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 If you're using an older version of the app, you may be trying to import a stickfigure that was made with a newer version of the app.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.
So you are taking sword requests hmm?
Make this
https://www.google.fr/search?q=caliburn+sonic+and+the+black+knight&client=ms-android-samsung&source=android-browser&prmd=isvn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi91ZqD-6XOAhUDPBoKHbhKBmgQ_AUIBygB
Sure 😀
OEEEEEEEEE
http://m.imgur.com/3CvfjxM Now…you ow me.
Jesus Christ
*Gives a small loan of a million dollars*
Your…welcome. I’ve already submitted it, so give me de munees when you actually download it. Noooooooww…what’s it called cuase’ I just gave it a random name and I need to rename it when it’s on the website.
Its name is Caliburn.
I lov yu
…K then
Black knight is my 4th favorite sonic game
Yay, now you can have the sword from your 4th favorite sonic game. I thought that DmLan was the only one getting something from this :D.
My favorite Sonic games
5- Sonic Generations
4- Sonic Rush
3- Sonic and the Black Knight
2- Sonic Riders
1- Sonic Heroes
Gnnnnnnnnnnnnhhhhhh
DmLan: What happened to your skills?
Me: *Makes this*
The lack of any of the original Sonic games in that list bothers me.
THE LACK OF NEW STICKFIGURES BOTHERS ME.
:c
I played Sonic and the Black Knight a little, however something happened to it.(Something happened to the disc, I think. The game would keep freezing ;-;)
I bought a Wii to play that game.
Ended up playing Mario Kart wii all day.
You were bowser weren’t you?
Of course.
I was Also playing as Dry Bowser sometimes.
I remember those good old days on MK Wii online, wondering why some people had a golden controller next to their name, complaining about why the Airship Fortress track wasn’t in, failing so bad on the Rainbow Road, good times.
The amount of “N”s on that list bothers me.
Ey Ralph, this is a question that’s really unrelated to anything on the site.
Can you still see my IP?
Or is it different?
If you wanna know why I ask dish question, jus ask meh.
Fok, nevermind.
I got this thing that I thought would hide my IP (And replace it with a different one for PROIVACEH) But I look again and it doesn’t, it’s just a Firewall that protects my internet traffic.
Ralph, i want my caption… i worked hard for it y’know ;c
Hey, DmLan. I don’t know why I’m asking you, but it seems like you’d know. Where’s Ralph? He just disappeared into the abyss and never came back. And now we’re not getting any more submissions…(izzy dead?)
No he’s not dead, I think he said before he was in vacations with his family or something for one week.
Sean was supposed to take care of the website.
That’s why I want to be hired 8)
I admit I laughed at “izzy”, but nah, what DmLan said.
Here, I’ll change my caption.
Also Sean is now fired.
I’m going to have so many stickfigures to go through it’s not even funny.
Sean didn’t do a thing…shame on you sean, yu just gets fire.
“Yu just gets fire” that was some berke (not-so-) english right there.
Your english has died one day ago.
I’m also in vacations, I’m with my granpa.
That’s not a reason to leave Nobody alone, you cruel monster.
Wait… you actually fired sean!?!?!?!?!?! ?
Wait,YOU FIRED SEAN?!
Actually,I think that was a joke.
I think he fired him to put him through slave labor
I’m bored
https://youtu.be/Q1MqnjwAxOE
Umm…so what do you do when you’re not bored?
He cuts himself when he’s not bored
Ps2, Gamecube, commenting on the website
When I’m bored, I’m on sticknodes making REALLY REALLY weird animations, I don’t use sticknodes that much actually.
I’m proud of the title of the animation tho.
Eh, I’m sick af right now but I still wanna comment.
I know I’m bored when I’m on the Wikipedia page for Glass.
Okay, so now that you stubborn human beings actually know that i’m capable of creating stuffs you tell me to. Do I have any more suggestions.
Would you please make this sword
http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/sonic/images/b/b2/Arondightmodel.png/revision/latest?cb=20160116130530
hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe
This’ll be even easier than the last one :).
But I can’t make it the same day you asked like last time. I have virtual school.
What
Last time you requested a sword, I was able to make it on the same day you asked. I can’t do that this time becuase I busy with school work.
http://imgur.com/jm8PVH8
Nevermind, school didn’t affect a thing. Also, it wasn’t easier at all.
May I ask you how old you are?
Also, ITS SO BEAUTIFUL U PICASSO FJSHDHHXHDHDCVJXCKIDJDJ
This is my third time saying it, but I’m 13.
And once again, what’s it’s name? This time, i’m asking before I submit it.
As far as I remember, this one has no name, so just call it how you want.
And how can you be that talented at 13? Daum when I was 13 I was playing Bowser’s inside story like a stupid.
My hoby irl is drawing & sketching ect. so this just came naturally. Also, I’m just gonna call it “DmLan Sword” soooooooooo speak now or forever hold your peace…(first time sayin’ that, so wierd).
I won’t submit it till you respond.
Lol, a sword with my username? Sounds cool.
But I prefer you call it Felix Sword 8))
Jk, just call it how you want, that’s YOUR sword after all.
Hey, would you mind if I ask you to show me some of your drawings/sketches? I want to see the artist within you 8)
Never.
Please? 🙁
jk I’m terrible at people so here http://m.imgur.com/i2UmqlE
yeah, I’m better with S N
That’s not a drawing.
A drawing like irl with a piece of paper and a pen, u kno?
I don’t have a camera…
so I do it on my kindle.
I can do alot more on paper.
Oh okey.
WAT U DONT HAVE A PHONE?
I’m 13, so my parents (mom only) don’t wan’t me to have one yet. That’s part of the reason why my Sticknodes™ stuff is so good, I do it on a bigger screen.
Damn, when I entered high school my mother instantly bought me a phone in case of
Hey DmLan, I know this is really random, but do actually have an Rhg character?
I may say yes, the one that my cousin made is kind of my RHG.
Also
http://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/2016/31/1470503676-20160806-191152.jpg
That’s how I draw everyday.
Now I need to find my 3DS charger cuz its in the red ooooo sp00key
Red like the colour of my 3ds ooooooooo
Red is blood
Oooooooo
Okey calm down.
Oh, you mean the one that wasn’t bowser, I remember him. here’s mine http://imgur.com/m4wvrYP Yeah, I know you’re probably wondering “wait, wasn’t Xylo his Rhg?”
1: I never said that.
2: he actually was, but I change alot.
3: I’m always getting better ideas.
4: there is no “4”
Anyway; his name is Arashi Ao, he uses 2 swords, he’s left handed, and… I dunno he’s dark blue? That’s about all you need to know.
just to show his 2nd sword. http://imgur.com/mTENb3M
Please stop making good stuff, thats too much for me. 🙁
Man this is a long conversation lol.
Those images are amazing though. I don’t know how stuff like that is possible with Stick Nodes (I don’t have the creativity for it I guess).
Maybe it will be uploaded some time this year when I finally get around to it!
No but seriously I’m going to have to go on an upload-once-per-day week to get caught up, since I believe I have at least 700 files to go through right now.
Plus it seems the new MP4 exporting method crashes on iOS 9.0 or something so that’s going to take some time to fix.
Basically does anyone want to buy Stick Nodes from me?
(Kidding.)
(Maybe.)
Too late, you already donated it to me when you couldn’t work out some simple bug.
The world domination plan is nearing completion!
Also Nobody you need to start actually animating these things.
I already told you I’m bad at animating, if I was good I woudn’t be sitting here making amazing stuff…nevermind that’s a lie, I’d just be making alot less of the amazing stuff. I’ll just get Takeshi to animte them (since he’s not as terrible as me).
Give me a link where I can see your anims.
Please.
Why there still no new stickfigures?????
Ralph has been away for a while and he needs to accept all the stickfigure submissions.
This is true, starting today.