Quick Start

Screen Modes

Comixware comes with two screen modes: Normal screen mode (640 x 480) and Full screen mode (800 x 600).You can choose to run Comixware in either mode at any time by clicking the 'screen mode' button located at the lower right corner of the application screen (symmetric to the Exit button on the far left, this is a TV screen symbol with a letter F inside as illustrated in FIG. 1). This interchangeable dual mode button is present throughout all sections of Comixware (Read, Compose, Save and Gallery). A word of caution: while the Full screen mode provides fuller and richer experience of Comixware, it does require heavier CPU power to run it properly. Comixware's performance might be compromised in Full screen mode if you are on a slower system.

How-To-Use

We assemble a list of how-to-use FAQ (Frequent Asked Questions) to help you jump start your experience with Comixware. Since Compose is where most of the user interactivity takes place, we emphasize this how-to guide on topics for getting around in Compose section.

What is the basic operation of Compose?
How do I edit my timeline?
Can I do insert editing to my movie?
How do I switch to Scene Composition mode?
What do I do with Compose stage?
Can I crop or extend the length of a scene?
How do I go back to timeline editing?
Can I copy and paste scenes or objects?
Where are my music selections?
How do I create my own assets?
Can I save or share the movies I create?
How do I exit Comixware?
How do I get help?

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What is the basic operation of Compose?

Conceptually, there are 2 types of editing in Compose section. One is 'timeline' related called "Timeline Editing" (see FIG.2 for sample screen shot) and the other is individual 'scene' related called "Scene Composition" (see FIG.3 for sample screen shot). You edit your movie in a 'Timeline' strip, and you compose your scene on a 'Compose' stage. In each mode you work with different sets of editing assets: Timeline Assets for timeline editing and Scene Assets for scene composition. Both assets are stored in the same Asset Bin but are contextually presented depending on the mode it's in. The Timeline Assets comprise of movie clips and music of various kinds. The Scene Assets comprise of compositional 'objects' of various natures.

How do I edit my timeline?

You drag thumbnails (clips) from Asset bin (on the left) and drop them into Timeline strip (at the bottom) to build your movie. You then drag-n-drop your thumbnail (scenes) around within the Timeline to arrange their order. In addition, you may double click on a scene from timeline to go to "Scene Composition" mode to further customize that scene.

Can I do insert editing to my movie?

Yes. To insert, you simply drag a clip (from Asset bin) or a selection of scene(s) (from Timeline strip) and drop it between 2 bordered scenes where you want your insert to be. (You'll see an insertion mark lit up when you hover your "drag" over the insertion spot.)

How do I switch to Scene Composition mode?

Your scene must be already in the timeline strip for you to initiate its Scene Composition mode. There are 2 ways for you to switch to Scene Composition from Timeline Editing mode:
- Double click a thumbnail in your timeline to go to its Scene Composition mode.
- Or if your scene is in the Preview window, click on the rollover 'compose scene' button (on top of Preview window) to go Scene Composition.

What do I do with Compose stage?

In Scene Composition mode you are presented with a larger Preview/Compose stage and the Scene Asset bin (on the left). See FIG. 7 for a sample screen shot of Compose stage. You simply drag assets from the bin to your stage to arrange and adjust them any way you want. Each object comes with a bounding box that has controls for you to manipulate its size, position, rotation, text and color. You can also set an object's on-screen duration by adjusting its in and out marks on a frame track (at the bottom of the stage). Once you're done with a composition, press Record button to register your work to the timeline. Now when you play your movie back all the dialog, animation, and SFX you added to your scene will be there playing along with other scenes in your timeline. BTW, don't forget to check other sub-tags of Scene asset bin. They contain many more objects for you to use in composition.

Can I crop or extend the length of a scene?

Yes, you can make any scene longer or shorter with Scene Length control in Scene Composition mode. You simply type in a new 'total' frame number (in Frame Display window) and hit 'Enter' key, a pop-up menu will prompt you to define where the crop or addition to be applied: to the end, to the front or to make cycle of the original movie clip. Once a command is selected the scene length will be changed accordingly.

How do I go back to timeline editing?

To switch back to Timeline Editing from Scene Composition mode, you simply click on the rollover "EDIT TIMELINE" button at the top of Compose window.

Can I copy and paste scenes or objects?

Definitely, copy and paste can be performed both in Timeline strip and on Compose stage (in Scene Composition mode). To access copy-n-paste commands, you simply right-mouse-click (or 'control' click for Mac) on the selected scene(s) or compositional object(s). This will bring up a contextual menu where copy-n-paste and other productivity commands reside.

Where are my music selections?

They are stored in the Music Panel. This normally concealed panel can be brought up by double clicking the "sound" symbol on the far right of the Timeline. It contains 2 tabs of music spaces: one is for the "Theme" music selection and the other is for user's own music selection. You can preview the music by clicking on the sound symbol at the right of each track. Only one music track can be selected at a time, and is used for the duration of an entire movie.

How do I create my own assets?

Indeed this is the most powerful feature of Comixware. Anyone with even a slightest creative inclination should not overlook this feature.

- For adding your personal MP3 library please read HERE.
- For creating your own User BG clips please read HERE.
- For creating your User Composition Objects please read HERE.

Can I save or share the movies I create?

Definitely. To save a copy of your (Timeline) movie, simply go to SAVE section and enter a name for your movie in Save Movie screen then click "SAVE". Now your movie is saved to your "user" folder for later retrieving or further editing (see Recall Movie). If you feel that your movie is particularly interesting, clever or funny, you can share your masterpiece with other users by posting it to Comixware Gallery on the Internet. There is also a feature called Linked URL designed specially for you to share personal assets with others on the Internet. In addition you can use Comixware's built in encryption scheme to password protect your Gallery movie for sharing contents "privately" with designated friends and family only.

How do I exit Comixware?

You can do any of the following to quit Comixware:
- Use the Exit button (at the lower left corner of the application screen)
- Use Esc key or Ctrl + Q (Command + Q on Mac) on your keyboard.

How do I get help?

You can access this Help document from within your Comixware application anytime. Just look for one of the circled ? question marks and click on it, the Help document will be opened in your web browser. You can also get tech support by writing to: cware@yimagination.com or posting your question to Comixware BBS for answer from your fellow users.