To add frames in between existing ones in Toon Boom Harmony, you typically select the frames you want to insert before or after and use the dedicated "Add Frames" functions found in the Scene or Xsheet menu.
This process allows you to insert new empty or held frames to extend your animation or add new drawings between existing ones.
Steps to Add Frames In Between
You can insert frames "in between" by selecting a point in your timeline (either the frame after where you want to insert, or the frame at where you want to insert) and using the "Add Frames Before Selection" or "Add Frames After Selection" options.
Here's how to do it using the Xsheet/Timeline interface:
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Navigate to the Menu: In the top menu bar, find the Scene menu.
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Access Frame Options: Within the Scene menu, go to the Frame submenu.
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Choose Insertion Point: Select either Add Frames Before Selection or Add Frames After Selection.
- Add Frames Before Selection: Inserts new frames immediately before the currently selected cell(s) in the Xsheet or timeline. This is a common way to insert frames between two existing drawing exposures or animation segments.
- Add Frames After Selection: Inserts new frames immediately after the currently selected cell(s). This is also used to insert frames between existing elements.
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Specify Number of Frames: A dialog box will open asking how many frames you want to add. Enter the desired number and confirm.
The specified number of frames will be inserted at the chosen location, shifting subsequent frames further down the timeline.
Keyboard Shortcuts
For quicker access, you can use keyboard shortcuts as mentioned in the reference:
| Action | Windows/Linux | Mac OS X |
|---|---|---|
| Add Frames Before Selection | Ctrl + G |
⌘ + G |
| Add Frames After Selection | Ctrl + H |
Ctrl + H |
These shortcuts directly open the Add Frames dialog box after you have made a selection in the Xsheet or Timeline.
Practical Use
Adding frames "in between" is essential for:
- Extending Holds: Lengthening the exposure of a drawing.
- Inserting New Drawings: Creating new animation between existing key poses.
- Timing Adjustments: Adding padding or slowing down action sequences.
By using the Select Scene Frame Add Frames Before Selection or Add Frames After Selection menu options or their corresponding keyboard shortcuts [_Ctrl] + [G] and [_Ctrl] + [H] (Windows/Linux) or [_⌘] + [G] and [_Ctrl] + [H] (Mac OS X), you can efficiently insert frames exactly where you need them in the Toon Boom Harmony Xsheet.
