Using Tracing Paper
One helpful way to use image layers is to load in a reference image that you can use to guide you as you create vector objects. The problem with using an image layer is that the details are typically too bright to see the vector lines. Anime Studio includes a tracing paper feature that can be used to hold a reference image you want to trace.
To load an image as a tracing image, use the View, Select Tracing Image (Ctrl/Cmd+Y) menu command. You can also use the File, Import, Tracing Image menu. This opens a File dialog box where you can locate the image to load. Once loaded, the image is automatically sized to fit within the working area. It also appears dimmed in the background of the working area. You can use the View, Show Tracing Image (Ctrl/Cmd+U) menu command to hide or restore the tracing image. Figure 22.4 shows the working area with a tracing image enabled.
Caution
AVI and QuickTime video files cannot be loaded as a tracing image.
Note
The tracing image feature is only available in Anime Studio Pro.
Note
The tracing image is independent of the Layers palette and does not exist on a layer. The tracing image is also never rendered.
One drawback of working with a tracing image is that the image is not saved with the project and will need to be reloaded after the project is reopened. You also cannot change the amount of dimming that is applied to the tracing image.
Using an Image Layer to Trace
Although the Tracing Image feature automatically dims an image, the same effect can be accomplished using an image layer. If you create an image layer and load in an image that you want to trace, you can adjust the transparency of the image using the Opacity setting in the Layer Settings dialog box, but this will only display the transparency when the image is rendered. Instead, add a vector layer in front of the tracing image and cover the image with a large white rectangle.
You can then set the Opacity value of the vector layer to 60 or 70 depending on how dark the image layer underneath is. Transparency for a vector layer is displayed in the working area if the Transparency option in the Display Quality dialog box is enabled.
By using an image layer as a tracing image, you can adjust the amount of dimming, load AVI or MOV video files to trace and move, rotate, and scale the image layer as needed.
To create a tracing image using an image layer, follow these steps:
Select the File, New menu command (Ctrl/Cmd+N) to create a new blank project.
Click the New Layer button in the Layers palette and select the Image option from the pop-up menu. In the File dialog box that opens, select the Dog Show.jpg file from the Chapter 22 folder on the CD.
Select the Layer Scale tool (2) and drag in the working area to reduce the size of the layer until it fills the working area.
Click the New Layer button in the Layers palette again and select the Vector option to create a new vector layer.
Double-click the new vector layer and change the Opacity setting to 60 in the Layer Settings dialog box.
Select and drag the image layer to the bottom of the Layers palette so it’s beneath all other layers. Then drag the new vector layer so it is just above the image layer.
In the Display Quality dialog box, make sure the Transparency option is enabled. The image should now look semi-transparent, as shown in Figure 22.5.
Locating Reference Images
The Internet is full of reference images that can give you a jumpstart on drawing specific characters and objects.
Drawing human characters with realistic proportions can be tricky, but using a reference image will help keep your character proportions in check. The site at www.3d.sk includes a wealth of photographs of human characters. Be aware that the site contains some nudity, though. If you’re looking to get information on the movement of characters that you can use for reference, try the Carnegie Mellon University Graphics Lab Motion Capture Database at http://mocap.cs.cmu.edu.
Caution
Most images on the Web are copyrighted, so before you use a tracing image of your favorite cartoon or movie, be sure that you abide by the copyright laws. For example, if you use a reference image from a Star Wars film to create a ship that resembles a Tie Fighter for your latest game, don’t be surprised if a team of lawyers calls you.
Tip
In addition to Anime Studio, Smith Micro also distributes a software package named Poser that is great for creating human reference images. You can learn more about Poser at the Smith Micro Web site at www.smithmicro.com.