Auxiliary Timeline

Double-clicking an item in the Task list opens its associated auxiliary timeline.

HINT: Change the name shown in the Task list by first opening the auxiliary timeline and then choosing “Timeline Settings” on the Timeline menu.

Auxiliary timeline graphic

Starting and Stopping Manually

An auxiliary timeline has three primary modes:

  • Stopped (red button is lit). In this mode, the timeline doesn’t contribute to the stage.
  • Paused (neither button is lit). In this mode, the time isn’t moving, but any cues at the current time
  • position does contribute to the stage.
  • Playing (green button is lit).

You can control these modes manually by clicking the buttons either in the Task window or in the lower left corner of an open auxiliary timeline window.

HINT: You don’t need to open an auxiliary timeline to run it. Just click its play button in the Task window.

Starting from an Input

Alternatively, you can trigger an auxiliary timeline using an external signal, brought in as an input in the Input window. For details on how to configure inputs see ”Inputs and Outputs”. The section titled “Triggering Tasks” describes how you use an input to trigger a task. The task will be started when the value of the triggering expression becomes non-zero. This expression may combine multiple inputs and constants using operators (see “Expression”). For example, to trigger a task when the input goes above 50%, you would enter an expression like this:

ModWheel > 0.5
NOTE: The task will be triggered only when the value of the expression goes from being zero to being non-zero. In order to trigger the task again, the value must first return to zero.
Tasks expanded6 4
To see the current value of an expression, point at the expression using the mouse.

Using Outputs in Triggering Expressions
Task expressions can use inputs, as described above, as well as numeric outputs. This can be used to build complex logic conditions, where the value of an output – such as a “Generic Variable” – governs the performance of a task.

Starting From Another Timeline

You can use a “Control Cue” to position, start, stop or pause an auxiliary timeline from another timeline.

Stopping an Auxiliary Timeline

An auxiliary timeline will stop automatically after playing to its end.

HINT: Set the length of an auxiliary timeline using the “Timeline Settings” command on the Timeline menu while the auxiliary timeline’s window is active.

Alternatively, use a Control cue (either on the timeline itself, or on another timeline) to stop it. When stopped, its images will disappear from the stage.

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