Why has my Properties panel disappeared?

Report · Mar 01, 2018

I've recorded a video demo in Captivate 8 and am annotating it with highlights, text, etc.

I shut down yesterday and opened it up today, but my Properties panel has disappeared. It is not in my Windows list. Can someone tell me how to get it back?

Thank you very much.

Report · Mar 02, 2018

Strange... are you sure to be in the Video Demo Editor? It is not a cpvc-slide inserted in a cptx-file?

What is the exact version number? Did you try to clean the Preferences?

Report · Mar 02, 2018

I am working with Captivate 8.0.0.145;

I recorded the screencast with the Video Demo tool and then clicked the tiny Edit button in the lower right corner. I worked with it a bit and then saved and closed it to work more later.

Now when I open the file, the Properties panel is gone.

I've got the screenshot along with the file name and Windows menu list below.

Thank you very much.

Report · Mar 02, 2018

You still are on the first, pretty buggy version of 8. Please install the updates, you should be on 8.0.3 (missed at least 3 patches).

Clean the Preferences: you need Administrator rights, look for the CleanPreverences.... file in the subfolder 'utils' under the installation folder of Captivate and run that file while Captivate is closed.

Report · Mar 02, 2018

I've gone through the Preferences, and everything is set appropriately. Could you give me directions to "clean the Preferences"?

Thanks

Report · Mar 02, 2018

I explained how to clean Preferences, quote:

......you need Administrator rights, look for the CleanPreferences.... (the one appropriate for your OS) file in the subfolder 'utils' under the installation folder of Captivate and run that file while Captivate is closed.

When you restart CP, a fresh Preferences folder will be installed.

Report · Mar 02, 2018

Thank you again; we've downloaded the patches. I now have version 8.0.3.290.

We also run the CleanPreferences file.

I still don't have the Properties tab. I also realize that I don't have the ribbon of tools (as reflected in the first screenshot).

Report · Mar 02, 2018

Hmmm, I don't use Video Demo regularly. It looks like the file has been corrupted. Moreover I only have CP9 and CP2017 installed. May I ask to test this workflow?

Open a blank cptx-project with the same resolution as the Video Demo file.
Use the menu Insert, cpvc-slide and insert the cpvc-file.
In the Properties panel you should be able to find an 'Edit..... ' button, when clicking that button the Video Demo editor should open as well. I wonder if you get the full UI in that case.

Report · Mar 02, 2018

Hello again; I've performed your directions above and it works as you say.

Within the cptx file, I have the Properties panel. Does this mean I have to create a fake cptx file to hold my cpvc file to have the capability to edit my object properties?

Report · Mar 02, 2018

You have now the Properties panel for everything. Object Properties will only appear if you have an added ostatic bject like an image, shape to the video demo. What is bothering me more is the lack of the Big Button Bar in the video demo editor.

Not necessarily. You will have to record a short video demo, to see if you have the same issues. If you can reproduce the issues, it looks lke you need a reinstallation. If not, it was only a problem with this particular video demo file.

BTW did you read this blog post:

Video Demo Timeline demystified (cpvc-project) - Captivate blog

Report · Mar 02, 2018

No, I haven't read that blog. I'll read it over lunch. The Properties is still pretty wonky.

I have it initially in the cptx file as I had it initially in the cpvc file. But when I left the cptx slide and then went back to it, the Properties panel was no longer there. That is exactly what happened with my cpvc file.

I found a previous question, somewhat different, but related. Re: Properties Panel closes when I try to Find in Library

I enabled the customized workspaces panel and have the Properties panel back.

Thank you very much.

Report · Mar 02, 2018

If I get time, I'll record a dummy screencast and then screencast the Properties panel behavior and upload so you can see what happens.

Report · Mar 02, 2018

That was another bug, not sure it is releated to your problems.

As I never use the newbie UI because I like to have custom workspaces, I have not thought about giving you that suggestion, especially since custom workspaces have no real meaningi in a Video Demo project.