Documentation

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D I G I TA L C O M I C S
COMICCOMPOSER
D I G I TA L C O M I C S
COMICCOMPOSER
Cap Omega, Rond Point Benjamin Franklin 34960 Montpellier France
w w w. a q u a f a d a s . c o m
Table of contents
1. Adaptation of comics on different screen sizes and customizing content for the
screen - ComicComposer
1.1.ComicComposer
1.1.1.Software presentation
1.1.2.Prerequisites
1.1.3.Welcome Screen for ComicComposer
1.1.4.Overview of the interface
1.1.5.Choice of device (Animated Version, Page by Page)
1.1.6.Standard and advanced toolbars
1.1.7.Navigation toolbar and zoom
1.1.8.Toolbar for pages
1.1.9.Scenes toolbar
1.1.10.Effects toolbar between scenes (Dissolve)
1.1.11.Toolbar for effects between scenes (End of Joke)
1.1.12.Effects between scenes toolbar (Custom)
1.1.13.Shots toolbar
1.1.14.The workspace
1.1.15.The player
1.2.Project creation and definition
1.2.1.Creating a new project
1.2.2.Project properties
1.2.3.Saving your project
1.2.4.Definition of an AVEP file
1.2.5.Definition of a ZAVE file
1.2.6.Definition of a scene
1.2.7.Definition of a shot
1.3.Animation of the comics (animated reading)
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1.3.1.Setup of scenes and shots
1.3.2.Animation effects setup
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1.3.3.Timing of the comics
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1.4.Animation of the comics (Page by Page reading)
1.4.1.1.4.1. Page by Page animation from a blank device
1.4.2.4.2. Page by Page animation from an existing device
1.5.Use of special functions and options
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1.5.1.Adding or deleting polygonal points
1.5.2.Deleting a series of polygonal points
1.5.3.Software preferences
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1.5.4.Exportation d’un Zave en local
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1.5.5.Keyboard shortcuts
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2. Page cropping and JPEG extraction from a PDF -CropImage
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2.1.Importing files
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2.2.Crop Zone
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2.3.Alternative Ratio (option)
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2.4.Export
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3. Switching to an HD file - Kirikae
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4. Uploading an Avep for editing in Editor et generating a Zave file
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5. Glossary of terms
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1. Adaptation of comics on different screen sizes and customizing
content for the screen - ComicComposer
1.1. ComicComposer
1.1.1. Software presentation
ComicComposer allows you to transform and animate a comics. You can ‘Zave’ your comics, ie. to
create a means of dynamic reading adapted to all sizes and screen types from original comics strips.
There are 2 types of dynamic reading:
- Frame by Frame Animated Reading (iPhone 1-3G-3GS-4, iPad 1-2, Android 1.6 to 2.3,
WP7, BlackBerry)
- Page by Page Reading (PC, Mac, Linux, iPad, iPhone 4, Android 1.6 to 2.3. among
others).
1.1.2. Prerequisites
ComicComposer runs on Mac and uses Adobe Air for installation. You will need the latest version
of Adobe Air.
Minimum System Requirements:
Mac: Intel 32/64-bit processor - 2GB Ram - Mac OS 10.6 Snow Leopard
ComicComposer accepts images in .jpg or .jpeg format with a maximum size of 9000 x 9000 pixels.
We advise you to have a minimum size of 2048 pixels to maintain a high quality image.
1.1.3.Welcome Screen for ComicComposer
Welcome Screen for
ComicComposer
Create a new project
Open a recent project
Tutorials
Selection in the navigation
Open an existing project
Exit
1.1.4.Overview of the interface
Standard Tools (create a rectangular or polygonal scene)
Advanced Tools
(change a rectangular or polygonal scene, add movement, etc.)
Title bar with name of current file
Hide/Show screen simulator
Zoom adjustment and minimum zoom ratio depending on screen
Choice of pages in document
Choice of device (Animated version, Page by Page, Full Screen, etc.)
Thumbnails of pages in document
List of scenes on the open page
List of shots on the open page
Workspace
Screen simulator with preview of framing and of the animation
1.1.5.Choice of device (Animated Version, Page by Page)
In this drop-down menu you have the choice of several
types of screens (iPhone, iPad, Android, Screen, etc.) and
thus numerous different animations adapted to each one.
You can create a new device or duplicate it in another.
Le menu animé propose 3 types de profils différents,
Smartphone, Smartphone HD et Tablette.
Ainsi que le choix de créer une lecture horizontale,
verticale ou les deux.
La dernière étape consiste à choisir les fichiers JPG a
importer pour démarrer votre projet.
1.1.6. Standard and advanced toolbars
Creating a polygonal scene
Creating a rectangular scene
Adjusting the shot to be in proportion with the player
Increase size of shot on one side or whole frame
Reduce scene on one side or whole shot
Separate all the shots in one scene into independent scenes
Move all the scenes on the page
Transform a rectangular scene to a polygonal scene
Transform a polygonal scene to a rectangular scene
Adapt the size of the last shot of the current scene to that of the preceding shot that it
juxtaposes
1.1.7. Navigation toolbar and zoom
Display or hide the simulator
Display the zoom saved
Adjusting the zoom and set scale
Saving set scale and zoom preferences
Previous or Next Page
Direct access to a page
1.1.8.Toolbar for pages
Allows you to define a background color :
- For all pages
- For each scene
Add a folder of pages or delete the selected page
Change the page order
This blue frame allows better viewing of selected page
1.1.9. Scenes toolbar
Allows you to open or close all transition scenes by
clicking on the arrow
Shortcuts for creating and deleting scenes
Allows you to activate and choose a background color for
the scene
Key to open transition menu
1.1.10. Effects toolbar between scenes (Dissolve)
Dissolve: Fade effect between scenes
Length of transition
Activation of animated reading with new time length
1.1.11.Toolbar for effects between scenes (End of Joke)
End of joke: Page turn effect. The other keys don’t
function in this mode. This effect will not be visible in the
simulator and can only be applied to animated reading on
iPhone and iPad.
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1.1.12. Effects between scenes toolbar (Custom)
Custom: Allows you to personalize effects between
scenes
Indicates if the effect is to be applied to the previous or
the following scene
Direction of movement for displaying and hiding images
Animation effects on an image
Allows a pause between two scenes
Allows access to numerous effects
Effect length
Activates animated reading with new effect
1.1.13.Shots toolbar
Add or delete a shot in the current scene
Open or close all the shot transitions in one click
Animation effects between shots
Effect length
Activates animated reading with new effect
Shot length
Allows you to place the shot at the top, bottom, left or
right of the frame
1.1.14. The workspace
Indicates the size of your strip in pixels.
1.1.15.The player
Mobile player with a preview of the result
Target: This key allows direct access to the scene and shot that are
currently being read on the player
Timing: This key allows you to time shots for customized reading
Size: This key will display the simulator to pixel size or a reduced
size
Previous or next page (on the player only)
Previous or next scene (on the player only)
Read animated scenes
1.2. Project creation and definition
1.2.1. Creating a new project
- Open the application ComicComposer
- Click New, choose your profile
- Choose your image file from the window in .jpg
or .jpeg format.
- Click Open
- The pages are imported to ComicComposer
1.2.2. Project properties
The project properties allow you to correctly name your
project, but also:
- The reading direction for your comics
- The length of the animation
- To choose the cover of your comics
This information will be useful at time of publication
The project properties are accessible in the File menu
Information outline for your comics
Reading preference
Definition of the cover of your comics
Right to left reading. Modification is visible after it has been
generated.
1.2.3. Saving your project
It is important to regularly save your project.
Click File > Save
When you first save your file, you will need to name it.
A notification appears each time you save, indicating that the
document has been saved correctly.
1.2.4.Definition of an AVEP file
The .avep file is the preparatory file for your comics, this file
contains all media with all scenes and shots created, as well as
timings and effects.
1.2.5.Definition of a ZAVE file
The .zave file is the final file for your comics, readable via our
dedicated readers. This file is generated by Editor.
1.2.6. Definition of a scene
A scene allows you to limit a precise area on a page, either rectangular or polygonal. The
advantage of the latter is the ability to hide certain parts of the image or to follow an irregular
image.
Example of a polygonal scene with how it is
Example of a rectangular scene (white frame)
displayed in the player (the polygonal points
with how it is displayed in the player.
are in blue)
1.2.7.Definition of a shot
One or several shots can be placed in a scene. The shot is the rendering of the animation, it will
correspond to the display that you want on the screen.
A scene is like the field of vision of a movie camera, a shot like the part that you wish to display. If
you want a tracking shot in a scene, you just need to put in two separated shots, you can zoom or
move around in this field.
Example of zoom with rendering in the
player. The first shot shows the complete
image (yellow frames), the second is tight
on the text.
Example of a tracking shot from left to
right.
The first shot is on the left, the second shot
to the right of the image (yellow frames).
1.3.Animation of the comics (animated reading)
The next step will be to animate and adapt the comics on a digital medium. There are several
methods for creating scenes for a comics, here is the quickest and simplest method. This step is the
most important, as you will decide what types of animation and cropping you want. There are three
stages:
1.3.1. Setup of scenes and shots
To draw a rectangular scene, click on the
tool, then highlight an area on the strip. The
preview is updated in real time in the simulator. A first shot is automatically created. There is no
limit to the number of scenes you can create.
Example setup of a rectangular scene
To draw a polygonal scene, click on the
tool, then click to make at least four points on the
board. To finalize the scene, just click on the first point created. There is no limit to the number of
points you can use.
Example setup of a polygonal scene
Once all your scenes are set, place your shots to define how your comics will be read. As explained
above, you can include tracking shots, movement within a large image, close-ups and zooms etc.
Tip: We advise the use of large images, in order to make shots proportional to the size of the player,
thanks to a double click on the shot or with this tool
. You can also resize scenes and shots
so that they are in proportion, by pressing the Shift key.
1.3.2. Animation effects setup
To give more life to your animation, you can add effects between each scene and shot. You can vary
the speed, and even add entrance and exit effects for each scene. The effects are accessible by
opening the scene and shot transitions. Each effect is coupled with a movement.
The main effects: There are numerous effects in the software, but we have chosen three basic ones:
The BOUNCE effect: This effect is advised for a crash, a punch or an accident.
The ELASTIC effect: This effect could work well for people falling in water, or for an
accident without images.
The BACK effect: This works well for a car braking suddenly, or a hook punch.
These are just examples, they could of course work well in other situations.
There are a number of other effects offered in the software, click on
Here is an overview of the other effects:
to see them.
1.3.3. Timing of the comics
Timing is an important element for the comics. This allows you to set a reading time in order to
create a good rhythm and allow maximum user experience through automatized reading.
Step 1: Activate the timing mode. Click on the shot of your choice,
then on the timing icon in the player.
Step 2: Start of timing. To start timing the first shot click on the red
button at the bottom of the reader.
Step 3: Continuation of timing. To continue timing, just click on the
green button. To stop timing, re-click on the icon.
Your comics is ready, we advise you to do a validation step in Editor.
1.4. Animation of the comics (Page by Page reading)
The Page by Page animation does not allow you to have direct visual access on the simulator. You
can mask it. This type of reading allows you to read the comics without cropping as for the
animated reading, but to intelligently display one or several frames according to the screen size.
There are two methods for creating the screen:
- Start a blank project
- Duplicate an existing device.
1.4.1. Page by Page animation from a blank device
To begin, choose Page by Page reading in the startup menu.
The screen consists of three steps:
Step 1: For each frame, create a rectangular scene.
Polygonal scenes will not work here.
Step 2: Once the scenes are created, simply narrow
the shot on the texts to make the text more readable
(it will not work well to frame the shot to the edge of
the text).
This step is important, if the simulator considers the
text to be too small, it will zoom if necessary.
The images without text or with text that is too large
will remain within a shot of the original size.
Rendering on ComicComposer
Step 3: Setting minimum zoom ratio according to screen. This allows you to set a zoom level
reference. To set the minimum zoom ratio according to the screen, we advise (for a page 2048
pixels wide) to adjust the zoom to the limit of the readable text and to press the
tool.
This will allow the reader to refer to this zoom and to zoom automatically when necessary. The
zoom levels depend on the size of the text. For a French/Belgian comics it is usually between
0.5 and 0.7.
1.4.2. Page by Page animation from an existing device
This method is recommended, it will allow you to save a lot of time if you have already created an
animated reading comics.
Step 1: Duplicate the animation in Page by Page reading. Click on and choose Duplicate in Page by
Page reading.
Step 2: The scenes are already placed, now just zoom in on the texts, reducing the shot (it is not
necessary to stick to the borders of the text). This stage is important, if the player considers the text
to be too small, it will zoom if necessary. Images without text or with text that is too large will
remain, or are to be placed within a shot of the original size.
Step 3: Setting minimum zoom ratio according to screen. This allows you to set a zoom level
reference. To set the minimum zoom ratio according to the screen, we advise (for a page 2048
pixels wide) to adjust the zoom to the limit of the readable text and to press the
tool. This will
allow the reader to refer to this zoom and to zoom automatically when necessary. The zoom levels
depend on the size of the text. For a French/Belgian comics it is usually between 0.5 and 0.7.
Example of Zavage Animated Reading
Example of transformation on screen
1.2. Use of special functions and options
1.2.1. Adding or deleting polygonal points
It is possible to add or delete polygonal points on a scene that has already been created. To add
points, you will need to activate the blue line with the points by clicking on it and pressing on the
cmd/Ctrl key on the line to add a point.
To delete a point: Just click on a point with the cmd/Ctrl key held down.
1.2.2. Deleting a series of polygonal points
In a polygonal scene it is possible to delete a series of points at once. However, you will need a
minimum of four remaining points for this function to be activated.
To perform this operation:
- Activate the polygonal line by clicking on it
- With the ALT key held down, click on the first point you want to delete
- With the ALT key still held down, click on an intermediary point
- With the ALT key still held down, click on the last point that you wish to delete
All the points between the first and last points will be deleted.
1.Software preferences
The Preferences panel is in the ComicComposer/Preferences menu.
ComicComposer Preferences panel
Choice of intervals in zoom level
Display index of scenes
Cette partie permet de mettre en mémoire plusieurs ID
pour l'exportation de votre projet.
2.Exportation d’un Zave en local
ComicComposer vous offre la possibilité dʼexporter au format ZAVE vos créations et pouvoir les
lire sur un appareil préalablement autorisé.
Pour cela choisissez dans le menu FICHIER la commande EXPORTER.
Vous devez rentrer dans les préférences du logiciel votre ID, cet ID sera intégrer dans le fichier
ZAVE lors de lʼexportation, il permettra de sécuriser vos fichiers.
Pour exporter sélectionnez le ou les profils à exporter, puis le device ID et cliquez sur exporter.
Seul les profils qui ont été créer dans le projet sont accessible.
3.
Keyboard shortcuts
SOFTWARE
Preferences
New Project"
cmd ,
"
cmd N
Open Project
cmd O
Save
cmd S
Save As
cmd shift S
Export
cmd E
Quit
cmd Q
EDIT
Copy
cmd C
Past
cmd V
Cut
cmd X
Delete
DEL
Select All
cmd A (Text only)
NAVIGATION
Next page "
cmd down arrow
Previous page
cmd up arrow
zoom + / zoom - :
cmd + / cmd -
TOOLS
Create a rectangular scene "
cmd R
Create a polygonal scene
cmd T
Delete the highlighted shot or scene
DELETE
Shot Adjustment
Double Click
Increase scene/shot proportionally
Shift click
Add a polygonal point
cmd click (on the polygonal line)
Delete a polygonal point
cmd click (on a point)
Delete a series of polygonal points
alt click (on 1st, 2nd, then 3rd point)
Narrowing of shot and scenes
cmd alt click
Duplicate a shot or scene
cmd d
Increase size of shot
--> All
--> Top
--> Bottom
--> Left
--> Right
cmd 1
cmd 2
cmd 3
cmd 4
cmd 5
Reduce scene
--> All
--> Bottom
--> Top
--> Right
--> Left
cmd 6
cmd 7
cmd 8
cmd 9
cmd 0
2. Page cropping and JPEG extraction from a PDF -CropImage
CropImage allows you to adjust a series of images to the same size. This step is not
obligatory, it is only necessary if you have:
- Files in formats other than .jpg
- Images with too high resolutions
- Numerous image to optimize use of ComicComposer
- Deleted the printing crop marks
2.1. Importing files
- Open the AFPageviewer software. You will have two
choices: Images et PDF
- Choose PDF if your original file is a .pdf
- If your files are in another format, click on Images, and
in the Filename field, type a *, with the name of the
extension, as in the examples below.
- For PSD files --> *.psd
- For JPG files --> *.jpg
- For TIFF files --> *.tiff
You can then select all your images and open them.
After importing them, you will see the pages in your file
displayed in the window.
Select the first page and click Crop.
2.2. Crop Zone
- Define the crop zone by outlining the frame with the
aid of the green points or click on Select All if you do
not have crop margins.
- You can define two crop zones if you have different
pages, with the Alternative Ratios option.
2.3.Alternative Ratio (option)
- If you have two crop zones to define, check the box “Check if
odd and even page crop margins are different”.
- Set your first crop zone, refer to ratio displayed above the
first ratio box.
- Insert the crop ratio in the specified zone, and apply this
crop to each page required by clicking Apply.
- You can set a second crop zone with the Alternative Ratio.
- Once the first crop zone is complete, insert the crop ratio in
the first box. Change pages for the new crop zone and insert
the crop ratio.
- You can apply the first ratio to all the pages, however the
second can only be applied page by page, by choosing the
relevant page and clicking Apply.
2.4. Export
- Click on Export, choose your file and let the configurations
be checked by default, as we will need the two sizes to be
generated.
- You will obtain two dossiers, the first containing the files
with a height of 2048 pixels, that you will need to import to
ComicComposer to create your project. The second contains
the files having a height of 4096 pixels, which will allow you
to augment the quality of your images at the end of your
zavage.
3. Switching to an HD file - Kirikae
The Kirikae tool allows you transfer from an .avep with pages with a height of 2048 pixels to a high
quality .avep with pages with a height of 4096 pixels. This allows you to work with smaller images,
which are therefore faster in ComicComposer. It is absolutely necessary that the files retain the
same names.
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Click Avep, choose the .avep file with your title.
Click Pages, choose the 4096 folder for your pages
in .jpg
Kirikae creates a new .avep in your folder with the note
[NEW] preceding the name of your previous file.
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You will need to upload the new High Definition .avep to see the actual result in Editor.
4. Uploading an Avep for editing in Editor et generating a Zave file
At the end of your zavage in ComicComposer, confirm in project File/Properties
that the comics cover is correct, check Horizontal for the reading mode and
complete the other information.
Open the Zaveuploader application and connect with
your account (as for Editor)
Choose your title in the list and select the .avep file for
your comics. Wait for Zaveuploader to finish uploading,
it will display the status Complete.
Once the upload has been received on the server, you
will receive an Upload Report email to confirm reception
of the file and the profile type (Screen, iPhone etc.)
included in the .avep.
A .zave file is automatically generated.
5. Glossary of terms
Avep: The .avep (Ave Project) file is the preparatory file for your comics, this file contains all the
media with scenes and shots, as well as the timings and effects.
Device: A mobile or a tablet.
EAN:The EAN is an international system for uniquely identifying objects. The EAN (European
Article Number, but now renamed International Article Number even though the abbreviation
EAN has been retained) is a barcode used in commerce and industry, in conformity with EAN
international specifications, an organism now replaced by GS1. It is known in France under the
name GENCOD, wrongly, since GENCOD was the name of the French organization responsible for
its national regulation.
ISBN: The ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is an international number that identifies,
in a unique way, every book published. It is intended to simplify the IT management of books for
libraries, booksellers, distributors, etc.
Store: An online platform for sales.
Zave: The .zave file is the final file for your comics, readable through our designated devices.
Editor generates this file. The .zave file is an export file.