Simulating a Flag Waving

[MrA]

Trying to get a maksed object to flap like a flag in the wind, but, having two problems. Size of the graphic object's edges are too thick, and I can't get the "bend" object attribute just right..

Any suggestions? (Or know of a tutorial that shows how to make a flag?)

[Ron P.]

I've never attempted a waving flag in C3DPS. However if your object is too thick, then in the Attribute Panel, go to the Bevel attributes, and decrease the Extrusion.

[MrA]

How about this... Can the attributes of the path animation for text effects be copied over to object effects? The text effects pallette has a couple of close effects that could work..

Also noticed the fish, in the animated section of the pallette.. If I could get insight on how that is made, that would help..

[Ron P.]

Yep they sure can...

In the attribute panel, click on the plus "+" to add effects. You'll see all the text effects listed there.

What may be better is using the Free Form. You can access it through the Easy Palette or by the + in the Attribute panel. On the Free Form Attribute Panel you'll find just one solitary button. Click on it, and you should be able to alter your object's motion any way you want, and of course keyframing the changes should get a flag waving motion. If fact the Free Form does have one preset that is close to that. It would be something to start with..

[MrA]

That is exactly what I needed! Took me a couple minutes to figure out how use the editor, but, yes, with keyframing, I have a flag!

One thing to note, there is one other attribute that you HAVE to set and toy with, and that is Quality and Precision. (found in the drop down on the attribute panel). I am not much of a wireframe fan, but, now I see the benefits of using this as well.

[Gra]

Hi

I was interested to see your thread as I was just doing exactly the same yesterday.

I made my flag from a square geometric object and set the dimensions in the attribute panel. In order to get thickness right I did as Ron said and opened Bevel in the attribute panel and set it to 1.

Next, for speed, I just used bend and and twist from object effects and played a little with their settings to get the movement and it doesn't look that bad.

If you have the time, I'd be interested in more detail of how you went about your flag movement as it sounds as if you took a more technical approach (you could even do a tutorial).