We are constantly listening to our community — filmmakers, DPs, and creators — to understand what really matters on set.
Let's talk about removing friction between your vision and your setup. From a revolutionary new way to "stick" props to your models to mastering cinematic aspect ratios for every platform, here are three essential tips to streamline your next shoot.
Step 01: The New Attachment System ("Point + Stick")
The new attachment system offers more control and speed — a "Point + Stick" workflow. It lets you attach props directly to the avatar's hands or head for a faster, more intuitive workflow.
- Start the Process: Select an object from the Asset List and bring it into the Studio Area. For the most efficient workflow, move the prop close to your target (e.g., a hand or head) before activating the tool.
- Identify and Snap: With the object selected, click the Attachment icon in the floating toolbar to reveal a list of available avatars and snap points. Select your destination (Head, Left Hand, or Right Hand) and click the target icon on the character to lock the object into position instantly.
- Attached but Unrefined: The prop is now technically "stuck" to the avatar. While the connection is active, the initial snap often requires fine-tuning to make the prop sit realistically against the character.
- Dynamic Parenting: Once attached, props automatically follow the avatar's movement. If you adjust the pose or rotate a limb, the item stays perfectly in sync.
- Seamless Workflow: With your prop firmly linked, you can now change poses or move your character around the set without ever having to re-align your gear manually.
- 3D Imports: This functionality is fully compatible with your imported 3D items, allowing you to equip your characters with custom gear or tools just as easily as with native assets.
Step 02: Frame Lines: How To
You can precisely tailor your view to match any delivery format ("Multi-Aspect Ratio") by using the dedicated Guides panel in the preview toolbar.
- Quick Access: Open the settings by clicking the Guides Panel in the vertical toolbar next to the preview area.
- Triple Setup: Use the A, B, and C tabs to configure up to three different sets of frame lines simultaneously — perfect for checking widescreen and vertical crops at the same time.
- Custom Ratios: Manually enter your desired Aspect Ratio (e.g., 2.39:1, 1.85:1, or 9:16) to instantly generate the corresponding guides.
- Darken Cropped: Toggle this on to apply a semi-transparent mask over the areas outside your active frame lines, helping you focus purely on your final composition.
- Visual Customization: Adjust the line thickness (px) and choose distinct colors for each tab to easily differentiate between your various delivery formats in the viewer.
- Scale Control: Use the Scale percentage to shrink or expand the frame lines, which is useful for creating custom "action safe" margins.
- Toggle Visibility: Use the global Frame Lines switch to quickly hide or show your guides without losing your settings.
Step 03: Composition Guides: How To
Layer professional composition aids on top of your frame lines for the kind of precision that turns a good shot into a deliberate one.
- Guides Panel: Turn on professional composition aids via the Composition Guide dropdown in the Guides panel; it defaults to None.
- Center Cross: Display a precise crosshair to pinpoint the absolute center of your shot for perfectly symmetrical framing.
- Rule of Thirds: Overlay the classic 3×3 grid to help you balance your composition and position subjects along key intersection points.
- Phi Grid: Use a grid based on the "Golden Ratio" to create more sophisticated and naturally harmonious compositions.
- Combined View: For maximum precision, you can activate any of these guiding lines simultaneously with your Frame Lines within the same panel.
Have fun trying it out,
Dan from elixxier
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