Forum Discussion
Overlapping States
I've been noticing a randomly occurring, but frequent, issue since the newest update. On some objects, the Normal/Original state will overlap with any other state (Hover, Visited, custom states, etc.)
So when you hover over a button, the text might change color, or an image might change, but the original text or original image can still be seen underneath.
Here is a quick example, a side by side screenshot from a published example:
On the Hover state, the icon is changed so that the bars on the chart sit a little higher when hovered over, though you can still see the original icon being used underneath when this happens. Additionally, you can see the stroke thickness looks more intensified as the images are overlapping. If I did this with a lighter text color on the hover state, and made it bold, you could still see bits of the original text peeking out from behind. I've tried testing this with .PNG, .SVG, .GIF, and other transparent files, but it happens with Storyline assets as well.
Here's another example using an icon built into Storyline. On Hover, the icon should just rotate 90 degrees, however, when in Preview or Published mode - the icon overlaps, and instead of having horizontal lines, we're left with a waffle/grid. Each example was made using a new Storyline file.
What's strange (or stranger) is that I can make a new state, set it to hover, delete all the objects on that new state, copy and paste in place the original assets used, and then swap the icon - and it will still happen.
The only workaround I have is to paste in place the base of the button (in this case the white rounded rectangle) two or three times, depending on any shape effects (e.g. drop shadows), which adding a bunch of objects to one state doesn't always yield the smoothest results once published. Additionally, in some circumstances, doing this causes a flicker effect on the hover state where the new button base flashes in before the rest of the other objects do, or the drop shadow will flicker when hovered over.
Fixes? Workarounds? Is this a known issue that needs to be patched?
I just ran into this issue myself, therefore, it's still a problem and not fixed.
I had a book that activated via Hover state, but I wrote on the normal state with a text box and it was overlapping the text on "Hover".
I deleted the text in the normal state and added a text box on top of the image, then created a trigger for the text.
Set State of "Text Box" to Hiden when user Hovers over "Picture" Restore previous state when user hovers out.
Hi Amber & Heather!
Sorry to hear that you also have been affected by this behavior! Thank you for reaching out and sharing a workaround you found helpful!
We are still tracking a known issue that causes non-normal states to show all objects from the normal state even if the non-normal state does not contain them.
If you would be willing to share a copy of your project file here in the discussion or privately through a support case, we’d be happy to take a closer look and verify if this is the same bug that is affecting you.
In the meantime, here’s a closer look at how we identify and tackle bugs.
Hi,
It's almost a year and a half later since I first posted this topic, the issue is still present, and my go-to (temporary) fix is still the same: copy everything from a state (ie: Visited or Hover) with CTRL + A, delete it while everything is still selected, and Paste in Place (CTRL + Shift + D) on that same state. Again, this is an issue because it unlinks the states (which is part of why it works), BUT that means that any changes done to one state have to be manually done to the others individually, instead of updating automatically.
Another option is to use Custom states in lieu of the built-in states, and set custom triggers. That's my last resort, but it works consistently.
However, both of those fixes are time consuming, even if it's a minute or two. I've seen other people's fixes and still they're time consuming to some extent. That time adds up when you do it on every state, on every interactive object, on every slide, on every project. Being able to use/create states is a major function of Storyline, so I had hoped this would've been addressed more urgently or transparently, instead of seeing another comment about another support case being opened for the same issue we're all having. Though I do greatly appreciate the Articulate and Storyline team!
Is this on the radar to be fixed anytime soon?
Yep, agreed Spencer. This is far overdue to be fixed!
Okay, so it's starting to do this more? I just had my hover state overlap with every state being it's own unique state. Every state had everything deleted off of it and everything. What's strange is that it was working fine, and then after publishing someone pointed out that issue was suddenly present, and so it was. Then when I went to try it out in a Storyline preview, the issue was suddenly present there as well. I have to bring this up because I literately had to create a workaround on this slide as it was having the original issue like in this forum, that's when I replied a few days ago. I got it to work, and now it's doing it despite that.
Good news, if you need to do a Click to Reveal or one-off Visited state, I found another silly solution that prevents the Hover state from going rampant; forget the Visited state entirely. Pretend it's gone. Instead, use the Disabled state. Set up a trigger so when X is clicked the state is changed to Disabled. Then, if you need it gated, set a trigger for when the state of all buttons is Disabled. Since the button is disabled, the Hover state shouldn't be able to be activated.
Is there any update or news on when this might be fixed?
I have the same problem. Would love to hear what Storyline's workaround suggestions were for the previous commenters
Since I created my support case, there has been no update from Articulate on an official solution of fix. The two main "user contributed" solutions seem to be:
- Use custom triggers and states instead of the built-in Hover state.
- If using the built-in Hover state, make sure there are shape or picture elements that cover up every pixel of the Normal state. Anything transparent in the Hover state will reveal the Normal state underneath.
I've tried option 2 and it still doesn't work
States (block filled shapes):
Preview (states overlapping):
Hi Spencer. Thanks for taking the time to share all of that - MOST APPRECIATED!
I figured out a work around.
This happens only with the built in states. Create and edit custom states that do what you want, and they should alleviate the problem.
Articulate, please fix the states so we only see the what is in the individual states, no overlapping of states. This is making me waist lots of time.
I am having the same issue. this is such a basic function of Storyline, that my work has stalled...
I'd appreciate an updated response from Articulate to this issue. Rather than pushing each individual designer to support, please respond to this (and/or multiple other) posts about this issue with a solution. If none (yet), just let us know!
