Animations

You can create a video of the assembly model, presenting the structure and details of the assembly. Editing functions performed on the model during making the video are stored on a command list, from which an AVI or a TNT video file can then be generated (the latter, Turn Tool, is an option sold separately).

The command list is a text file that can be edited using the functions in the dialog box. You can edit the command list either before generating the video or later, which requires regenerating the AVI file.

Microsoft AVI is the most commonly used video format for the PC computers. AVI video files can be opened in the Windows Media Player program.

Note the following when making a video

1. The aspect ratio of the video file will be the same as in the Vertex 3D window displaying the geometry. The assembly tree will not be saved in the video.
2. Define the exploded positions for the assembly parts before making the video.
3. Use context-sensitive functions to edit the model during video mode. Avoid using the functions in the toolbar.
4. You can use a limited set of assembly editing functions when making a video. The functions used are stored on the command list. You can use the following functions:

• Zoom window: Z key.
• Zoom all: A key.
• Rotate model: Left mouse button.
• Move parts to exploded positions and back with the Disassembly and Assemble functions. If you have already created an exploded configuration of an assembly, just click a part and select the Disassemble function. Correspondingly, you can return a part in an exploded position back to its place by selecting the Assemble function.
• Move a part.
• Hiding and restoring parts. You can also hide parts by pressing the H key. You can also restore the visibility of hidden parts/subassemblies with the H key.
• Parts cannot be dragged when making a video. Move parts by editing the variable values of the geometric constraints using the Dimension Table function.
• Adding a pause between views.
• Stopping making the video.