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 If you're using an older version of the app, you may be trying to import a stickfigure that was made with a newer version of the app.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.
Ralph, you know how people are starting to get stick nodes pro for free, does that effect anything like future updates?
Stealing apps on Android will always be prominent.
It’s possible on iOS too, just more difficult. And it’s definitely apparent in the number of iOS sales vs Android sales, typically 3x more in iOS.
Please support the developer.
*kitten face*
I happily bought stick nodes pro. You deserve the £2
Or 8₺, its not that cheap in Turkey (lol)
He is R!CH
(But DmLan is more R!CH)
*cuts to dmlan under a bridge crying*
(no offence dude)
Thats what i am talking about.
Now we need to go, you know, POLİCE 0_0
He’s rich though?
R!CH DmLan.
Also he is still R!CH, even he isnt alive, his son is R!CH.
I accidently found a glitch.
The title says it all, sorry for the bad quality, but I tried a few screen recorders, but I can’t manage to find a good one.
https://youtu.be/4F4Begt5EyQ
1) WHAT
2) Who uses the center stickfigure button? (Because i never used it)
3) We want language translation.
It’s useful if a stickfigure goes off the screen and you can’t grab it.
if you cant grab it you dont have mlg hacks like me
Meh
Yo Ralph, I found a glitch that’s been there for about a year. If you rotate a stick by grabbing say an arm, than undo it, some parts of the stick get put in the wrong place, like the head would be floating to the side, or the fourarm would float off the arm. I don’t think it’s something to worry about, but thought I’d mention it.
that happens to me sometimes, but it auto fixed. idk if its the same thing
also, does ralph know about the glitch where you press create new stickfigure and play button at the same time? maybe its been fixed already (if not never change it or i steal stick nodes)
I just tried it.
I love that feature.
Yeah, it still works.
It’s only done that (when undoing rotation) in the thumbnail for me, not in the actual canvas (never looked into why yet).
VALVE PLS NOT FİX
İ love that glitch, its makes funny to animate something.
Oooooh! I’m gonna do it!
RALPH İ HAVE WORLD SMARTEST İDEA FOR LAZY GUYS LİKE MEEEEEHH
Add a button makes a invisible stretchy node
Because i am too lazy to do this
1)Select a stickfigure
2)Go to edit mode
3)Create an extra node
4)Make thickness 0
5)Make it stretchy
6)Save it
With my idea we will do this
1)Select stickfigure
2)Press “Add İnvisible Node” button
And DONE
İ think thats good idea
BECAUSE İ AM TOO LAZY
Uhh, thats little long :/
I’m so tempted to just reply with “Spido:h man”.
Spido:h man
Spidöh-Man
STOOOOOP! ;0
Uhh, i will stop if Ralph adds that.
Tsk, he’s lying to ya, do you REALLY think that he’s going to stop in any way?
Maybe i will stop for 1 week.
dont humour me. i know it will never end
For 1 week.
if you never type Spidöh-Man again i will donate £50 to a charity, and probably start believing in a God
Spidöh-Man.
Why don’t we just kill Sean and Call it even
İ dont know.
#teamnobodyhastodie
Now that’s a good caption.
Why don’t you add a “spidö MAN button that does absolutly nothing excepting annoying DMlan?
İ dont know, it would be awesome.
Looks like we have to protest to get nice things. #wewantspidömanbutton!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#idontwannaliveonthisplanetanymore
Spidöh-Man
#endit
Spidö man?
Enough spiders.
I remember when it was just Sean and I on the site.
And Spidöh-Man.
and then?
Spidöh-Man saves the day.
kill me
Drunk Groot won’t be proud of you Berke
Good good
*Evil laugh*
He’s a god, you have to pray for him.
İs he god?
İ will go to hell now, bye guys i will burn with Spidöh-Man.
finally
i mean
berke nooooo…
Spidoh-Man is finally gone, I saved humanity.
Come to hell bro, its hot, even in winter, everything is free.
is stick nodes pro free?
Drunk Christmas groot gives me free stuff too, as long as I’m praying for him.
Hell is better, i can play GTA 8 with PS 7 , only bad side is too hot.
What side do i choose
Then that means you’re R!CH
HAHAHHA
Everyone is R!CH in hell, but in here one guy is R!CH, DmLan, select hell.
If I was rich, I would have so many ps4 and xbox one.
But retro consoles are still better than that crap.
Should i choose Berke Hell Or Groot Heaven
No, PS4 is better.
Groot heaven, we got free wifi with sm4sh
SELECT HELL
I must say PS2 has better games, but the graphics are ugly.
*Goes to groot heaven*
can i choose groot hell?
Oki.
No you can only choose berke hell
In Groot heaven, we got cloud houses and it’s nor hot nor cold, you got free food (Pizza every thursdays) and free wifi for every consoles.
Even the ps2 online servers are on.
Hell is better, you have hot tub in there.
Im on skype with God groot
Spidöh-man.
does it have spidoh man in it?
Heck no
Hell have a Spidöh-Man.
Heaven easy pick
I actually sent a Spidöh-man stickfigure.
HuehuehueEHUEHUEHUE.
YEEESSS!!!
dont let it on the site ralph ;0. Dont let the memes come to life
It was promptly deleted.
*Sadness Intensifies.*
Really though, I knew it wouldn’t get on the site, but I thought it was hilarious for some reason, sending that to you. Lol.
I’m kidding btw, I just don’t think I’ve gotten to it yet lol.
Ralph i sent you 6 pack
Where are they?
VALVE PLS FİX
It was received around September 5th, currently around September 1st submissions, so soon (TM).
Thats good.
6 packs?! Omg.
Guys stop.
Actually i am working on more packs.
Berke never runs out of ideas.
How do I “resave” pivot stick figures
Open them in Pivot 4 and save them again, just as 2.2.5.
What do I press
It says save but it doesn’t ask me what version to save it as