Here's a list of some of the more common questions I get from users. Hopefully it'll help you out if you're having any troubles.
Feel free to ask questions in the comments below, myself and other users will try to help you out. Alternatively, feel free to also make an account and post your question on the Activity section of the website for a likely faster answer!
- I want to use Pivot 3 or Pivot 4 figures, how do?
- How do I download/import new stickfigures?
- How do I use a pack (ZIP file)?
- When importing a stickfigure, the app is giving me an error message - what do I do?
- How can I share my animation (GIF or MP4)?
- How can I upload my animation to Youtube?
- How can I add sounds/music/voices to my animation?
- How can I delete stickfigures/projects/exports from my device?
- How can I remove an imported stickfigure from the library of my project?
- How can I add more sounds to import?
- How can I create a ZIP (also how do I submit a ZIP or submit stickfigures)?
- How do I export in high quality?
- If I buy Pro, do my projects and stickfigures carry over from the Free version?
- I have an idea for Stick Nodes, will you add it?
- My audio cuts off when playing why do you suck Ralph?
- How do I update Stick Nodes?
Q. I want to use Pivot 3 or Pivot 4 figures, how do?
A. By default, Stick Nodes can easily import STK files made with Pivot 2 and lower. If you have a Pivot 3 or 4 stickfigure, you will need to DOWNSAVE it using Pivot 4. Open your stickfigure in Pivot 4, edit it, and re-save it as a V2 file. See this image.
Q. How do I download/import new stickfigures?
A. Check the dropdown answer at the top of the stickfigures page.
Q. How do use a pack (ZIP file)?
A. Check the dropdown answer at the top of the stickfigures page.
Q. When importing a stickfigure, the app is giving me an error message - what do I do?
A. If you're importing a Pivot STK file, make sure the stickfigure was made with Pivot 2.2.7 or earlier (not Pivot 3 or Pivot 4, you can use Pivot 4 to re-save a stickfigure as a 2.2.7 file and then import that).
If you're importing a NODES file, make sure your Stick Nodes app is up-to-date as this is most likely the issue. If you're using an older version of the app, you may be trying to import a stickfigure that was made with a newer version of the app. As a result, your Stick Nodes app doesn't know how to open the file.
A. After exporting your animation as either a GIF or MP4 file, go to the Gallery/Camera Roll of your device. Find the file you just created and share it to any social network as you would with any other piece of media on your device. (Note you cannot share a GIF file to Youtube as it is not a video, read below to find out how to convert a GIF to a video file.)
Q. How can I upload my animation to Youtube?
A. If you have the Pro version of Stick Nodes, simply export your animation as an MP4 file. Afterwards, go into the Photos/Camera Roll on your device and find this video file. From there, you can share it to Youtube just the same as you would with any other video on your device.
Now, if you only have the Free version, you'll be limited by only being able to export a GIF file. After exporting, you'll need to import this GIF into another app or desktop-based video-editing program and re-export it as a video file. You would then upload this file to Youtube.
Q. How can I add sounds/music/voices to my animation?
A. As of the 1.6.0 update, Pro users can add sounds to their animations from within the app! Select a frame and look under Frame Tools for the sound options.
For Free users, however, all is not lost. You can very easily take your exported GIF or MP4 files and import it into another app or desktop-based video-editing program. From there, you'll more than likely be able to add sounds/music/voices and re-export your animation as a video file.
For desktop, programs like Windows Movie Maker, Flash, or iMovie would very easily do the trick. I'm sure there are also many apps like this as well.
Q. How can I delete stickfigures/projects/exports from my device?
A. As of the 1.6.0 update, you can delete stickfigures/projects from the Import/Open windows in the Stick Nodes app. To delete exports, go to the Camera Roll/Gallery on your device and delete them like any other photo/video.
Q. How can I remove an imported stickfigure from the library of my project?
A. Since the 3.0.0 update of Stick Nodes, you can "Edit" the list of imported stickfigures (see the edit icon next to the imported stickfigures lists in the app). From there you can rename and delete-from-the-project any imported stickfigures.
Note that deleting a stickfigure from the library of a project will remove that stickfigure from all frames as well!
Q. How can I add more sounds to import?
A. If you're on Android, the app should automatically find compatible sounds in your /download/ folder (they must be MP3 and less than 256kb in size). So simply Google for a sound you want, download the file, then open Stick Nodes and go to import the sound - it should be there in the list if it satisfies the above criteria.
If you're on iOS, since the 2.2.3 update it's much easier. If you're downloading an MP3 sound from Safari/your browser, just replace the "http" in the URL with "stknds". This will open the SN Pro app and download the sound into your library, then just go to import the sound - it should be there in the list (if it was an MP3 under 256kb in size).
Still regarding iOS, if you're instead OPENING an MP3 already on your device (aka not on Safari/your browser) - for example an email attachment or a file in Dropbox, then long-press the file and select "Import with Stick Nodes Pro". This will open the SN Pro app and download the sound into your library, then just go to import the sound - it should be there in the list if it in fact was an MP3 under 256kb in size.
Q. How do I submit stickfigures / a pack of stickfigures?
A. Check under Library Tools in the app for the Submit Stickfigures button, use that to select all of the stickfigure(s) you wish to submit. The approval process takes a few days, you will receive back an email once your stickfigure(s) are approved and live on the website.
Q. How do I export in high quality?
A. When exporting a GIF or an MP4, simply change the resolution to 1280x720 (or 1920x1080). It will take longer to export, and some devices may struggle with 1080p, but will look much better!
Q. If I buy Pro, do my projects and stickfigures carry over from the Free version?
A. As of recently, no. You will have to use a file-explorer app to move the files from SN Free to SN Pro folder. On iOS this is relatively simple in the Files app. On Android you will need a file-explorer that can access the /Android/data/ folders, find /org.fortheloss.sticknodes/files/ and transfer them. Alternatively, you can use "Send Files" in the app to email a bulk of files to yourself. Then, open the attachment with "Stick Nodes Pro".
Q. I have an idea for Stick Nodes, will you add it?
A. Maybe! Please do let me know. Feel free to @ralph me in the Activity section of the website. Not to sound ungrateful, as I truly love the enthusastic users of the app and the new ideas they come up, but I sometimes get asked the same things over and over, so here's a quick rundown on some of the more common requests in in a tl;dr fashion:
1. Transparent nodes/segments?
This is a roundabout way of asking for filters per segment. Unfortunately, allowining filters, or even proper handling of transparency on a per-node basis, requires a whole extra layer of rendering logic. And if you've used Stick Nodes with a moderate amount of nodes/filters on the screen, you already understand how the app is pushing it to the limit when it comes to processing power vs lag. So no, sorry. Not anytime soon.
2. Drawing?
Stick Nodes isn't a "drawing" animation app, it's more of an object-based/building system. It would be too convoluted to combine the two.
2½. Music?
Maybe, but it's not on the priority list right now.
3. Unlimited nodes PLS!
As it is with most denied ideas, memory has to be conserved or you're gonna have a bad time. The node/stickfigure limits are in place to keep all users within a "reasonable" state of use to keep the playing field even (for sharing/creating) as well as to prevent you from crashing the app and then come yelling at me because you had eight million dash effects on the screen.
More nodes = more lag, as well. Much more lag. In fact, TRY to actually conserve node usage when creating stickfigures, it will only result in a much more lag-free stickfigure!
4 Pls text layering...
Maybe.
5. Stick Nodes PC when!?
Oof. Look, I want Stick Nodes PC too. Badly. It would be awesome. It still might happen, too. Here's the thing. A typical day for me is basically wake up - work on Stick Nodes - go to sleep. And that's WITHOUT a "PC version" in the works. That's all just app work. And website work. And stickfigure-submission handling. And community management. Etc...
So will it ever happen? I hope!
7. Pivot projects or newer STK files?
Okay so back when SN was young, being compatible with Pivot files was very important. I'm still happy that I did add support for Pivot 2 stickfigures, but that was only doable because some madlad was able to decode the STK format and properly make sense of all the bytes so, in turn, I could turn that into code for SN to read.
So unless said madlad comes back and can decode Piv3 / Piv4 STK files, I have no plans of adding compatibility with these formats to Stick Nodes, sorry. I mean, there are over 50,000+ and counting stickfigures available on the website, surely you can find something.
Oh and as for PIV project files, same goes for that. I do not not know how to read the files but also, at this point, PIV and STKNDS files are so different (features) that compatibility may even be impossible. Text, camera, moveiclips, filters, sounds, etc...
8. Auto-Save pls
There is auto-save in Stick Nodes, it's called "Save Reminder" and it can be turned on/off from the "App Settings". While it doesn't actually save the app automatically, it does give you the chance to by reminding you every X minutes.
It has all the benefit of auto-save by reminding you to save but not FORCING you to stop and wait 1,2,3+ minutes while your project saves when you really would prefer it had not interrupted you.
Now, auto-saving a stickfigure you're creating/editing in Creation Mode is a different story, and is on the to-do list to be added eventually.
9. But there was no six?
Good, nobody likes the number six it's the worst.
10. Masking? Layers? Music?
Very OP features which would require an entire app rework from the ground up. Always possible in the future, but right now, these are for a hypothetical future Stick Nodes PC release only.
11. I want to record sound pls?
Just use a proper (and more robust than SN could ever do) sound-recording app, save as MP3 (edit/crop the audio if necessary), and import into Stick Nodes.
Q. My audio cuts off when playing why do you suck Ralph?
A. This is actually a built-in memory-saving sound limit that is used by the underlying framework Stick Nodes is built upon. While I can hack it away, until I have time to look into that and its repercussions we must suffer.
Q. How do I update Stick Nodes?
A. The same way you update any app, visit the app store from where you downloaded the app. If you visit that store page and don't see an "Update" button, then you are not logged in to the same Google Play / App Store account from which you bought the app.
https://sticknodes.com/about-us/comment-page-45/#comment-43868
Why.
Idk
After I Updated My ES File Explorer I Can’t Download Packs!
What happens exactly, what do you do and what happens?
Hey, Ralph. New update, pls. I want a cat voice! Dx
A cat voice…that’s new.
I don’t see my transformers
Hello! I’m trying to download zip files on my iOS with the Google Chrome app, and I can’t seem to actually transfer the files into Sticknodes.. I did download iZip, and managed to transfer it there.. But I’ve got to buy the full version to move more than five files (And yes, there is ALWAYS more than five files)! And since I’m too cheap to buy crap (cus we all know ur boy xXx_Pl3bMaster_xXx is cheap..), I didn’t! So, what can I do?
Hey. I don’t have an iOS device at this exact moment to test, but you’re not actually “transferring” or “moving” files are you?
All you need to do is (I believe, something like this) touch the ZIP file and tell iZip to “extract”. All of the NODES files come out. Then just touch each NODE file one-by-one and use the “Open in” menu to open in Stick Nodes.
Yeah, I have it and I don’t have to pay
Every time I try to open a project, pressing the “Open…” button causes Stick Nodes to crash.
Hm, is it a specific project or all projects? Even a small 1-frame project?
It’s just if I press the button to go to projects. Then it freezes for a few seconds and says “Unfortunately, Stick Nodes Pro has stopped”. It also happens if I press “Import Stickfigures”.
Okay well importing stickfigures is a very lightweight process, so no hanging/crashes should occur.
Did it work before?
I can only recommend uninstalling the app and reinstalling, maybe something went wrong somehow. You’re not on iOS right? If you are uninstalling will delete your projects/stickfigures so you’ll have to save those with iTunes beforehand.
I’m on Android. But yeah, I’ll try that. Thanks!
Okay let me know.
Well I actually forgot to uninstall and reinstall, now that I waited it’s mysteriously working again.
Sp00ky.
Lmao.
Help Plzzzzzzz…… ASAP
After creating a good storyline of about 426 Frames and saving it. When ever I open it the app stops responding every time. My phone is YU Yureka,2 GB RAM n 7 GB free space.
Sorry about the problems. So, does it actually stop responding with a message, or is it just still thinking/loading the project? How long have you waited?
It still thinks it’s loading the project. Sometimes it immediately hangs when I click open project. Sometimes you know a small black screen pause which occurs just before a project is loaded, it hangs there until my phone gives me a message that stick nodes has stopped responding.
Does this happen with any other project?
I’ll try to add in a new protection against this in the next update, I believe the project may take too long to load and your device gives up after a certain time assuming the app has crashed.
L0L it was my 1st project. Downloaded ur app 3 days ago and made half a project. Loaded and made the other half 2 days ago saved it because if I added one more frame after 430 frames the app stopped responding(Ya might be another problem). Then opened it an hour later to find the not responding problem. Waited 1 day ago for a reply. Replying to ur reply now. There u go the entire history.
Well, the fact that adding another frame caused the app to crash leads me to believe that you must’ve reached the memory limit for your device. Most people can get to about 800-1000 frames, and some beyond that.
Unless you have another device to use, I don’t believe your phone will be able to open that project because there’s simply too much data (frames, stickfigures, nodes per stickfigure, etc).
Sorry about that. The fix I mentioned in my previous reply *may* help, but it won’t be out for a little bit when the next update is ready.
2 GB RAM insufficient? I don’t have any background processes running when I’m working. Internet off too. Still? Well guess ur right. Thanks for replying man. Cheers. I’ll start it again n this time I’ll save at 400 frames each. Then combine all of them using another app maybe. Thanks again.
Yeah I’m sorry, that’s likely the cause.
That’s what I recommend other’s do, too. Don’t exceed 800 frames, just split it into different projects and merge the exports together at the end.
https://imgur.com/gallery/7hH8f
And there’s more
I’m confused lol. Where is that on the site?
On the user create animations page there are loads of irrelevant videos. Like unboxings and gameplays
Oh, I see.
That page changes every few minutes though. It searches Youtube for “Stick Nodes” or “Sticknodes” for the most recent-uploaded.
For example I just checked and it’s a bunch of relevant SN videos. I guess in the moment you checked there were a bunch of non-SN videos using SN-keywords for some reason.
Hey Ralph, just a little idea of mine: how about an option when, if using the v-cam, can add camera effects to the, well, v-cam? It’d make for even more cinematic animations!
What ideas do you have for a “camera effect” though?
Maybe Black and White or Motion Blur. Yeah, Motion Blur would be nice.
Oh yeah.