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allen_swift
Participant
October 14, 2006
Question

Captivate and large project files query

  • October 14, 2006
  • 1 reply
  • 331 views
I am facing a problem with Captivate (1.0). I'm trying to make a really large demonstration video. When the project file becomes too large (200+ slides), Captivate seems to crash intermittently. Also, loading and previewing the project takes a very long time.

I searched the forums for any topics concerning this problem and it came up with this thread wherein a support person suggested breaking down the project into smaller, more manageable chunks.

I see no way to do that, other than copying slides from my existing project and opening a new file and pasting them into it. When I do that, I have noticed that the mouse cursor does not get displayed in the preview nor does it appear in the published SWF. I can see the actions taking place, but the cursor itself is not visible.

Searching for any posts on that problem in the forum didn't yield any results, so I decided to post here myself.

My question is this:

Is there any way I can split an existing project into smaller more easily manageable projects, keeping intact all elements of the original project, and then later on stitch the smaller chunks together at publish time, to create one big SWF file?
    This topic has been closed for replies.

    1 reply

    CatBandit
    CatBandit
    Inspiring
    October 15, 2006
    Hi allen_swift,
    1) Start with your original movie "greatwork.CP" and rename it "greatwork_1.CP" using "File > Save As". Leave the original "greatwork.CP" alone for a backup - or just for fun.

    2) Strip all slides after the 40th slide from "greatwork_1", then save and close it.

    3) Reopen "greatwork.CP" and rename it "greatwork_2.CP".

    4) Strip all slides after the 80th slide, then strip all slides before the 40th slide, then save and close it.

    5) Reopen "greatwork.CP" and rename it "greatwork_3.CP".

    6) Strip all slides after the 120th slide, then strip all slides before the 80th slide, then save and close it.

    7) You now have the first 3 movies in your series, with all elements and movement intact, and a total of 120 slides. Repeat the above process until all 200+ slides are incorporated into multiple movies in the series. If your current project contains 200 slides (shame on you), you will have exactly ten (10) movies, named consecutively.

    8) When you are done splitting the project, open "greatwork_1" and go to "Movie > Preferences > Start and End (tab) ... in Captivate 2, it will be "Project > Preferences > Start and End (tab) ... and from the "Action" drop list for "End Actions", select " Open Other Movie" (or in Captivate 2, it is "Open Other Project"). Select the 2nd movie to open at this dialog. Save and close movie #1.

    9) Open "greatwork_2" and do the same thing, selecting "greatwork_3" as the link ... continue in this vein until all the smaller movies are linked, or "daisy-chained" together.

    10) When done, face the U.S. Midwest (Iowa/Missouri) and loudly chant, over and over, " I will never again create a 200 slide movie, I will never again create a 200 slide movie, I will never again create a 200 slide movie" . . . this should be repeated until you fall asleep - or until cocktail hour - whichever occurs first.

    If your boss gives you trouble about any of this (like the noisy chanting thing), tell her I'll be happy to discuss my discipline techniques in detail - over a cocktail ... while chanting " I will never again ask my employees to create a 200 slide movie ..."

    Have a nice day!
    .
    A
    allen_swiftAuthor
    Participant
    October 16, 2006
    Hello CatBandit,

    Thank you very much for your quick (and humorous ) reply. I shall try out your suggestions (including 10) and report back here, though now I rue giving my boss the link to this thread.

    Thanks again

    Allen
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