Trying to Create Flicker Effect — How Do I See Previous Layers?

[marcr64811851]

I've been making a timeline using the max of 500 layers. 

I want to make a flickering light effect by duplicating a previous layer and adding a bit more onto it.

Because I can't see the previous layer (not sure how onion skinning works here) I'm having to guess/approximate what the previous layer looked like which makes it appear a little jerky. 

Is it possible to onion skin the previous layer where I can then draw directly onto each individual layer?

[Trevor.Dennis]

It sounds like this is a Video timeline?

[EDIT] as opposed to a Frame Animation.

[marcr64811851]

Yes it is a video timeline. I'm wanting to make digital smudges that have a continuous 'look'. At the moment, I'm having to guess the previous layer which is OK but it would be good to have the option to see the previous layer. 

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Yes it is a video timeline. 

It appears to be a Frame Animation, not a Timeline Animation. 

As a work-around you could show the »previous« Layer and set the »current« Layer to 50% Fill. 

That could be automated and triggered with a shortcut. 

[Trevor.Dennis]

Yes, definitely a frame animation.  I don't it would be possible to do overlapping frames with a frame animation, but you can layer up a video timeline no problem.  If you still need input on this then I think you need to explain in more detail what look you are aiming for, and better still, show us some examples.

[Trevor.Dennis]

Perhaps the best you could do with a frame animation is to use mothion blur on each frame, and blend multiple  layers to use as new frames.  It all sounds very messy though.  People generally do their best NOT to have flicker in their frame animations, which is why they end up using video timelines.

[marcr64811851]

Thank you Trevor, I'll have a bit of a play with this too. I guess the thing that I like about the frame animation is that I like the feeling of drawing into the individual frames. I always appreciate the kind support.

[marcr64811851 · Accepted solution]

Thank you for this, with a bit of play, I think this method may work with what I'm trying to achieve. Always appreciate the help. 

[Trevor.Dennis]

You should have a good look at video timelines. In fact I think it is the preferred way to go with line animations, because of the smooth movement and onion skin capability.  It plays up big time when you use the movement tools, with misbehaving anchor points, arbitrary un-asked for zooms, and all sorts.  Really not a good experience. 

We have a fortnightly thread we call Something For The Weekend in which a starter image is provided,  and people can make what they like with it.  It's a lot of fun, and all are welcome.  The current thread has a pebble beach, which I thought I could make a kaleidoscope with, and Photoshop drove me crazy trying to make it work.  I ended up doing it with After Effects, and stitching the clips together with Photoshop.   (Bottom of this page)

There is a useful extension for doing line animations with Photoshop.   It's called Animdessin 2, but I am not finding it on the Adobe Exchange page, and I think it _might_ now be called Animators Toolbar Pro.

Frame Animation in Photoshop using Animdessin2 plugin - MDS

There are options don't forget.  Krita, for instance, is very capable, and I believe it is also pretty good at line animations.

Good luck, and please show us what you create.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Could you please post screenshots taken at View > 100% with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Timeline, Options Bar, …) visible? 

[CMass]

@marcr64811851 Let us know if you still need help! 🙂 @c.pfaffenbichler and @Trevor.Dennis  have asked a few clarifying questions to better understand your situation. Looking forward to your reply! ^CM