Expression state on character when picture shape is applied

Dec 03, 2014

I was experimenting with characters today and found that if I apply a picture shape to a character that it will no longer accept expression state changes. Is that expected behavior?  I am using Storyline 2.

9 Replies
Ashley Terwilliger-Pollard

Hi Brent,

I'm not seeing the same thing in my Storyline 2 update 2. I added an illustrated character, applied an expression of Angry and then changed the picture shape to one of the arrows. I then went back and changed the characters expression to happy - and she smiles. 

If I'm not following the steps you went through could you offer a bit more information? If these are the steps you went through and you're seeing a different behavior, could you go through the repair steps of Storyline? 

Ashley Terwilliger-Pollard

Thanks Brent for the example. When I look at the states associated with the character on the second slide, all the states look the same - hence no change. I tried in your file with a new character image, and set up a radio button to click on to change the state - and it worked normally again. Although, what you will notice is the picture shape is only applied to the initial state, not each individual state, so you'll have to apply that shape change to each state as well. I've attached an updated copy where you can see my one test slide - I only did one radio button for the angry state. 

Brent deMoville

I'm confused. Your example still did not work for me and I did upgrade to and install upgrade 2.  When I check the states under my slide 2, I see that they all look the same but if you click edit states and click on each one you will see the primary image change to the appropriate expression even though the state image does not change.

I will try it on a different computer tonight to see if it is something with this computer.

Brent deMoville

Ashley:

First, thank you for your help and support.  Articulate has the best tech support in the business.

I did try the files on a different computer and I am seeing the same behaviors.  Since I am experimenting and not using this in a current project there is no urgent need for resolution, but it does seem like it is operating in an unintended manner.

Ashley Terwilliger-Pollard

Hi Brent,

I do see that in your second slide - were you able to take a look at my second slide in your file? That one shows the state expression of the character within the states tab - so I wonder if it's something that occurred in the file itself or on your system? If you don't see mine as such, you'll want to try another computer and also look at repairing Storyline. Also, I'm sure you know this - but it bears repeating, you'll want to ensure you're following these guidelines for working locally. 

Brent deMoville

In both cases I am on Windows 7 64-bit machines.  My work machine has 8G RAM.  My home machine has 16G RAM.  All local guidelines are followed and activities on both machines occur on the C: drive.  Both machines have a new installation of the latest version of Storyline 2.

With your slide, I saw no change in expression though it did look like the shape container changed.  I revisited it this morning and noticed that the "angry" state looked like the "normal" state so I changed your trigger to "thinking" which did appear different and then it worked though as you indicated the shape container does not carry through each state.

I also made an attempt to edit each state with a picture shape and the edits do not stay in place. I went into edit states and changed the shape from a circle to a square and back to a circle and the state image looked like it changed to reflect the correct expression but it then changed back when I went to edit the next state.  It is definitely curious behavior.

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