Use Custom Player Tabs to Show Layers?

Aug 06, 2015

Good morning, all!

I am trying to find a method to use a custom player tab created in the Player Properties window to show and hide a layer.

In the drop down for actions, there doesn't seem to be a "show layer".

Is there a method that I could use to accomplish this?

Thank you in advance for suggestions / solutions!

11 Replies
Rod Schmidt

Thank you for all of the suggestions!

I created a custom template for our learning product and in order to get as much screen real estate for the learning content as possible, I am using the Player tabs for resources, navigation, and exit. I also created a custom Flash glossary drop down (an XML-driven Search box), matched its appearance to the Resources drop down, and aligned it top right to the other Player tabs. So far, I am very happy with the result.

I then created a custom CC box for the template and placed it on its own layer.

I want to add a CC tab to show the custom CC box layer when clicked, but "show layer" isn't an action for the tabs.

Every content slide will have the CC box layer with the same layer ID. I just want to use a Player tab to show and hide the CC box layer.

 

Kevin Thorn

Hey Rod,

Sounds like a slick template you've got assembled. Like Phil said, you can increment a variable and use some javascript.

Since you're wanting to show a layer (CC) dynamically depending on what slide the user is on, the Player tab is more a button with a single trigger rather than a slide/master slide where you have the ability for many triggers to manage the user's location. 

Alternatively, you could use the Master Slide with a "CC" button and use an incremental variable approach without javascript. Button is not on the Player, but a nice balanced visual design the "CC" button could be placed in a non-intrusive location on the slide.

 

Jacqui Yoo

Thanks for your reply Phil!

I have my tab changing my var via js (from 0 to 1). On my content slide, I have two slide triggers:

1) at start of timeline, show layer if var=1 (works great)
[the close button that then hides the layer changes the var back to 0] (also working great)

2) show layer when var changes, if var=0

The second trigger isn't working. When I click the tab, the var changes, but the layer doesn't show. Am I missing something here?

UPDATE: the 2nd trigger works if I remove the condition "if var=0". Not sure why it's not working with the condition 

Walt Hamilton

I'm guessing it's a timing issue, or a design issue.

Timing: The close button changes the variable, which shows the layer, (which is already showing) before the close trigger gets around to hiding it. The close button closes it after the variable change shows it, so it appears that the second trigger doesn't work.

Design: If you want the layer to show when the variable changes if the var is = 0 or 1, and the var can equal only 0 or 1, you don't need the conditions.

Otherwise, attach the .story file, and maybe somebody can suggest an alternative.

Ashley Terwilliger-Pollard

Also Jacqui, you'll need to make sure the variable is changing on the slide where you're using that "when variable changes" trigger - as Storyline can't see if the variable was changed or changing as another part of the course. 

As Walt mentioned if you're still struggling with the set up please share a copy of your .story file here using the "add attachment" button so that other folks in the community can weigh in.

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