frames you want between each cast member in the Separation text box
Director rearranges the sprites so that instead of being arranged from top to bottom in a single
frame, they’re arranged in sequence from left to right in a single sprite.
Note: Space to Time is a fast way to set up keyframes for a sprite to move along a curve. Arrange the cast members
in one frame, select Modify > Space to Time, and add 10 to 20 cells between each cast member to produce a
smooth curve.