Overview
This article provides step-by-step information on how to create image sequences in SketchUp and Rhino.
What is image sequence?
An image sequence is a series of images arranged in a specific order to represent a specific action. This feature is a part of the Bitmap texture options in V-Ray for SketchUp and Rhino.
How to Create an Image Sequence?
Step 1: File preparation
To correctly set the image sequence, the files must be stored in the same folder:
- The images used for the animation.
- .ifl file (image file list) – a text file with a .ifl extension that contains the file names of all the images used in the sequence:
Note: keep in mind that the file names must end with a consecutive number. For example frame_01.jpg, frame_02.jpg, frame_03.jpg, etc.
Step 2: Load the prepared .ifl file
Once the material is created, the prepared file can be loaded:
- Click on the Diffuse Texture Slot.
- Open Bitmap.
- Go to the folder where the files from Step 1 are stored.
- In the File Name Field, type the name of your .ifl file, then open it.
- Switch to Advanced Settings.
- Turn on the Sequence option:
Note: Bitmap does not recognize .ifl file types by default, but typing the file name or format (.ifl) will allow it to load.
Step 3: Setting up the Image Sequence
After the sequence is activated, several settings can be adjusted. Here's a brief explanation of each:
- Start Frame: Specifies the frame where the map animation begins.
- Playback Speed: Controls how fast or slow the animation plays.
- Playback Type: Determines what happens after the final frame of the animation if it’s shorter than the scene. There are three options:
- Loop: Repeats the animation from the beginning.
- Ping-Pong: Plays the animation forward and then backward, creating a smooth loop.
- Hold: Keeps the last frame of the animation frozen once it ends.
Step 4: Create an animation in SketchUp or Rhino and render the objects using the image sequence
Once the animation is created, it can be exported as a .vrscene file and imported into Chaos Vantage for rendering.