Digital Workshop

Hi, I have been using Headstart Pro for some time and loved every minute. Now I have upgraded to Opus Professional 6.0. I create a page. I place a multiframe on it and insert several frames. When I select the multiframe properties the multiframe tab is not there - where is it?

Any help appreciated.

Many thanks,
Keith Hulse

Keith,

Welcome, and I hope you enjoy exploring the vast features of OpusPro. There is a lot to learn. While easy to get started and productive, the 'good stuff' keeps unfolding as you use the program.

Multiframe.
I suspect you have chosen to create a Flex-type publication. Multiframe actions is one of the features not supported in Flex. ( limitations I suppose in the design of the original specs by Macromedia/Adobe?)

If that pub type is key, then you'll have to manage showing Frames... more manually. Consider that MF was a convenient short-method.

Check the Opus Help-file... for either 'flex' or 'unsupported'.

BTW, you will also find if you choose to create a Web type publication, there too you will find limitations. For example, cannot write to files on the client/windows machine. That's just the territory of 'html'.


Enjoy!

Hi, thanks for the reply - yep, you got it in one. I love these programs - such a lot to find out. Thanks again.

Keith Hulse

Keith --

Lars is right about Flex, etc. But just in case you are using a standard OPUS Publication, let me walk you through the steps to make a MultiFrame:

1) On a Page, from the vertical center toolbar, select MultiFrame which is about the fifth item from the top. It looks like three boxes overlapping each other.

2) Left click and drag this Object, making it larger than your largest Object you plan to insert in a later step. You can again adjust the size if need be in the future.

3) Look in the Organizer on the left side of the editor, and notice there is now "MultiFrame 1" listed on this Page. Notice it has one (1) Frame under it.

4) Select another Object from the vertical toolbar to add text, an image, slideshows, videos, whatever you want into the first Frame.

5) Now go back to the Organizer and highlight the words "MultiFrame 1" then RIGHT mouse click to open a menu window which gives you options in the middle to "Insert Frame at Start" or "Insert Frame at End". I'd suggest using "...End". This will insert your second Frame below the first one within the Organizer.

6) Again, add whatever Objects you want into this Frame. NOTE: Make sure the objects are within the Frame! If you see in the Organizer the Objects are not within the Frame, then highlight the Object and do a RIGHT mouse depressed drag on top of the second Frame. When you let go, an options window appears. Select "Insert Into." The Object(s) should then reside inside the second Frame.

7) Repeat steps 5 & 6 until you have as many Frames as you need.

Often I use Button Objects outside of the MultiFrame to select which Frame is visible (along with all the Objects I placed within). I use the Radio Button under "Options" with the first Button Objects set for "Button is Initially Down."

Actions
Under the Left Click Trigger, go to Actions -> MultiFrames. Look at the options: Next, Previous, Start, End, Specific, and Random. I usually use "Specific Frame." NOTE: Make sure you highlight the words "MultiFrame 1" within the right window. OPUS can have several MultiFrames on a Page, so you MUST select the one you want. This is probably the most likely error new users make.

Once you've highlighted the correct MultiFrame, you will have the option at the bottom of the right window, to select "Go to Frame ". IF you have renamed each Frame, you will see that name appear to the right side of the incrementor.

You can also set MultiFrames to advance automatically like a Slideshow. If you want the MultiFrame to initially be hidden, one way you can accomplish this is to have NOTHING within Frame 1, then put your Objects in the preceding Frames.

I hope that helps you get started in the right direction when using MultiFrames.

Thank you Fred, that is really helpful.

Keith Hulse