Permanently setting the transformation point of an object in one position each keyframe

[Gian05]

VERSION: Animate CC 2017

SYSTEM: Windows 10 64-bit

Back when I used Flash CS6, objects were perfectly scaled when I used the FTT (free transform tool).

Now, not so much.

Whenever I scale the object using the FTT, both sides of the object scale, for example, I scale the left part, the right part scales as well. However, this was not the case for CS6, in which only what I dragged was scaled.

Now, it still happens when I happen to drag the TP (transform point) to where I want it to be, but it doesn't stay in each keyframe, every new keyframe I do, the TP goes back to the center. Is there some workaround for this?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[robdillon]

If you set the keyframes before you moved the registration point in the first keyframe then yes, the registration point in each keyframe will remain as it was when you created the keyframe. If you want each instance of the object to have the same registration point then set the point in the first keyframe and then make the new keyframes based on that change.

[Gian05]

Sorry, I don't understand this much.

I dragged the TP somewhere else in the first frame, but pressing F6, the next keyframe makes it go back.

[robdillon]

Yes, that's what keyframes do. Each keyframe holds a new instance of the symbol. The properties of that symbol: width, height, rotation, position of the registration point, etc. are all based on the original symbol in the Library, or, the properties as they were set in the previous keyframe before the new keyframe was set.

For instance, if you drag out a symbol instance onto the stage at a keyframe and then create a new keyframe in that layer 10 frames later, the two symbol instances will look the same. If you then rotate the first instance 45 degrees, the second instance remains as it was. So, if you want to change the registration point for each instance, you need to start with one instance in one keyframe. Change that symbol's registration point, then create new keyframes in that layer. Each of those new instances in the new keyframes will inherit the registration point change from the previous keyframe.

[Gian05]

How would you make that work on this case:

I have a symbol of 4 layers, where I need all of tjese layers to scale upwards in sync.

Since you said 1 instance in one keyframe, how about 4 layers?

[robdillon]

If the symbol contains four layers and you have that symbol on the stage in a keyframe, then make a second keyframe and scale that symbol. All of the contents of the symbol will scale at the same rate. While each of the objects inside the symbol has its own registration point, the symbol itself has only one transformation point.

The individual object registration points look like crosshairs. The transformation point looks like a small black circle filled with white.

[Gian05]

Sorry. I still really don't understand.

I am supposed to make a bouncing ball loop symbol so I don't have to repeatedly do it on the stage,
this is where the trans point goes back to the center every keyframe.

I mean, it works when I'm doing it on the scene stage, but symbols, not.

[robdillon]

OK, for both CS6 and Animate CC2017, to make a Motion tween, the type of tween that shows a frame by frame trail on the stage:

1. In a keyframe create or add a symbol object to the stage.

2. Extend the timeline for that layer some number of frames, say 10.

3. Right click on the keyframe and select Motion Tween.

4. Select frame 5 in the timeline for that layer.

5. Move and resize the symbol at that frame. You should see the frame trail appear on the stage.

6. Select frame 10 in the timeline.

7. Move and resize the symbol again. You should see an additional frame trail.

Test the movie. You should see a tweened animation from frame 1 to frame 10.

For both CS6 and Animate CC2017 to make a Classic Tween, a simpler tween that animates between two keyframes:

1. In a keyframe create or add a symbol object to the stage.

2. Extend the timeline for that layer some number of frames, say 10.

3. Right click on frame 10 and select Insert Keyframe.

3. Right click on frame 5 and select Insert Keyframe. You should now have 3 keyframes, 1, 5 and 10.

4. Right click on the first keyframe and select Classic Tween. Do the same for frame 5.

5. Select the symbol at frame 5 and Move and resize the symbol at that frame.

Test the movie. You should see a tweened animation from frame 1 to frame 10.

Do either of these sequences do what you need?

[Gian05]

It does do the tween but, the problem regarding the transformation point is still ongoing.

I just need the transformation point to stay in place per keyframe while I'm editing a SYMBOL, on the SYMBOL'S STAGE, not the SCENE STAGE.

The point does stay when I'm editing on SCENE STAGE, but resets when I animate per keyframe on SYMBOL'S STAGE.

Because I will be using this symbol many many times, so I will just animate the symbol itself so everytime I place it on the stage, It does its animation.

[robdillon · Accepted solution]

While I'm not exactly sure what you're attempting, I think that you might get what you want if you place your symbol in a symbol. In other words, select the symbol on the stage and then right click and convert that symbol to a symbol. That will give you an envelope symbol where you can set the transformation point. Then you can edit the contents of that envelope to get the effect that you want.

[Gian05]

Oh yes! It really did work. That was the simple solution, make the symbol into another symbol.

I thank you for your efforts to help me.

[robdillon]

You're welcome, I'm glad you got it sorted out.