How can I add pauses to my video?

[camilaf3199346]

I would like to add pauses between slides, I am recording software simulation. I want to create a simple interactivity, so that users will click the button and then video goes on. I need to stop the slide (video) so that users must to click to proceed. Is there an easy way to do that? I was trying to create a button and this way to apply some action to it, but I didn't find what I wanted. I am very dummy when it comes to Captivate. Please, I need some help. I am using Adobe Captivate 2017 Release. Thanks in advance!

[petern33480613]

camila,

This is a very basic way of doing what you want. It is not the best, and you may not find it suitable, but it is a start.

You can add a button on each slide to Pause until it is clicked to Go To Next Slide.

You only need to put the button on the first slide and make it appear for the Rest Of Project.

Step 1

Put a shape on the first slide.

Select tyhe shape.

In the Properties tick Use as Button

Ensure the On Success option is set at Go to the next slide

You can use the Style to change its colour etc.

Step 2

Keep the shape selected.

Choose the Timing panel

Use the Display for option and select Rest of Project

Tick Place Object on top

Preview the project and you should pause at each slide.

Good luck

Peter

[Lilybiri · Accepted solution]

I don't like the word 'video' for a Captivate output, which has the possbility to be interactive which is what you are asking for (although very simple interactivity). You want the course to behave like a slide deck, your choice of course. This is to me the easiest way;

• Go to Master Slide panel, and choose the Main master (is the big one on the left)
• Insert a shape on that master slide, and convert it to a button by checking the option 'Use as button' in the Properties panel.
• Style that button to your wishes
• Go to the Actions tab, you probably will already have the command 'Go to Next Slide' chosen, which is the one you want.
• Check also if the option 'Pause until.....' is checked which is also by default

Most master slides do use the objects on this main master slide (Title can be an exception). This means that the button will appear on al slides. It will pause each slide at its end, whatever its duration.

The advantage of this work flow over the one proposed by the other user, is that the pausing point will always be at the end of each slide.

[petern33480613]

Camila,

I could only give you the CP9 instructions.

Lilybiri has given the the CP2017 version that you will see on your screen.

Thank you Lily

Peter.

[Lilybiri]

No, Peter, what I explained is valid for all versions since shape buttons appeared with version 6. It is not specific for version 2017 at all, I have been blogging about the differences between those two approaches 5 years ago:

Why I like Shape Buttons - Captivate 6! - Captivate blog

I will only use the shape button timed for the rest of the project if I need control over that shape button: if it has to be hidden or disabled on some slides. That is not possible with the work flow using main master slide because objects on master slides have no ID, they cannot be used in advanced/shared actions.

[petern33480613]

Lilybiri,

I am now enlightened about the difference between Master slide timing and normal Slides!

Thank you

Peter

[Lilybiri]

"Enlightened" What a big word! Once I did a webinar for Adobe only about shape buttons. But those old webinars are no longer available I'm afraid, although everything I told there is still valid for shape buttons in the present release.

[camilaf3199346]

Thank you for your valuable help! 🙂 I've just created those buttons on master slides, it worked as I wanted. It's also a gain of time, indeed. Thank you again!

[Lilybiri]

You're welcome. May I point to one of my blog posts?

Challenges for Starters - Captivate blog

It summarizes what I experienced to be the three most important stumbling blocks for Captivate users. You'll find more about those three in other blog posts. Pausing the timeline is certainly one of the most important.

[SLB1973]

Lilybiri,

I am using Captivate 10 and I do not see Any thoughts? Am I missing something? I just want the course to pause until the button is clicked-- do I have to write an advanced action? Your idea seems way faster but I must be missing something. Thanks in advance.  BTW here is what I see:

[Lilybiri]

Since Captivate 8 the UI has changed. The former Properties panel is now split up in a Properties and a Timing Properties panel. Pausing is in the Timing Properties panel:

The indicator you are showing is still there for shape buttons on the master slide, because items on the master slide have no timing properties panel.

[Tom_Janus]

I trying to accomplish a similar problem.  I trying to pause the slide and also the video at specific locations during the slide.  I have a variable that displays frame number cpinfocurrentFrame, and I have a button with AA Pause.  When the button is pressed, the play stops and I see where the current position along the timeline.  Unfortunately, the video continues to play.  I'm trying to include in the AA commands that would stop the video as well as pause the slide.  This will allow me to display images in sequence with the video.  Any suggestions.

Thanks.

[Lilybiri]

Sorry but your question is about a totally different situation. You are talking about a real video, not an interactive project. If you insert the video as event video, you don't have any control over the video. Only video inserted as synchronized video can be paused by Captivate. More info about Pausing the timeline, what is possible and not in:

Pausing Captivate's Timeline - Captivate blog

You can also watch this interactive movies about same subject:

Captivate's timeline

PauseTypes

[Tom_Janus]

Thank you,   I will do that.