Interlocked Rings - Mask Fun

[Dean Athans Profile Private message]

Finally figured out how to set up two interlocking rings--use masks!

http://www.photodex.com/share/deanathans/428xcmg4

If any questions about "how to?", just let me know through the forum!

It's been a while since I've participated in the forum, but retirement came along and I was (way more!) busier than expected! Hope to contribute more often.

- Dean

[obeeone Profile Private message]

G'day Dean

I like it! I think a tutorial is required

Carl

[BarbaraC Profile Private messageWebsite]

Dean, that's downright cool. It looks as if you're rotating the gradients while the masks remain stationary. Am I close?

Barbara

[Dean Athans Profile Private message]

Carl & Barbara -

Thanks for the responses!

Barbara, you're right--the gradients are rotating (easy) while the masks remain stationary (a little more difficult).

Carl, I'll sit down tomorrow to set down the few steps needed to create the effect.

- Dean

[im42n8 Profile Private messageWebsite]

Yep, once you get the mastery of masks down pat, it's amazing what you can do! Mastery of Keyframes and Masks is important to effectively use Proshow. Nifty effects (like your interlocked rings) become possible with them.

Next thing you know, you'll be tackling the ins and outs of rotation center and modifiers!

Dale

[Dean Athans Profile Private message]

Carl -

I listened!

You'll find the tutorial at
http://www.photodex.com/share/deanathans/pg9xcmg4

Hope you have patience!

- Dean

PS: Now I need a method to simplify the "alignment" process. Is it possible to use a mask within a mask?

- D

[im42n8 Profile Private messageWebsite]

No. I wish. But, a mask within a mask isn't possible at this time.

Dale

[BarbaraC Profile Private messageWebsite]

In some cases, you can simulate having a mask within a mask, but it's really all in the layer order. I can't give you an example because I'd have to go searching through umpteen styles I've created, but you are essentially just partially blocking a lower masked layer with a masked layer that's above it.

Oh, how I'd love being able place masks within masks!

Barbara

[Dean Athans Profile Private message]

Dale & Barbara -

Thanks for your responses--they're as I expected.

That's too bad, though, because the ability to move the "rectangular tab mask" independently of the horizontal circular mask would greatly ease the precision masking of the notch required in this example.

Maybe someday we'll have that feature (or maybe I'll be smarter and learn a different trick for accomplishing the same effect).

- Dean

[BarbaraC Profile Private messageWebsite]

(or maybe I'll be smarter and learn a different trick for accomplishing the same effect)

Never doubt yourself. With each new thing learned, even if it seems unrelated to other things, it advances your knowledge to the point where, sometimes, you realize it solves an old problem.

Barbara

[im42n8 Profile Private messageWebsite]

As Barbara said, as you learn new stuff, other things will pop up. Sometimes they are totally unexpected. Some of the things I've learned have definitely led to other stuff. In the process, stuff I thought was impossible to do turned out to be totally possible. But, it wasn't until my skill level and my knowledge of what ProShow was capable of had reached a certain point.

For instance, it used to be impossible to have one layer follow the zoom of another layer. Not anymore (I discovered two different ways to do it). It used to be impossible for multiple layers of different sizes, aspects, and position to use the exact same rotation center. Not anymore. I figured out how to do it. It used to be impossible to keep the same relative distance between two objects as they changed size. Not anymore, I figured out a way to do it.

Some of what you learn will pay off in other ways because it opens doors you didn't even know existed. Just keep on keeping on and you'll find ways of solving problems as you go. Remember, necessity is the mother of invention. My discoveries were directly related to my wanting to do something and finding ways to achieve it.

And, above all, have FUN!

Dale

[BarbaraC Profile Private messageWebsite]

You know what's best of all? It's realizing we'll never know everything, which in turn means that we don't get bored. I hate being bored.

Barbara

[Dean Athans Profile Private message]

Hi All -

This second--much easier--method uses uses two masks (and two perfectly matched and synchronized semicircular rings) for the horizontal ring--one for the back half and another for the front half.

Two benefits:
(1) No need for precise mask alignment at the intersecting rings,
and
(2) Since the back and front half of the rings are on separate layers, objects can be made to appear as if they are moving through the ring:

http://www.photodex.com/share/deanathans/gacxcmg4

- Dean

[BarbaraC Profile Private messageWebsite]

You're on a roll, Dean!

Barbara

[obeeone Profile Private message]

G'day Dean

Thanks for the how to, much appreciated Love the 2nd method.

Carl