Blend into layers?

[ordovico]

I would like to use the Blend tool to create intermediate graphics that can become parts of an animated GIF. The way the tool works, however, seems to be that it creates a large new object that shows start, finish and intermediate steps all in one layer. Is there a (simple) way to output the intermediate steps into separate layers so that I can save them as separate graphic files? Thx.

[AndFarr]

yes.
- Create your first and last shape
- Create a blend between the two, change the number of steps to get the number of images needed.
- Convert to editable shape.
- Ungroup shape.

Now you will have separate shapes that you use as you like.

- That's all~!

Hope this helps,

- Andy

[ordovico]

Thanks - that does it.

But it's a tedious process to select, cut, move to another layer and paste; so I suggest to Xara people that that this might be an elective option to occur automatically as a result of blending.

[Intbel]

Thanks - that does it.

But it's a tedious process to select, cut, move to another layer and paste; so I suggest to Xara people that that this might be an elective option to occur automatically as a result of blending.

You are making hard work of it.
No need to do all that pasting and copying.
Once the blend has been ungrouped, just copy the layer repeatedly.
Then all you need do is delete unwanted objects on each layer.

[-=Drifter=-]

Intbel, I have been playing around with simple drawn faces like yours and trying to get the smile to turn into a frown... can't get it. Are you grouping each face? (didn't work that way for me either)
When I make the blend I get a big mess!

[Intbel]

Intbel, I have been playing around with simple drawn faces like yours and trying to get the smile to turn into a frown... can't get it. Are you grouping each face? (didn't work that way for me either)
When I make the blend I get a big mess!

The attached should explain all.

[David O'Neil]

You are making hard work of it.
No need to do all that pasting and copying.
Once the blend has been ungrouped, just copy the layer repeatedly.
Then all you need do is delete unwanted objects on each layer.

Or you can create the layers and name them appropriately (1, 2, 3, ...), create your blend, ungroup, select a face, and select the appropriate layer in the layer gallery, and press the 'Move' button in the layer gallery. It is very easy to move objects between layers that way.

[Intbel]

Or you can create the layers and name them appropriately (1, 2, 3, ...), create your blend, ungroup, select a face, and select the appropriate layer in the layer gallery, and press the 'Move' button in the layer gallery. It is very easy to move objects between layers that way.

Yup, that is easier still.
I use the 'move' command in illustrations, for some reason it never enters my head in animation mode. Duh.

[Intbel]

I would like to use the Blend tool to create intermediate graphics that can become parts of an animated GIF. The way the tool works, however, seems to be that it creates a large new object that shows start, finish and intermediate steps all in one layer. Is there a (simple) way to output the intermediate steps into separate layers so that I can save them as separate graphic files? Thx.

Yup. Andy has explained it clearly.
Attached is a simple example which demonstrates how using a blend can save a lot of drawing time while enabling smooth transitions.

Useful for making smileys.

[David O'Neil]

I believe you will have to manually place each intermediate object onto the appropriate layer.