Help with layers?
Aug 07, 2019
I am trying to build an accordion interaction and am practicing. The idea is that when you click on each tab, it will slide over and reveal a different layer. When I preview, the first tab works but the other ones don't - even though I copy/pasted the triggers and updated them from the first one. Not sure why. Can someone take a peek at this and let me know what I'm doing wrong? Thanks!
9 Replies
You have to add triggers to the layers because the layer rectangles are not the same rectangles as the base layer. When I'm creating an accordion, I set the triggers on all the rectangles before I copy them into the layers. That way when I copy the trigger is copied as well.
I've attached an updated file with the additional triggers.
Thanks so much, Diane. It sounds like you are saying the duplicates of the rectangles are because one refers to the ones on the original slide and the other is the one on the layers. Is there an easier way to determine which one is which? Can you explain a bit more why you put the triggers on the base layer as well as the individual layers? I may be overthinking this, want some clarity on that as it's still a bit confusing. I'm working through your changes but want to be sure I am understanding. Thank you for your help!
Each layer of the slide has its own objects. So the rectangles you see on the base layer and the rectangles on each of the layers are separate objects even though they look the same. For an object on a layer to perform an action, that object must have a trigger.
To help you conceptualize, you may want to rename the rectangles on the layers to be something like lyr1_rect1, lyr1_rect2,..., lyr2_rect1, lyr2_rect3... This will help you see that they are all distinct objects.
Hope this helps.
That helps, Diane. I have another question - I've seen a sample of these where the bars do a nice little fade as you click on them. When I highlight the bars and go to transitions then fade, and preview it, it doesn't have the desired effect. I have also added the fade transition to the bars in the layers and tried that and have also played with the duration of time and none of that has produced the effect either. Any tips on how to get a smoother transition look on these? Thanks!
I'm not sure what you've done and what you're looking for. If I add a fade animation to the rectangle tab1 on Layer 1, when I switch to the layer the bar does indeed fade in.
Hi, Diane. I was able to do the individual layers and get fades but am getting text overlap issues when I preview. It doesn't have the smooth refined look I am hoping for. Not sure what's causing the lag time. Do you know a fix for this? Thank you for your time and help!
I've created 2 alternatives. One example fades the rectangles in, the other moves the rectangles with motion paths.
Wow, thanks so much, Diane. How did you get the fades to transition so nicely on the _fade.story file? I'm not seeing the text overlap there. I LOVE what you did with the motion option and prefer that look, very clever. Thanks so much for sending these along and for helping troubleshoot and explain this!
Open one of the layers of the fade version and select the rectangle that has the same number as the layer. Then select the Animations tab. You'll then see a star next to the rectangle and the definition of the animation in the tool bar.
Glad you liked them and glad I could help.
This discussion is closed. You can start a new discussion or contact Articulate Support.