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 If you're using an older version of the app, you may be trying to import a stickfigure that was made with a newer version of the app.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.
@Norah you’ll need the itunes app (im sure it cane with your macbook) open that up, plug in your iphone via cable to the macbook and click on the phone icon. In there youll need to go to Apps and scroll down until you see sticknodes, click on that and you should be brought to a list of sticks and projects already in your sticknodes. Find where the sticks you want to import are, and drag and drop into the list! Have fun 🙂
FearlessAnimations, promoted.
Thank you, soooo much!
I have a kindle fire and I just downloaded a couple of stick figures, how do I get them onto the app from this device? I don’t know if its IOS or Android. (Not allowed to let out real name)
My mother got the same tablet I think. you need to download ES file explorer, go to downloads, find your stickfigures, and send them to Main storage/Stick Nodes/Stickfigures
If that doesnt work, you need to download them on your computer, you exactly do the same steps as the ES file explorer except that the stickfigures aren’t downloaded on your tablet.
No problem Ralph, I saved you some seconds.
HEY DID YOU MADE THE POWER RANGERS STICKFIGURES?
They are almost done, I don’t have a lot of times these days but when I have some free time I spent it to make the stickfigures, just don’t worry, they’ll be done soon.
Ok i can’t wait thank you sooooo much
Are some of THESE Done? If yes THEN put the rangers THAT you made in the stock nodes site please
Err i mean stick nodes
I MADE THE SPD ONE NOW LET ME TAKE A BREAK.
Here it is : http://m.imgur.com/iQWUlpI
Oh ok BUT please put them on the STICK NODES site i really NEED them
Wow THAT one is AWESOME its perfect
Spd emergency go POWER RANGERS spd POWER RANGERS to the rescue lol space patrol space patrol space patrol delta go power rangers spd POWER RANGERS to the rescue lol
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=7moS8Burqvk
Best season they made so far, but in the intro, the way they introduce themselves makes them look stupid.
BUT MAKE them look just like the spd one i mean the same body
What are you talking about? Its just like in the series.
Okey okey, there ; https://www.dropbox.com/s/pxn66wbbaf5vlct/Power%20ranger%20SPD%20pls%20kill%20me%20ralph.nodes?dl=0
It will be on the website soon anyways.
THATS NOT funny WHY DID yu wrote pls kill ME ralph?
Because dogs.
Ok BUT ITS enough only one ranger from everry POWER RANGERS series THAT YOU know
No i mean to look like the same body model OF the spd stickfigure
I don’t get it, I don’t know what you mean.
I mean the other POWER RANGERS YOU know samurai AND wild force must HAVE THE same body of the spd ranger
Kindles run on Android, so just follow the same instructions for Android devices.
Um I need help in on kindle fire to my mp4″s aren’t exporting and it closes the app! (Also get ex file explorer and cut and past files to add them in)
I’m hoping to make the MP4 export progress smoother in 1.7.0, but do you have a lot of space left on your device?
Can i suggest a “suggestions” tab lol y’know so i don’t have to go to faq’s or whereever else
We had one for a while, but it wasn’t used properly and was difficult to maintain properly, so it went away lol.
Um dude can you add a feature that we can do text to speech.
Probably not, that’s not too animation-specific of a feature.
If you download a nodes file then you dont see any nodes file on downloads? Then find the folder named myfavorite in there you will see all downloads (if not then i dont know wheres the nodes files)thanks if it helps. PS:only on android ^_^
I mean the same segment size the same segmet thickness at the other POWER RANGERS from the other series THAT YOU know just like the spd one
OHHH okey i get it, you meant the same segment thickness and stuff, okey. The thickness and segment lenght wont change since 90% of my stickfigures are made with the default Pivot stickfigure, and I actually used th it for the power ranger SPD.
DID you made ANOTHER POWER RANGERS STICKFIGURE?
Yes I did, calm down.
The hype seems to be real for Power Rangers…
That guy is so hyped, I never saw a fan like this
Ok BUT i didnt wrote WITH big letters THEY are just coming out
From what series?
Wild force, Mystic force (withour watching the intro, I couldn’t remember I used watch this) and Dino thunder
Oh ok cool THEN show me the links OF them i WANNA SEE them
I will show them and submit them when you’ll show me an animation with the SPD one 8)
POWAH RANGERS SPD POWER RANGERS TO THE RESCUE!!1!1
I hate you now, because i am listening to the SPD intro almost every day.
Please give ME a link OF them i wanna see how do THEY look
Fine BUT one problem i don’t know how to put IT on youtube
WTF DOESIS THAT INTRO SO IMPORTANT FOR YOU?
Make a youtube channel, import the animation into mp4, share it on youtube, wait, done
Or make a .gif and share it on imgur, done
AND I CARE ABOUT THIS INTRO BECAUSE ITS MY FIRST POWER RANGERS.
Woah woah woah ok calm down
Oh yeah AND today IS MY birthday so SUBMIT THESE STICKFIGURES AND SHOW ME THE LINKS OF THEM
I already sent them.
I also may be a bit busy right now
*AHERM*
http://www.noelshack.com/2016-19-1463241729-20160514-180128.jpg
So I will stop making power rangers stuff for the moment.
DmLan, I noticed you keep saying “import MP4”. You mean to say “export”. Imports go in, exports go out.
Get good at English already…
Also happy late birthday Teodorninja!
I know that, it’s just that sometimes for some reasons I say export instead of import and vice-versa.
Why are you so hype about that power ranger if you want that then make yourself dont push other people so hard just to make that xD
Nah, It’s fine. I really enjoy making stickfigures.
I can’t see the image
If you’re on phone, click on the link for a very long time and use “open in another window”
If you’re on pc, right click.
Also it’s not the power rangers.
It’s just a simple picture of the character selection of Smash Bros Melee.
Disapointed? I knew it. :3
GIVE ME THE TRUE LINK OF THEM AND SUBMIT THEM RIGHT NOW AND NO MORE LIE THIS TIME
AND THATS NOT FUNNY
That wasn’t supposed to be funny but okey.
Now, be nice and wait until Ralph put my stuff on the website, okay?
Ok sorry BUT i am frustrated
Smash Bros is boring.
https://youtu.be/jblnE7oWpdg?t=4s
IF YOU WONT SUBMIT THE POWER RANGERS STICKFIGURES AND IF YOU DONT SHOW ME THE LINK OF THEM THEN I WILL CHASE YOU FOREVER WHEN YOU WILL GIVE ME THE LINK OF THEM AND SUBMIT THEM
Teodorninja, I’m just going to delete your comments from now on. The Power Rangers stickfigure he made is uploaded on the website.
I can’t see the images OF them
Well i could BUT one problem i can’t MAKE them în THAT version
How am I able to use packs in Stick Nodes? I downloaded one onto my iPod (via Mac), but it’s as a zip, not node, so it doesn’t show up on imports. If I change the last part from zip to node, it errors when trying to import it.
After you download the ZIP, it’s basically a folder full of stickfigure files. You need to open it and then drag all of the inside files onto your iPod (through iTunes).
No Please no i WILL STOP being like that