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 If you're using an older version of the app, you may be trying to import a stickfigure that was made with a newer version of the app.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.
I’m getting mad when my animation has the slightest bit of detail it lags I did not have this problem until I got the new update
What if we submit a stickfigure and we notice little details that are not supposed to be there? Can we resubmit it?
Hey Ralph!
How long does it take for you to sift through submits and aprove them?
I know from experience! About 2 years, 67 years at most. 🙂
XD
Wait, are you serious? (Please tell me no)
No it’s ussually about a month maybe more maybe less
Oh good…I thought he was serious…
It’s actually 3 weeks right now. But hopefully will be getting caught up with more than 1 upload batch per day.
MiniPhoenx Don’t try and make him feel better!
Could you make it so that when you use the ‘Magnifier’, you can move the nodes via the little window as it seem pointless without such an ability. I’m still hunting for a way I’d use it as often as the camera or timer but it seems utterly pointless without such a capability.
It’s a nice concept but not executed properly which causes it to fall flat on its face. Try considering this idea; however difficult it may be to code, you got this far right?
And in the Stickfigure editor, the magnifier doesn’t help you move static nodes.
Huh, is that true? Thinking back I thing I forgot to ever check how it worked with static nodes, I’ll have to check and see.
First, as I’m sure you’re aware, the point of the magnifier is to select a node, and then when you go to grab that node on the main stage it will stay selected easily and you can move it.
If you were to drag nodes in the magnifier, it would introduce the same annoying “I didn’t mean to drag that node” issue when dealing with small clusters of nodes, which is one of the main things I was trying to solve with it.
What does the magnifier really do, It looks useless by what i’m using it for
Select nodes. Then grab selected-node in the main stage and move it like normal (it will stay selected).
Like I mentioned above in Epitaph’s reply, allowing the dragging of nodes in the magnifier itself would (at least I think) make it more annoying when you’re dealing with clusters of nodes, and you’re accidentally moving them while moving the magnifier around.
The original point of the magnifier was to just select a node, not actually move it. Now you can move it (after selected) on the main stage.
I’ll look into maybe adding a checkbox to it that will allow dragging of nodes, but I have to see how it feels.
Oh
Hey Ralph, could you add in some new nodes? Transparent nodes, these are nodes that can be seen through which makes it easier for animation purposes. Shine nodes/light nodes, these are nodes that are bright and act as light which should cast the necessary color shadow onto NOT THE WHOLE NODE OR SHAPE, but partly or a section shape of the object! 😀 Please add these nodes Ralph it would make my animations more easier and better so you can cringe less 🙂 Thnx byeeeeee ADD THEM PLEASE, uh bye… -.-
Im Waiting on transperency
So transparency still isn’t a thing? Stick nodes hasn’t advanced much since I last checked then
RALPH WHY WAS THE STICK FIGURE IN MY APP SPAZZING PUT WITH A FACE YOU MADE ME UNINSTALL THE APP ;-;
You guys are still seriously going on about this fake easter egg? Incase you couldnt tell, the person who “discovered” the easter egg is a good photoshopper
Thank you, this is what I’m trying to tell people but at the same time I’m just loling about this whole thing so it’s not a big deal.
Ralph I littlerly just got it a couple seconds ago
>_>
Hi Ralph
Why talk to him? I talk to him everyday
Hi Monel.
Ralph porque no agregas una version al stick nodes como pivot 3-4 de la version de stick nodes y si tambien puedes agregar mas nodos al crear que solo es 256 nodos agrega mas nodos como 500 nodos al crear un stick figure y si puedes poner mas de 25 stick figure agrega como 50 stick figure por favor yo se que es difisil pero cuento con tigo ralph a y otra cosa si puedes agregar la transparencia alos stick figures bajar la opasidad +/- por favor ralph aslo por favor si lo puedes haser ala proxima version 🙂
…………..
MiniPhoenix’s free translation.(about as much as I could do without google translate and a summary).
1.Hey Ralph, could you make it so I can use pivot 3-4 sticks (Answer: no sadly the creator of pivot only gave Ralph permission for 2.7.7 sticks)
2. Hey Ralph. Could you make the node limit 500 instead of 256 (Answer: if Ralph did this some sticks wouldn’t work on certain devices. Ralph wants sticknodes to run smoothly on all devices)
3. Hey Ralph can you please add opacity with a +/- button? (Answer: we don’t know Ralph’s plans for the future. He could be making transparency or he might not. A +/- system would be a good idea)
I have no idea what language this is to translate the answers back. If anyone can reply to this with the answers in their language that would be useful if not I’m sorry Daniel if you can’t read this
1. No, el creador del pivote sólo permitió 2.7.7 palos.
2. Ralph no permite más de 256 nodos porque podría hacer que algunos dispositivos antiguos se estrellaran. Quiere que los nodos Stick funcionen sin problemas en todos los dispositivos
3. Ralph probablemente no agregará opacidad pero si lo hace +/- es una idea inteligente
Copper Anims with the translation save, thanks mang.
No problem, i had like 2 years of spanish in middle school :v the rest i did with some of my old spanish text books i had lying in my closet
Wtf copper knows spanish?
Yeah man, it sucked going to that class tho. Super boring
The struggle is real
The struggle is real, it hurts..