Getting Started with Motion Tweening, 2D Camera, and Audio on the Timeline in Clip Studio

Before diving into the world of motion tweening, 2D camera, and audio on the timeline in Clip Studio, make sure you're running at least version 1.8.4. This will ensure you have access to the latest features and tools.

Setting up the Timeline

To get started, set the thumbnail size to None, a personal preference that allows for a cleaner workspace. Next, open the timeline and stretch out the paper to give yourself ample room to work with.

Duplicate and Repurpose Clips

To create a three-clip loop sequence, select a clip, right-click, and copy it. Then, paste the clip to create a duplicate. This technique allows you to repurpose clips and create a seamless loop.

New Features in Clip Studio

Clip Studio has introduced exciting new features to enhance your animation experience. Animation folders in the timeline now have a plus button that grants access to other properties. Additionally, a new track label has been added, where you can add animation notes. Simply right-click on the track label slot and add your notes, which can be moved around and deleted as needed.

Adding a Tween to a Clip

To add a tween to a clip, select the middle clip and enable keyframes using the button. This adds a transform section with attribute slots, including position, scale, ratio, rotate, and rotation center. The animation folder will turn into an object, and the drawing cells will be locked. Use the object selector tool to manipulate the entire animation folder.

Editing Keyframes

To edit individual drawing cells, select the edit keyframe button. You can use the pencil tool to make marks and manipulate the entire animation folder. When you're done, undo to go back to object mode, and the drawing cells will be locked again.

Automatically Keyframing Properties

To automatically keyframe relevant properties, grab the animation sequence and move it. You can select specific properties, such as position, to keyframe only those.

Creating a Jump Animation

To create a jump animation, move the animation folder to create a jump. Set keyframes for position and rotation, and adjust the animation to the desired timing and movement.

Graph Editor

The graph editor allows you to see how keyframes are represented. Use the magnifying glass tool to zoom in and out and inspect the position and rotation of curves. X and Y curves refer to position attributes, while V curves refer to other values like rotation and opacity. Disable the magnifying glass to select and modify curves. Convert selections to smooth interpolation to create a more natural-looking motion. Adjust rotation and other values to fine-tune the animation.

Temporarily Removing Tweening Adjustments

To temporarily remove tweening adjustments and make drawing adjustments based on the original sequence, click the pencil icon. This allows for further refinement of the animation while taking advantage of the existing animation curves and rhythm of action.

Adding Audio

To add audio to your animation, import an MP3 file using the "File" > "Import" > "Audio" menu. If needed, use online audio converters like online-audio-converter.com to convert other file formats to MP3. Add the audio to the animation and adjust the animation to match the audio.

Resetting and Reusing Animation

To delete all keyframes from all clips on the timeline, right-click and select "Delete all keyframes." This allows you to reset the animation and start fresh. You can also copy and paste keyframes to easily reuse animation sequences. Stretch out the animation folder to create more space for animating.

Introducing the 2D Camera Feature

To add a 2D camera, go to "Animation" > "New Camera Folder." The 2D camera has its own transformation tracks and affects anything inside the camera folder. Drag the animation folder inside the camera folder to apply camera modifications to the animation sequence. Select the camera and use the object selection tool to make modifications to the sequence.

Working with the 2D Camera

Use the camera field view to see how the camera will frame the animation. Adjust the camera field view to change the camera's framing and perspective. Switch between display modes to show either the camera field view or the actual animation.

Working with Camera and Animation in a 2D Scene

To create a more intuitive animation experience, start by working with the camera's field of view. Delete keyframes as needed using the delete keyframe button. Fit the screen to show what's in the camera's field of view, which behaves like scaling the scene. Move the camera back to create a sense of distance.

Animating a Character Moving Across the Screen

To animate a character moving across the screen, select the volume and adjust its position to create a sense of movement. Keyframe the volume's position to control its movement. Move the animation stack to move the character across the screen. Adjust the character's position to make them run across the bottom of the frame. Set keyframes to control the character's movement.

Creating a Jump Animation

To create a jump animation, determine the best place for the character to jump (in this case, on booby trap 2). Adjust the audio timing to match the jump animation. Create a jump animation by setting keyframes for the character's position, rotation, and center of rotation. Adjust the animation to make the character jump and rotate as desired.

Refining the Animation

To refine the animation, adjust the camera to keep the character in view as they move across the screen. Turn off the audio temporarily to focus on the animation. Refine the animation by adjusting the character's position, rotation, and center of rotation. Turn on the audio again to hear the completed animation sequence.

Creating a Booby Trap Animation in Clip Studio

Booby Trap Concept

Every object is a possible booby trap. Create a booby trap animation using motion tweening, and use a separate file to create the booby trap animation.

Animation Settings

Use low-res, 15 frames per second, and a shorter time span to create a engaging booby trap animation.

By mastering these techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating captivating animations in Clip Studio. With practice and patience, you'll unlock the full potential of motion tweening, 2D camera, and audio on the timeline.