flash CS4: almost a crippleware disaster
Posted by dermot on January 25, 2009 at 3:29 pm
First, an update: The issues with Flash in this piece can be worked around. The new (nearly unusable) tweening feature can be ignored, as the original tweening method is still in the program, under “Insert/Classic Tween”. So, it’s not total crippleware. I’ll have to use it for a bit to make sure that it still works like the original….
So, that’s some sort of good news. Hopefully they’ll fix the new method, but given their track record to date, don’t hold your breath!
Oh; the classic shape tweening feels a lot more solid now too. So, not a total disaster (just a lot of really buggy new features).
And while we’re at it, changing the keyboard shortcut for the zoom tool from “Z” to “M” was the work of a serious asshole.
Seriously though - there’s no way I could take a job if they insisted on using the new tweening technique. It kicks in automatically if you use the new-fangled IK/bones system. I can imagine a lot of companies stupidly trying to use it. If they do, they’re in for a rude awakening. Even if it did work better, it’s just too crude for fine tuned work.
*** Original post ***
Ugh. I just got a copy of Flash CS4…and all I can say is this:
TIME TO LEARN 3D. This Turkey isn’t going to fly.
Macromedia proved over the years that they had nothing but contempt for the animators who used their programs, as version upon version included updates for programmers - and rarely any for artists/designers. The previews of CS4 looked like the first overhaul for the animators who use the program.
Be careful what you wish for, is the lesson here.
Motion tweening has been completely overhauled. Where once the animator could grab a keyframe and slide it on the timeline, it is now essentially locked in place. Moving a keyframe now requires clicking off the timeline, back on the timeline (while holding down the CTRL key!); I’ve got a 10% success rate with this process.
In addition, all keys now have arced guidepaths built in. This would be nice, were it not for the fact that the beautiful arcs become mangled messes if you make the slightest alteration to the position of the symbols.
If figure 1, you see the first arcs, where I placed the blue box in various keys.
In figure 2, a close up of the twisted arcs following a minor alteration to the box’s position.
What have we done to deserve this? This will not make the animator’s job easier - it will make it IMPOSSIBLE. Flash CS4, from the perspective of a serious character animator, is CRIPPLEWARE.
Let’s see: Adobe has taken away my ability to:
* Alter timing.
* Control arcs.
Time to start learning Maya, After Effects or 3DSMax.
Flash is toast.
I’ll post more on this later - maybe a video comparison would allow me to make some points in depth. Right now, all I want to do is puke. In the meantime, don’t even think of wasting your money on this (if you’re going to use it as a character animation tool). Stick with CS3 or earlier.
Update: it’s not just me. It actually gets worse! (Video link)
With the new and “improved” tweening system, it’s impossible to control ease-in, ease-out! What are the guys at Adobe smoking? This product has been on the shelves for over 10 years - and they’ve broken one of the most basic items in the toolbox.
Time to smack my head against a wall. Excuse, please.
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