Installing Preview 4 and keep Preview 3?

[justinev91536064]

Hi,

As Preview 4 isnt able to open Preview 3 files, I originally went through the process of uninstalling After effects and then installing Preview 2 so that I could update to Preview 3 again. Now I have run into the issue where I have an animation running past the maximum time allowed in Preview 3 and will need to use Preview 4.

Is there a way to simply install Preview 4 separately without it updating over the top of Preview 3? As I have many animations created in Preview 3, I really need to keep it.

Thanks in advance for you help!

[oksamurai · Accepted solution]

If I remember correctly, Preview 4 (or Beta 5) should install in a new separate folder? But it sounds like you went through the process before and that didn't happen...It's been a while so I don't remember for sure. Maybe save a backup zipped copy of it just in case?

Unless you have a large production currently in Preview 3, I would suggest upgrading to Beta 5. Yes, re-regging characters isn't fun - I had to do it with all 20+ of mine - but the speed/performance increases and new features like dynamic link and shareable .puppet files feel undeniably worth it to me. Your call though!

[justinev91536064]

Thanks for your reply. Yes unfortunately I do have a very large amount of puppets that were created in Preview 3. Actually what happened last time was that I did a fresh OS install, and as I reinstalled AE, Preview 4 was automatically there but I hadnt actually tried whilst having Preview 3 already installed.

I'll give it a go and fingers crossed this works!

Whilst I am here though could I take the opportunity to ask whether these features are available in Preview4 please?:

- Is it possible to rename a puppet and scene in the Project box? Previously I have tried create multiple scenes using the same puppet, but it becomes a bit confusing to remember what animation was inside which scene without being able to name the scene

- If I would like to reuse a puppet previously used in an old file, is it possible to create a duplicate so that it keeps the same set up with sticks, fixed points, transform options etc... that I can create a new animation with, without it effecting the old file?

- Is it possible to copy takes between scenes? For example, if I would like to copy head movements and keyboard triggers from one scene to another without having to re-record?

Thanks a lot!

[oksamurai]

Good luck!

1. Yes - press return/enter to rename anything in the project panel.

2. Not for old files. This was just added into the latest Beta 5 release for the first time with .puppet files.

3. No take copying across scenes yet, but we've heard this request several times - I'll add your voice to the pile.

[justinev91536064]

The Beta did indeed install separately from Preview 3 so thats all good

And thanks for answering the other questions. I have also watched the video now on the new features in the beta and this will surely speed things up a bit for me

Thanks for your help!