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 If you're using an older version of the app, you may be trying to import a stickfigure that was made with a newer version of the app.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.
Am I the only one who thinks sticknodes.com should have its own app? It’s too buggy on mobile devices
You’re buggy.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ_a8VXhiSchttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_
Would it be possible to add around 3 extra default stick figures from each category (people, effects, weapons, vehicles, etc.) every couple days f updates?
Why when there are so many to choose from here
I keep wanting to refresh the defaults that come with the app. My plan is to run a poll to get everyone’s input on the best 2-3 from each category to include.
If someone wants to make this poll for me and get it started that would be the bee’s knees.
Do bees even have knees? I’m gonna google that now actually
What do you know, they do. But they are not exactly knees though.
How can they be knees but not exactly knees? They either are or aren’t, right?
No, because they have knees, but it’s just a joint, not a knee, but it’s pretty much a knee
Why doesn’t Ralph just make a twitter pole himself?
I can make a poll, I just need good options.
This is a start.
Whichever gets the most votes is the one you should focus on (or maybe top 3). If Ralph likes this I’ll share it around.
http://www.strawpoll.me/11521908
Bees only have elbows.
Everyone vote backgrounds.
Wouldn’t that be the most work for you?
*clap clap clap*
http://www.strawpoll.me/11520141
to bees?
To bees!
Lmao at the results.
How to zip sticknodes
Magical ponies
Don’t abuse their power
Ponies abuse
I report you
Sent Rupert meh
https://imgur.com/gallery/4XVwf
Ove found berkes face
Exposed!!!!
I’ve never thought he was purple.
Is that a problem?
Yeah, is it a problem, racist.
you said it, not me
Racism.
Finally, someone find my face.
Well it was well hidden.
Yee, i wasted 666 hours to hide my face.
Yee
Yee
Alex’s profile picture makes me smile whenever he says ye. It’s just so perfect.
Berke however… stop ;C
Yii
Yee, berke should get a dank new profile picture. I recommend you use this:
https://imgur.com/gallery/4XVwf
You dont know somethings
This picture is extra important for me.
I want the dank pic ;(
Gimme one (I can’t be bothered to put my awesome yt pic here ;/)
Hey everyone! listen to me! I make new stuff of Ben 10 Omniverse! 2 new aliens. First one is Kickin hawk! is gonna be separated in 3 parts, legs body and head. and the 16 years old design of Feedback! and he is gonna have separated in the hands and his tail. And also… Ben Tennyson (16 years old) his head is gonna be separated cause of the segment limit, so join it obiusly, and has 2 bodies, one with omnitrix Off and the other with the omnitrix On. Here you have photos of the characters. Kickin hawk: http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/ben10/images/b/bb/Kickin_Hawk_plantilla.png/revision/latest?cb=20130120202336&path-prefix=es Feedback (16 years old): http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/ben10/images/1/1c/Feedback_art_ov.png/revision/latest?cb=20140428204527&path-prefix=es Ben Tennyson 16 years old: http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ben10/images/3/38/Ben_Tennyson_-_Poise_Official_Omniverse.png/revision/latest?cb=20140722164848
That’s awesome, looking forward to them.
Sorry about this comment not going through, I know you sent it a few times, it’s because the multiple links was caught by the spam protection and so it was held for moderation.
Ahh ok, 🙂 thank you for answer.
This gonna be great.
I personally don’t like ben 10 but I can see these figures being cool
Good work my friend… good work
I want to see wrestling stick figures, like Chris Benoit or john cena. Or maybe a yee stick figure…
i cant tell if its my (honestly) crappy tablet, or stick nodes acting up so i thought id share anyway. I was animating a project, saw my tablet was on 4% and tried to save the anim so it would be there when i got back. The keyboard came up and everything, but when i typed in the name it didnt come up. i tried to switch they keyboard but it wouldnt change. i switched tabs, went back and still nothing. Then my tablet died ;n;
Again, maybe it was powersaver being a poopy bad thing, idk. I was texting on kik before my tablet died (and even went to tell someone during the problem) and i could type fine. Any ideas?
So you’re saying it didn’t save?
yea. and it was gonna be gud ;c
Yeah that’s weird, the keyboard is really just a Android-system thing, nothing I control.
Has this ever happened before? I assume the keyboard always works normally?
Did you happen to go out of the app (home button) and come back in and try it again?
It’s happened a couple times before, but they were like 12 frames of practice so I didn’t speak up. And yes, I did do that as well. If it’s nothing up to you, I guess it’s just my outdated, meh tablet, which was the more likely option.
İ was using 8fps…
But now i am using 12fps
8? Really? I’m hoping that’s tweened.
No tween 16 fps is the best, trust my 2008 pivot experience.
DO IT.
41.2 FPS with 20 frames of tweening is the best.
60fps is best.
Yee
I use 20. It’s good to get higher up. I can’t really talk myself, because my friend uses higher. I want to be able to comfortably animate at
27-30 one day
I use 8 frames.
120fps is better.
Where I live in its 17:50 and completely dark outside. ( yes, that is a frequently asked question )
17:50? dont you mean 17:33 at the time of that comment?
Yes, but I accidentally typed 50
It that doesn’t really matter. All that does is that I can’t see outside. Is this a sign that Ralph’s mana has charged?
im guessing any fireworks that are happening are a sign of new great sticks on the website
No still powering up.
DMLAN MAKE SUPER SONIC RALPH
There are a lot of fireworks in my area. Really annoying cos all you see are constant explosions from people’s backyards.
It would be funny if we were actually neighbors. As funny as it is, it’s highly highly highly unlikely
Is berke actually fat?
Nu
so you live in the uk?
me?
yea. i live there and its that time
Yee, ido
mystery solved. i need 2 cookies now. funny how im eating one as i type this.
Why is it wverytime be of us talks about cookies, your eating one
Because I’m fat, hungry and can see the future.
İ am fatter
No contest.
Woah.. rude
Contestststst!
You are fat, hungry and you can see the future? Hmmmm…
TELEPORTING FAT GUY!1!!!!1
I’ve probably asked this once or twice.
Or ten times.
My memory sucks.
🙁
Have you ever thought about a second website for setting up Rhgs, having polls for the winners etc. Idk how this would work, maybe some stick nodes animators could/are setting it up as I speak (not a hint I actually don’t know), but I think it would be interesting to see.
Wanna see that
Actually maybe that’s a bad idea. Hyuns dojo would have a thing or two to say ;p
Who
I’d love to.
Step one is to hire employees to help manage the website/social media, go through this enormous stickfigure backlog, and work on new updates to the app so I can work on that as well as other side projects.
Basically I want to but I can’t justify spending time on it right now 😐
If you want, I could run a twitter acount for this