Smart Objects in All New Captivate

[Peter35457120uaza]

Hi,

I'm coming back to Captivate for software simulation after a couple of years and initially it made sense to start with the 'All New' version (version 12 or Charm). Except, can't see how to add smart objects, for example a roll over effect or a custom navigation bar. Have I missed something or is this not a feature in the current new version?

Thanks!

PQ

[Lilybiri]

Welcome back!

This new version means that you have to forget (unlearn) everything you knew about Captivate. All has changed: UI, terminology, workflows. It doesn't have all the features you expect (yet?) because it can only create responsive projects which comes immediately with a lot of limitations: nothing timed for multiple slides, no stacking of objects in the same location, not adding custom states to buttons nor objects to states etc...

Moreover all is based on the concept of using canned slide templates and inserting blocks which have a predefined layout in three situations (desktop, tablet, mobile). There is no library to structure the assets, nor a possibility to import from external libraries, no master slides, no object styles (only text styles), no advanced/shared actions and a reduced set of system variables. At this moment it is aimed at another type of developers, but personally I cannot answer any requests from my clients in this new version.

To answer your question, I suspect that you are talking about smart shapes and rollover objects? Not available in this version. You can use any image (from one of the slide templates or from a block) to 'trigger' an interaction. That was also possible in version 11.5.5.553, both SVGs and bitmap images could be used as buttons to trigger simple, advanced and shared actions. But in 12 you need to build each interaction from scratch, although you can copy/paste interactions. No reusability, some customisation (for design) is possible. The click box is an old object which is only available in software sims, not in any content nor quiz slide. Bit weird, because a click box is stacked, but in a sim it is stacked on top of a recorded background. 

My recommendation: install Classic Captivate along with Charm. It is rather buggy (version 11.8.2) compared with 11.5.5.553 but the only one which can be installed on the same system as version 12 beause the extension of the files is different and the installation folder looks different as well. Use the software sims from that Classic version, you'll be less frustrated. 

If responsive projects are important for you, Classic Captivate has the Fluid Boxes workflow, which has also limitations but less than version 12. You will also find a lot more information about that version than for version 12.

To be fair, one of the improvements in Charm is the possibility to insert bookmarks on all slides except quiz slides. Here is a blog post where I compare:

https://blog.lilybiri.com/bookmarking-in-captivate-classic-and-new-introduction

[Peter35457120uaza]

Wow, thank you for your reply, it is very much apprreciated.

Obvioulsy back to old Captivate for me then!

Thanks again, espeshally for the detail.

PQ

[Lilybiri]

I hope that we get back all the previous features, but don't know how long this will take. My secret expectation is that they continue to develop both versions, just like the concurrent who has both SL and Rise (last is similar in its advantages/disadvantages to this new Charm version). They are clearly meant to two different types of developers but that is of course my personal opinion. 

If you need more help with Captivate Classic, do not hesitate. I have many blog posts which could help, although not with the new bugs in version 11.8.2.  I installed it for exploring but not on the PC which I use for jobs.

[Peter35457120uaza]

Thanks again Lilybiri, that is very much appreciated 🙂