Content Dev:CTA Accessories
- Main article: CTA Content Development.
Before you Begin
Introduction to Accessories
Previously, Accessories were considered the same as Props; wherein, it must be applied onto a parent bone inside the Composer to behave like an accessory. In contrast, the new Accessory format inside CTA 3.2 allows for quick application of accessories via double-clicking. For example: Double-clicking on a pair of glasses accessory will automatically apply it to the nose of the character.
| Comparison Table | Prop Format | Accessory Format |
|---|---|---|
| Extension Name | *.ctProp | *.ctAcc |
| Content Location | Content Manager > Prop | Content Manager > Actor > Accessory |
| Saves Positioning | NO: Needs to be dragged and dropped onto the character. |
YES: Double click to apply to a predetermined position on the body. |
| Method for Saving | Prop Tab > save as Prop: Positioning data will be cleared. |
Accessory Tab > save as Accessory: Positioning data will be recorded. |
Basic Workflow
- Prepare the art materials.
- Create motion and establish the visual style.
- Save the motion in the Action Menu.
- Save the file as (*.ctProp).
- Set the position of the Prop on the character.
- Save the Prop as (*.ctAcc).
Software & Tools
| Software | Version | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe Illustrator | CC and above | Create vector art. |
| Animate CC | Save the vector drawings as SWF. | |
| CTA3 | 3.2 and above | Create the Accessory and set the attachment point. |
Content Creation Process
Drawing Precautions
- Make sure to have the style and tone determined beforehand.
- Draw the vector art in Illustrator
- Determine if the vector path needs to be set as Outline Stroke.
You can enable Outline Stroke in Illustrator via Object > Path > Outline Stroke.
Outline Stroke turns the path into a shape.
Assembling the Parts
CTA 3.2 has a new tools for making composite Accessories with parts that carry motion. These motions can then be saved in the Action Menu with the ability of motions with the same names triggering at the same time. Parts creation process is the same as that of Props; for more details, take a look at the Prop Creation Article. A summary of the process is as follows:
- Drawn parts should be brought into Flash and exported as SWF.
- Bring the SWF file into CTA and save as a Prop.
- Create the motion for the parts according to your needs.
- Save the motion in the Action Menu.
- Save the file and create a thumbnail.
