3D Gugle
User's Guide

(Direct Layers)

Sample gallery  2d>3d conversion

    >> Direct Layers project
    >> Menu,
    >> Special Menu,
    >> Caution
    >> The 3D Gugle method

    >> Procedure for Layers extraction
    >> Procedure for creating Stereo Pairs Layers
       >> Procedure for creating linear animations
    >> Procedure for creating progressive animations

    >> Copy, Paste, Crop, Clone ...... of the Layers

Direct Layers project

In this laboratory you can extract Layers from photographic images, sketches or paintings.

The laboratory is intended for creating lenticular images from various sources but it may also be used for converting 2D to 3D stereo pairs or you can extract parts of images for every type of graphic use and animations.

The method used in this laboratory, unique to 3D Gugle, allows you to work with greater precision and faster than any known method.

For more detailed information regarding the use of Layers or 2D to 3D conversion, see the following 3D Gugle tutorials

    Box                                  To extract the Layers from "By Points" method and more...
    Selection LAB                   To extract the Layers using automation
    Layers Assembly               The assemble or animate the Layers.
    Algorithms to Layers         To automatically create the intermediate frames required for lenticulars or animations
    Stereo Pairs processing     To work with stereo pair images

    Direct Stereo Pairs           To convert an image to a Stereo Pairs
    Direct Anaglyph                To convert an image to an anaglyph
    Direct Depth Map             To create and manage the Depth Map
   
    Stereo Analysis                 To verify the quality of the stereo images
   
    Paint LAB                          To retouch or to clone areas
    Combine LAB                     Maintenance of the Layers.
   
    Free deformation LAB        To create a free-form virtual depth or to make stereo deformations
    Sphere LAB                       To create a spherical virtual depth or to make deformations
    Depth LAB                         To create a virtual perspective or to make deformations

    Resize LAB                        To resize the Layers
    Rotate LAB                        To rotate or flip the Layers

    Write LAB                        To create Layers from word or text
   
    Coloured Pencil e Pen            To turn an image into sketches and to create a fantastic Layers
   
    3D frame video editor               To assemble the left and right frames in stereo side by side
    AVI from frames video editor    To create an AVI movie from frames

    Capture Video/Audio          To capture in AVI format videos from Web pages, DVD, etc.

    Save/Resize Batch              Creates a reverse-sequence of frames for continuous cycling of animations and many other utility functions.
    Graphics on frames             Apply a graphics function to a series of frames
    Frame Utlity                      Apply various functions to a series of frames

    Jpeg Analysis                     To correctly save an image using the JPEG format
   
    Frame Shop Lab                  To frame a normal o stereo image
   
    Emboss Depth Enphasize      To add body and form to the images

Menu

Menu Options

"Layers Extraction" and "Layers Assembly" change the working method.

When "Layers Extraction" is selected the LAB allows you to extract the various layers from the image.

When "Layers Assembly" is selected, the Layers are rearranged into new and different spatial positions.
Generally, this section is used for the verification of the whole layer assembly, for the verification of the stereo aspect (in combination with the "Synchro Window") or to produce a reference image for cloning to areas that require it.
3D Gugle's "Layers Assembly" also allows you to animate or to rotate the Layers.
 

"Save Project (Work)"
"Save Project" saves the current project together with all the necessary parameters to continue the work from the same state at a later time.

"Save Single Layer"
This function saves the current active Layer as a normal image with the extension *. gna or *.bmp.
The layers saved with this function retain all the properties of a layer and may be used wherever a layer is required.

"Save All Layers"
This function saves all the Layers of the project as normal images with the extension *. bmp or *.gna.
The layers saved with this function retain all the properties of a layer and may be used wherever a layer is required.
When this function is selected, a dialogue is displayed that allows you to select the Save directory for the layers.
The function is only available in "Layers Extraction" mode.

"Save All Layers as Frames"
This function saves all the Layers of the project as Frames.
The layers saved with this function retain all the properties of a layer and may be used wherever a layer is required.
When the Layers are turned into Frames it is possible to use them in the various "Movie" laboratories of 3D Gugle for dynamic previews or to create films.
When this function is used, a dialogue is displayed that allows you to select the Save directory for the frames.
The function is only available in "Layers Extraction" mode.

"Restart"
"Restart" cancels all the performed operations and Layers, restoring the memory and image to their original state.

Menu Exit
"Exit" is the only way to leave "Direct Layers". It is advisable that you first  "Save Project".

Before returning to the ordinary environment of "3D Gugle", "Direct Layers" asks if you want to save the changes.
If you answer "Yes", the active Layer is recopied to the main window and in this way you can save or correct it with the other 3D Gugle tools.
If you answer "No", the image will reappear in the main window as it was before entering this LAB.

Menu Trace

Menu View

The menu: "Synchro Window" opens a new window synchronised with the main image
This window is normally indispensable when you work with Layers in "Layers Assembly" mode.
For further information on this type of window, consult the section "Procedures" of the Tutorial.

The menu "New Window" Shows a new window with automatic image resizing.  
It is normally necessary to activate this function in order to see the complete image.  
Ideally, this window should be located on a second monitor if your graphics-card supports dual monitors. 
 

Menu Browser

The menu serves for visualising or hiding the layer’s Browser.
The browser memorises all the important information and interdependencies among the layers.
The Browser can have two different modes depending on the operational environment in which it operates and it is an essential work-tool.
Generally, if the Browser does not hinder your vision, it should be open whilst working.

In the image below, the layers Browser is displayed while in "Layers Extraction" mode.

The functions "Mask" and "UnMask", selected with the buttons of the same name, are of fundamental importance for increasing the speed of execution and precision of the work.

Pressing "Mask", applies all the layer masks to the selected point on all the child nodes.

For instance, if the "Soldier" layer has been selected and you push "Mask" the mask is applied to all layers because the parent node is "Project Layers N.0."

If instead, the "Black House" layer is selected, the mask action will be performed on all the nodes from "Black House" to "First houses" because "First houses" represents the parent node.

"UnMask" removes the mask action from the sub-Layers of the selected Layer. To removes the mask for all Layers select the first node (Project....)

The functions "Mask" and "UnMask" will be illustrated in detail in the latter part of this document.
If you select a Layer and right-click, a context-menu is displayed.

"Add New Layer" adds a new Layer to the selected node.
The new Layer appears black (empty) and its name is automatically created.
To change the name, click on it and edit.
The normal Windows editing rules apply.

With 3D Gugle it is possible to create a sub-Layer of Layer. That layer is called a "Child Layer".
There is no limit to the number of child layers.
The child layers are similar to normal Layers but the part of image that is worked-on is the image contained in the parent layer.

"Delete Layer" completely eliminates a layer and all its children from the Browser tree and memory.

"Move Up" and "Move Down" transposes the layer nodes.
Moving a node in the hierarchy moves the priority of processing with it.
The nodes are processed in sequence from the first node (topmost) down to the last node of the tree.
The hierarchy of nodes serves to prevent undesirable overlaps.

On selecting "Option/Layers Assembly" you enter a new working environment in which it is possible to move the various layers to new spatial positions.

“Layers Assembly" mode.  
In the Browser two scrollbars appear.
With scroll "X" you can move the selected layer horizontally and with scroll "Y" you can move it vertically.

The image below shows the Layer Browser when in "Layers Assembly" mode.

The same image after cleaning and cloning with  "Paint LAB".



After cleaning, the image requires fine adjustment in the "Direct Stereo Pairs" laboratory and a final cleaning using "Paint" LAB.

The "Direct Layer LAB" is normally used to convert 3D stereo-pair images only when the image contains parts that require substantial Shift, such as the sapling behind the soldier.

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Special Menu (Mouse and keyboard)

Mouse: Mouse: The cursor is enabled by pressing the right button and cancelled (restored) by pressing the left button.
This way of operating is perfectly natural and learned in the blink of an eye.

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Cautions

The Layer saved with the "Option" menu functions "Save Single Layer", "Save All Layers", "Save All Layers as Frames" cannot have graphic operations applied to them.
For instance, it is not possible to apply graphic functions of the type "Gamma", "Contrast", "Sharpen", etc.
If it is essential to apply any graphic functions, you must apply them only on completion of the work and not on the Layer.

The Layer can only be saved in "*. bmp *.gna" format. Saving with other formats does not guarantee compatibility with Layer-specific functions.
For instance, you cannot use the Layers on this page because they have been saved in "*. jpg" format.

The graphic operations possible on Layers are those used in the lenticular project, namely "Zoom", "Rotation", and any type of "Deformation."

Note
If you want to visualise dynamic previews of your Layers you can use the laboratory for Film Avi creation.
To access this Laboratory, select "Movie/AVI from Frames".
In the "AVI from Frames" dialogue-box it is also possible to select the frame-rate (in frames-per-second) from the menu "Speed prev".
Before using this feature, it is necessary to transform the Layers as frames.

If it is necessary to add other frames to the group of saved frames, there is a specific function for this.
The function creates a new series of frames, adding an incrementing sequence-number to the added frames.
The order of the frames can easily be changed, at any time, in any dialogues of the "Movies" section.
The function to add the frames is available in the menu "Movie" selecting "Frame Utility" and then "Add Frames".

For further information on working with Frames, see the instructions in the section: "How to make animations" on this page.

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3D Gugle Layers

The project described in this section is the culmination of 15 years experience of 2D to 3D conversion.
During those 15 years many methods have been experimented with and almost all the available graphics programmes tested.

Some commercial applications have algorithms for tracing selections but it has been concluded that they are inaccurate and extremely slow.

Some experts on Layers have a set of techniques to reduce execution time but unfortunately these methods are destructive to the images.
Their basic technique consists of magnifying (3 or 4 times) the image from which to extract the Layers.
By magnifying the image, selection becomes more precise and faster and the method also has the advantage that when the image is restored to its original dimensions, small selection defects disappear.

Unfortunately, the resultant image is not the same as the original image, the zoom-in and out operations introduce blurring, loss of detail and lack of 'sparkle'.

3D Gugle's method is faster than every known system and does not change the original image.
The method is completely manual but uses the mouse as a powerful 'clipping' machine.

We have named this way of using the mouse "Click-UnClick"

The method is also fast for applying the functions "Mask" and "UnMask."
The function "Mask" cancels in the Layers (that come later in the hierarchy order) the parts already cut-out in the preceding Layers while the function "UnMask" restores the normal conditions and allows all possible corrections to be made.

In the Browser, the Layers are arranged as a 'tree', with a visual hierarchy that is easily interpreted and managed, the mask action starting from the active layer and stopping at the first node above the active layer.

After the Layers have been extracted, different method are available to recompose them and also to clone and to reconstruct the empty areas produced by the Layers shifting.

The Layers can be independently saved and are therefore reusable in various ways for every type of lenticular application, stereo applications and for general graphics use.

3D Gugle has functions that allow the transformation of the Layers into Frames.
With the Frames you can use all the functions of the "Movie" laboratories to modify how the Layers look, to produce films and to provide a dynamic preview of your job.

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Procedure for Layers extraction

1) Step
The normal extraction procedure described below is intended for general use and applies to both stereo and lenticular applications.
The procedure can obviously vary in its detail depending on the nature of the work and your experience.

Tip: for your first attempt, use the same image as in this example.

After the Save operation, select "File/Open Image"  to load the image that you have just saved.

The original image (of Raffaello Sanzio) is:



Normalise the image
Before extracting the Layers it is essential to normalise the image.
Normalisation allows 3D Gugle to fix some reference parameters inside the image so that dark colours are never confused with black.
Pure black is the colour that 3D Gugle uses for managing transparency.
To normalise the image select "2D to 3D/Image Layers Preparation".

Widen the base
When a shift is applied, the image, in a certain sense, shrinks because its sides (right and left) decrease. To rectify this problem widen the base image with black.

To do this, select "File/Resize Canvas" and in the dialogue write the new width values and then push "Background Colour" to select the black (R=0, G=0, B=0).

Our image, for example, has a width of 880 pixels that we change to 1000.
After pressing "OK", if necessary you can move the image with the mouse or with the "Arrow" keys.
When you move the image, the co-ordinates of the new position appear above in the 3D Gugle title-bar.

2) Step
The sequence of extraction begins with the most-distant objects in the image and continues until finished with the nearest objects.
The number of intermediate steps varies, but generally 15-25 are fine for almost every situation.

A suggestion: 
While working, you frequently have to use the keyboard, particularly to verify the results with the "Z" and "X" keys and the (F1-F11) keys to change the diameter of the cursor.
The "Z" key shows the part of the image not yet worked on and also serves for checking good execution of the contours.
The "X" key shows in white the areas that you have already worked on and it is useful for verifying if you have forgotten some parts.

3) Step
Select "View/Zoom "300"

To cut-out the Layer means removing those parts that do not belong to the objects in the Layer.
In our case, that Layer is the sea (in the upper part) and accordingly we will eliminate all parts that are not the sea.

This is the result.




4) Step
A note:
Remember that your library of layers is an invaluable resource whose further application is only limited by your ingenuity and imagination.
With a file of Layers and with the help of 3D Gugle you can create images and fantasy animations completely different from the initial purposes of the original Layers.

5) Step
A warning:
When you first use 3D Gugle Layers, it is common to make two execution errors.
The first error, which is more common, consists of confusing mouse right-click with left-click .
The second error is to forget that the mouse does not have to be dragged on the contours but should be positioned and then clicked.
With practice, this will no longer be a problem.

6) Step
A warning:
When you operate on the dark parts of the images, as in the case of the horse's legs, it is essential to use the "X" key to verify that the area has been completely treated.

With the help of the Box you can paint the under part of the image and then continue to work as previously described.

This is the result.


 

7) Step
Recapitulate:
In general the workflow is the following,
    1) Do "Mask",
    2) add a new Layer,
    3) select with the mouse the new Layer in the browser,
    4) work on the new Layer.

This new Layer will contain the flute player and you name it "Flautist".

8) Step
The new Layer is that of the conch player and his horse. Name this layer "Musician".



A warning: 
Periodically save your project.
To save the project from the menu select "Options/Save Work".

The extension of the project files is: *.3dd.

10) Step
The new Layer is of the angel and will be named "Angel".

11) Step
In the next three Steps, we will cut-out the angels from the upper part of the image.
As the three angels are positioned at the same depth level, each angel will occupy a single Layer.
That enables us to create a simple demonstrative animation.

We will name the new Layers "Flying 1", "Flying 2" and "Flying 3."

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Creating Stereo Pairs from Layers

In the new section the Browser changes its appearance and two scrollbars appear.
The two bars serve for moving the Layers in the horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) directions.

Conversion to 3D

Generally it has to be achieved in a progressive way.

Initially, you prepare the primary base of the conversion and subsequently you add the following Layers, one at a time.
For every new Layer that you add it is first necessary to clone the areas, then to retouch the work and finally to convert that Layer to 3D with "Direct Stereo LAB".

A primary base for our image could be the following:

After saving the image "Base", select Options/Layers Extraction and save all the Layers with "Option/Save All Layers". You can then leave "Direct Layer" by pressing "Exit."

The image just saved is the base for creating a stereo pair.

To continue, open the Layer just saved with "File/Open Image" and then select "Image/Special Functions" and finally "Paint".
The "Paint" laboratory has been designed for stereo and anaglyph retouching but also contains functions to operate with Layers.

In "Paint" there are two functions for cloning "Clone" and "Clone Layer".

By varying the direction and cursor diameters, these two tools will allow you to easily resolve most of the filling problems.

Here is the image after the "Clone Layer".

You notice that some parts have been reconstructed, for instance the right arm of the centaur and part of a wing.

When your graphic reconstruction is for a stereo application, remember that your eye can detect the smallest defects.
The purpose of your retouching is to provide realistic easy-viewing and not to invent things that do not exist.
To help with a realistic reconstruction, the main method is "Dark stain".

Note
It frequently happens that it is necessary (because of error or necessity) to reconstruct some parts with areas extracted from the original image.
To insert a graphic part in an image from another image you can use the specific "Combine" laboratory of 3D Gugle.

Attention
Observing the conversion in stereo (freeviewing Crossed-Parallel eye) you will think that the image is not separated from the background (sky).
This false visual impression is because you use as visual reference the same image which you are converting.

Leave "Direct Stereo Pairs" LAB and save the just worked image.

At this point we have to add to our image the next Layer in the Layer sequence.

Activate the synchronised window and in the same window select "File/Open Image" and load the original image (that of Rafael).
Line up the synchronised window using its submenus.

Select "File/Open Add Layer" and add the "Flautist" Layer.

Making reference to the synchronised window and freeviewing or with a stereoscope, line-up the flute player in the correct position.



To line-up, use the arrow keys or drag with the mouse.

Pay great attention to the vertical alignment (Y). Its value generally has to be zero.
The alignment values are visible above in 3D Gugle's title-bar.

Note
If you look carefully to the right of the flute player, there is apparently a serious error.
The tail of the centaur is in an incorrect stereo position.
In reality, if you want to save execution time, you should watch out for and not work on those parts not required in the final image.

Repeat the operations that you are now familiar with, that is cloning, retouching and then the 3D conversion.

You therefore combine all the Layers (performing the actions already described) up to the completion of the job.

Finally, you retouch the completed image where necessary and then construct the stereo pairs with the "File/Open Stero Pairs" LAB and then, if you like, add a frame with "Image/Special Functions/Frame Shop Lab",

This is the result.

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Creating a linear animation

Lenticular applications require all sorts of animations and with 3D Gugle it is very simple to create both the linear and progressive types.
With Layers, it is also possible to make ordinary or stereo animations.

Note
The example shown here can be very useful but for the assembly of the Layers the "Layers Assembly"LAB is normally used.

"Linear Animation"
A linear animation is an animation that involves the movement of one or more subjects, but the aspect and dimensions of the subjects do not change.

Before beginning, it is opportune to activate the "Undo" functions of 3D Gugle.
To activate "Undo", select "File/Preference/Activate Undo Functions".

Also before beginning create 3 directories: into the first will go the images; into the second, the frames; into the third, the reversed frames.

Open the "* .3dd" project that you saved when you extracted the Layers.

From the Browser, select "Flying 1" and then right-click to use the function "Move UP".
Move the angel, and the other two angels, so that they are in the first three Layers.

The upper part of your Layer should be this.

Leave the "Direct Layer" laboratory and open the image just saved.
Go to the "Paint" laboratory and use the cloning and retouching functions to prepare the base work.

When you clone large areas, to avoid a stippling effect you must frequently change the direction and diameter of the clone .

A suitable base image for the work to be developed could be similar to this.

Leave "Paint" laboratory.
For safety, save the image and reopen it to continue the example.

You now have to add to the base image the three angels previously saved as Layers during the layers extraction example.

Add the Angels in sequence, one at a time, with "File/Open Add Layer" to replace the angels in their original positions.

Save the job (which is also the first Frame) using "File/Save Image".

Valid names are, for instance, "A0", "A1", "A2", etc to "A9" , continuing with "B0", "B1", etc. up to "B9" and continuing with "C0", etc. or "A00", "A01", "A02", etc.

Save the image with the name "A0.gna" and then press "Edit/Undo First".
"Undo First" cancels the work done and displays the empty base image.

You now again add the angels in sequence (as done previously) but before pressing OK you move each angel to its new position.

To move the Layers, use the arrow keys or drag with the mouse, the amount of movement that you have applied is visible in 3D Gugle's title-bar.

For instance, you move "Flying 1" to the right 30 pixels, "Flying 2" to the left 20 pixels and "Flying 3" to the left 30 pixels.
On completion, save the new frame as "A1.gna"

Repeat the same operation of adding new Pixels for every angel until you are satisfied.

This is the completion of the Frames preparation work.

Select "Movie/Frame Utility".
From the File menu load the frames by selecting the second directory.

The pixel dimensions of frames to be converted to video have to be divisible by 8.
For further information, see the special section of the tutorial for the functions "Movie".

This function reverses the sequence order of the Frames and allows a continuously cycling animation to be created.
On reaching the end, the animation begins again at the start

The reversed Frames are added to the original sequence.

Select "Movie/Frame Utility".

If you do not see the movie below please click here

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Creating a progressive animation

A progressive animation is an animation in which the graphic objects are modified in their aspect and the same modification applies to the animation.
For instance, you can imagine an object that moves near and while it is moving near becomes larger and larger.

In lenticular applications the progressive animation is essential for creating many effects.

In 3D Gugle there are all the necessary functions for the realisation of any type of progressive animation and a lot of utilities and LAB's to make the work easier.

For example you can use "Algorithms to Layers" LAB or/and "Layers Assembly" LAB. With these two LAB's you can easily execute the work described here.

All the dialogue boxes of the functions used for graphics transformations contain a specific button to quickly save the Layer without closing the window and other functions that allow serial processing of Frames.

In 3D Gugle, the available transformation functions are the followings:

Functions accessible from "Image/Transform"

1) "Resize"
2) "Rotate" (and flip)
3) "Free" (deformation Stereo and Graphic)
4) "Sphere" (deformation Sphere, Barrel X-Y, Cylinder, Swirl)
5) "Depth" (normal and linear)

Functions accessible from the menu "Movie"

1) "Frame Utility" (serial operations such as Crop, Zoom, adding a fixed image)
2) "Frame 2D To 3D" (serial operation with Free Deformations)

Functions accessible from the Lab  "Algorithms to Layers"

1) "Sphere"
2) "Barrel X and Y"
3) "Depth"
4) "Sphere"
5) "Depth"
6) "Trapeze"
7) "Rotation" (Rotation, Zoom, Translation)
8) "Zoom" (Zoom, Translation)
9) "Free Stereo"
10) "Free Graphics"

In the example that follows you will create a progressive animation with rotation and zoom.

To begin, create a new directory where you will save the Layers while working.
In this tutorial you will be asked to create nine new directories. It may be convenient to create them now.

Open the angel Layer that we have named "Flying 3" and cut-out from the Layer only the part that includes the angel.
Operating on a small image increases the speed of the graphics transformations.

To cut out you use Box with the function "Crop".
Save the cut-out image as "A0.gna".

To continue with this example, we will apply a progressive rotation to "Flying 3" and we will save the result as a new Layer.
Remember to use the extension "*.gna", "*. bmp" and to use a permissible image-sequence name for the Layer.

Open the new Layer just saved and select "Image/Transform" and then "Rotate".
In the "Rotate" dialogue, set the Spin button to rotate the angel 15 degrees.

Save your second Layer by pressing the "Save" button in the same dialogue.
You could possibly use as a name "A1.gna."

Continue repeating the same operations, increasing every time by 15 degrees and then saving up to the completion of 360 degrees of rotation.

Close the "Rotate" dialogue.

To apply a progressive zoom so that the angel in its rotation will seem to move nearer, we can use the available functions in the menu "Movie" "Frame Utility" in the "Zoom" section.

There are two problems that must be resolved before continuing.

The first is produced by the different dimensions (in pixels) of every Layer of our series.
The second problem is the necessity to use trigonometry to calculate the correct position of the Layers inside the basic image.

With 3D Gugle, fortunately, these problems are easily resolved.

Before continuing, create a new directory (B) in which you will save the new Layers that will all be equal in dimensions and with the images centered to the correct point.

Next you will create a new canvas

Select "File/Create New Canvas" and in the dialogue enter 600 pixels in "X" , 600 pixels in "Y" and select black as the background colour.
Attention: ansure that the colour really is "Black" that is Red = 0, Green = 0, Blue = 0.

To verify the colour, press "BackgroundColour" and at bottom-right of the new dialogue the numerical values of the colours are displayed.

Press "Ok" to leave "Create New Canvas" dialogue . 

Go to the "Paint" laboratory,
Select "Mode/Bright" and in the menu "Intensity" you select "10".

Click with left button to draw  a point of clear colour approximately in the centre of the black image just created.

Leave "Paint", save the black image (with dot) with extension ".gna" or ". bmp" and reopen the same image in 3D Gugle.

Activate the "Undo" function.
To activate "Undo" select "File/Preference" and then "Activate Undo Functions".

In the same menu "Preference" you can also activate the option: "Activate Box auto Xor".

When "auto Xor" is active, the images or the Layers inserted with the functions: "Open Add", "Paste Add", "Open Add Layer", "Paste Add Layer" appear in different colours because they are automatically XOR'ed with the leading image.

With this function you can quickly centre or create a reference point without the use of complex mathematical calculations.

Insert into the black image the Layer "Flying 3" (it is the first Layer produced by the rotation of the angel probably with the name "A0.gna")

To insert the Layer, select "File/Open Add Layer".
Establish a reference point on the angel by moving with the mouse or with the keys until the reference point is over the dot.

The reference point will be used to centre all the images that you will subsequently insert.

The reference point is also of great benefit when applying translations.

When you make progressive translations, you first move the added Layer over the dot centre and read the position value in 3D Gugle title-bar and again after you move the image to calculate the distance between the old and new positions .

In our example, the little triangle above the buttocks has been selected as the reference point.
All the Layers that you will subsequently insert will be positioned above the same reference.

Press "Enter" and save the first Layer in the new directory.

To continue with the work, select "Edit/Undo" and then with "File/Open Add Layer" add the second rotation Layer.

Centre the Layer on the reference, push "Enter" and save the new image.

Repeat the same operation for all the rotation Layers.

Create a new directory (C) for saving the Frames.

Select: "Movie/Save/Resize Batch" to transform the centred Layers into Frames in the new directory.

Next.

Select "Movie/Frame Utility".
From the "Frame Utility" dialogue, use the "File" menu to open the Frames just saved.
Select the option "Zoom".

Do not use the automatic preview of "Prev", instead use the button "Test" to see the preview.

Use the spinbutton to set the zoom ending and starting frames.

When the "Start" and "End" counters are identical, the Zoom action is applied to a single Frame.

Enter the value 50 into the percentage box.
In this way you resize the first Layer to 50%

Start work at Frame zero.

Press "Apply" to resize the Frame.

When "Apply" is pressed, the Frame is resized and automatically saved with the same name in the same directory.

In case of error, you can replace the Frame with the same number Frame that you saved as backup.

Increment Spin "End" by +1 and Spin "Start" by +1, so that both have the value 1.

Increase the zoom setting by 5, bringing its value to 55%.

Press "Apply".

Repeat for all the Frames, increasing zoom by 5% and incrementing the Spin counter by +1 at every step .

On completion, you can immediately visualise the result.
To see the result, click on "No Op".
The label is white and just above the "Test" button.
Reset Spin "Start" to the value 0 and spin "End" to the value of the last Frame(24) and press the "Test" button.

For further information on the Spin buttons, see the "Movie" laboratories sections of the tutorial.

Close the "Frame Utility" dialogue.

Open the base image used in the "Linear animation" example.

In the "Paint" LAB, add to the image a base reference point. Do not use "Bright" but "Dark" because the back colour is clear.
"Bright" and "Dark" are in the "Mode" menu.



Save the Base image and then reopen the same image.

Create a new directory (E) for saving the future image.

In the Base image, one at a time, you will insert all the Frames created with the Zoom of "Frame Utility".

Using the menu "Open Add Layer", add the first Frame ("Frame0000000.gna") and then with the mouse or with the keys centre the image over the reference dot.

You can choose any point in the angel area as reference but in our example we use the same point as previously.

Press "Enter" and then save this new image with a permissible sequence-name, for instance "A0.gna", in the new directory.

To continue, select "Edit/Undo" and then "File/Open Add Layer" to add the second Zoom frame.

After centring the frame, press "Enter" and then save.

Repeat the same operations on all the Frames from the Zoom series.

Create a new directory (F).
Select: "Movie/Save/Resize Batch" to transform the new images just created into frames.

Save in the last new directory.

Create a New directory (G) and, for safety, copy the new frames.

Select "Movie/Frame Utility".
In the dialogue select and apply the preferred options, in the example we use "Resize" and "crop"

Do not forget that Frame dimensions must be divisible by 8.

Create a new directory(H)
Close "Frame Utility" and then copy the new Frames into the new directory.

Select: "Movie/Save/Resize Batch" to invert the order of the Frames

This function reverses the sequence order of the Frames in order to create continuously recycling playback.
In other words, after reaching the end the movement returns to the starting point.

After this operation you add the inverted Frames to the original right Frames sequence.

Select "Movie/Frame Utility".

Select "File/Open Frames" to open the animation Frames (in the normal order).

Select the operation "Add Frames" and with the button inside the same dialogue, open the Frames to add (those in reverse order).

Set the start and end spin buttons in the lower, black, area to the first and last frames you want to see and press Test to play your animation.

With the new series of frames, it is now possible to visualise a preview of your work or to create an *.AVI movie as in the example.

If you do not see the movie below please click here

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Copy, Paste, Crop, Clone, Insert ..... with the Layers

With 3D Gugle there are no limits to the management of the Layers, but it must always be remembered that Layers are one thing and images are another.

When the destination is an image there are no problems but if the destination is a Layer it is only possible to use another Layer.
In other words, it is only possible to insert another Layer onto the destination Layers and not an ordinary image.

Open a Layer. Let us say "Flying 1."
To open a Layer as a basic image you have to use "File/Open Image."

Copy
1) To copy the whole Layer, select "Edit/Copy".
2) To copy only a part of the Layer, right-click on the layer and select "Selection Box" in the context menu .
Draw the Box, (the Box can be moved and resized with the keys or with the mouse) and again right-click and select "Copy".

Paste
1) To paste the whole Layer, select "Edit/Paste".
2) To paste a normal image on the Layer or to paste a Layer onto another Layer , select "Edit/Paste Add Layer".

Crop
To crop a part of the Layer, right-click on the layer and select "Selection Box" in the context menu .
Draw the Box, (the Box can be moved and resized with the keys or with the mouse) and again right-click and select "Crop".

Clone
1) To clone the whole Layer save the same Layer with another name but use one of the extensions "*.bmp, *.gna".
2) To clone a part of the Layer, right-click on the layer and select "Selection Box" in the context menu .
Draw the Box, (the Box can be moved and resized with the keys or with the mouse) and again right-click and select "Move Back".
When the function "Move Back" is activated you can move the part of image enclosed by the Box.
To move, you can use the mouse or the arrow keys.
The function "Move Back" operates in two possible modes, "Opaque" or "Transparent". "Opaque" is the default.
To activate the "Transparent" mode, right-click with the mouse and select "Transparencies" and then the black colour.

To clone with the mouse right-button, select "Clone Box".

In the example below, on the left the "Clone" action is without transparency, on the right with transparency.

Insert
1) To insert an Image from file, select "File/Open Add" or "Edit/Paste Add".
2) To insert a Layer from file, select "File/Open Add Layer" or "Edit/Paste Add Layer".

Note
To clear a part of the Layer you can use the "Fill" function of the Box.
This function is in the Box context menu.
"Fill" cancels the rectangular block enclosed by the Box outline using the colour specified, by default that colour is black.

For further information on "Box", consult the specific topic in the Tutorial.

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