Layer and Column Types
A column is also known as a layer. There are several types of layers that you can add in the Xsheet
The most common layer type is the drawing layer. Any time you need to create a vector drawing or import a symbol or image, you can use a drawing layer. You can also create bitmap artwork on a drawing layer.
If you import a picture or bitmap images in your project, they are inserted in a Bitmap layer. If you choose to vectorize your image when you import, the bitmap object will be placed on a Drawing layer. This way, you can have bitmap images mixed with vector drawings on a Drawing layer.
When importing a bitmap image, you have the option of encapsulating the image in a symbol. If you place a non-vectorized bitmap into a symbol, you will still not be able to mix vector drawings with it on the same layer. If you place a vectorized bitmap in a symbol, you must enter the symbol to be able to mix it with vector artwork.
You can only have one Camera layer at a time in your timeline. By default, there is no Camera layer when you create a scene. You need to add a Camera layer when you want to create a camera motion.
The Camera layer is not visible in the Xsheet view.
To enhance the look of your scene, you can add effect layers and attach your drawings to them. In Harmony, there is a series of effect modules in the Module Library view.
When you select the Effect layer in the Timeline view, the effect’s parameter columns are displayed in the Functions section of the Xsheet view.
The Colour-Card layer is used to add a plain colour background to a scene. By default, your scene has no background colour and if you render it as a QuickTime movie or image sequence, it will have a black background.
This layer is not visible in the Xsheet view.
A Group layer can be used to organize both the Timeline and Network views. You can drag and drop other layers onto a Group layer and then collapse the Group layer to hide these other layers from view.
If you create the Group layer in the Timeline view, a corresponding module will appear in the Network view. Any layers that you connect to the Group layer will appear in the Group module connected to an Input and Output port.
A Peg layer is a trajectory or motion path layer that does not contain drawings. It can be attached to any drawing layer, cut-out puppet, or other peg layers; they will all follow the trajectory you set in the Peg layer.
When you select the Peg layer in the Timeline view, the peg’s function columns are displayed in the Functions section of the Xsheet view.
A Quadmap layer can be described as a deformation transformation layer that does not contain drawings. This can be attached to any drawing layer, cut-out puppet, or even other peg layers. They will all follow the deformation you set in the Quadmap layer.
When you select the Quadmap layer in the Timeline view, the Quadmap’s function columns are displayed in the Functions section of the Xsheet view.
You can import sound files to add dialog and sound effects to your project. The sound layer will be added to your Timeline and Xsheet view when you import a sound file in your scene.
In the Xsheet view, the Sound layer is a dark grey colour.
Advanced Column Types
In the Xsheet view, you can add several advanced column types to create particular animation paths. When you create these columns, they are not linked automatically to any particular drawing layer. You can create a motion path using these columns and then link or unlink several drawing or peg layers to it.
Advanced column types include:
• | Timing |
• | 3D Path |
• | 3D Rotation |
• | Bezier Curve |
• | Ease Curve |
• | Expression |
• | Annotation |