MACROMEDIA DIRECTOR MX 2004-USING DIRECTOR Use Manual page 93

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
To use the Space to Time command:
Select Edit > Preferences > Sprite and set Span Duration to 1 frame.
1
Set the span duration to any setting you like, but Space to Time works best with shorter sprites.
Note: If you are using a Macintosh OS X operating system, select the Director menu, instead of
the Edit menu, to access Preferences.
Select an empty frame in the Score.
2
This is usually at the end of the Score.
Drag cast members onto the Stage to create sprites where you want them to appear in the
3
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.
Select all the sprites that are part of the sequence in the Score or on the Stage.
4
Select Modify > Space to Time.
5
The Space to Time dialog box appears.
Enter the number of frames you want between each cast member in the Separation text box
6
Director rearranges the sprites so that instead of being arranged from top to bottom in a single
frame, they are 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.
"Using onion skinning" on page
Shortcuts for animating with multiple cast members
125.
93