Timeline Question

srjohnson · Post by **srjohnson** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 1:21 am

The timelne in Ulead starts with square's on each parameter. When I try to move those squares, I get a hand with a can't do symbol.

My question is, I have quite a few images on the stage. I want some of them to be transparent from frame 1 to maybe 20, and then fade in. But I can't adjust the transparency on a keyframe on frame one. Is there a reason for this?

Thanks!

Post by **Ron P.** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 1:38 am

Yes you can change the transparency on the first frame.

For the object you want to change the transparency, select the first frame.
Then on the left side of the Timeline, look for and select the Transparency timeline.
Now in the Attribute Panel the Transparency attribute should be visable. If not click on the arrow for the drop down menu and select it.
There is a slider with numbers going from 0-100. 0=no transparency or visible, 100=transparent, or not visible. Slide the slider to the right, so you have a value of 100 %. Now your object should be transparent.
Go to a later frame, say 20, and click on that frame, in the Transparency Timeline.
You should still have 100% transparency. Now click on the + to add a keyframe to frame 20.
Now go to the frame you want your object to be visible. Click on the + to add a keyframe, then change the transparency attribute to 0.

Now your object will be transparent from Frame1 through 20. Lets say you wanted it opaque (visible) on frame 40. Starting on Frame 21 it will start to fade-in, and will have 0% transparency on Frame 40..

Hope that helps...

srjohnson · Post by **srjohnson** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 1:41 am

I see that works. I think I am confused with what can be transparent, though. I have a particle effect, clouds, that I don't want to be present on frame 1. But I cannot move the square mark on show/hide, nor does transparency seem to work on the particle effect clounds. How do people make clouds (or any other particle effect) move it's emergence to a different point on the timeline?? I can make an object transparent on frame one and then keyframe frame 30 and make transparency 0%. Clouds don't seem to respect transparency setting. Is there another way?

Post by **Ron P.** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 3:29 am

Ok first, I think you have figured out, you can not move or delete the first keyframe.

Now I'm not sure what you're using for your clouds, I'm guessing maybe the smoke particle effects. If so try using the Show/Hide. On Frame 1 click on the Eye icon in the menu at the top. Then go to the frame you want to Show the effect and click on the Eye icon again. You should notice that it appears depressed. Then after clicking, to Show, you should have a blue line starting from the frame you are in, continuing to the right.

If you're not using a particle effect, could you advise where this "cloud" is that you are using? I've looked through my easy palette and do not find a cloud.

srjohnson · Post by **srjohnson** » Sun Nov 12, 2006 4:08 am

The SHOW HIDE button... man, lots to learn........ Thanks!!!!

And yes, I am using a few smoke effects to create a cloud. Just couldn't get it to show up where I wanted it!