Beyond the preset animations (idle, walk, run, jump, attack), you can create **custom animations** with any action you describe using the Custom Animation Wizard. ## Starting the Wizard In the animation selection panel, click the **"+ Custom"** button to open the Custom Animation Wizard. ## Wizard Step 1: Name Your Animation Give your animation a unique, descriptive name: - `hero_special_attack` - `cast_fireball` - `pick_up_item` - `celebrate_victory` Reserved names like "idle", "walk", "run", "jump", and "attack" cannot be used for custom animations. ## Wizard Step 2: Choose Frame Generation Mode Select how you want to create the starting and ending frames: | Mode | Description | Best For | |------|-------------|----------| | **Let AutoSprite handle it** | AutoSprite generates frames based on your action prompt | Quick results, standard actions | | **Custom First Frame Only** | You define the starting pose, animation flows naturally | Specific starting positions | | **Custom First & Last Frame** | Full control over both starting and ending poses | Complex or precise animations | Start with "Let AutoSprite handle it" for your first custom animation. You can always use the advanced options later. ## Wizard Step 3: First Frame (Custom Modes Only) If you chose a custom frame mode, you'll define the starting pose. ### Generate or Upload You have two options: - **Generate** - Describe the pose with a text prompt and AI generates it - **Upload** - Upload your own image for the first frame ### Generation Tips Use the **Quick Add** presets to build your prompt: - `standing` - `relaxed` - `ready stance` - `facing right` Or write your own detailed description of the pose. The **Prompt Helper** toggle adds extra instructions to ensure the generated frame works well with AutoSprite (grey background, centering, consistent proportions). Keep it enabled for best results. ## Wizard Step 4: Loop Choice (Custom First & Last Mode) Choose how to handle the last frame: ### Option 1: Use First Frame as Last (Loop) Creates a **seamless loop** where the animation returns to the starting pose. Perfect for: - Idle animations - Breathing/floating effects - Repeating actions ### Option 2: Generate Unique Last Frame Create a **different ending pose**. Perfect for: - One-shot actions (attacks, jumps) - Transformation effects - Animations that end in a different state ## Wizard Step 5: Last Frame (If Not Looping) If you chose to generate a unique last frame: ### Generation Tips Use the **Quick Add** presets: - `full extension` - `peak action` - `dynamic` - `impact` ### Reference Toggle Enable **"Using first frame as reference"** to ensure the last frame matches the style and details of your first frame for visual consistency. ## Wizard Step 6: Describe the Action This is where you describe **what happens** during the animation - the motion between the first and last frames. ### Good Action Prompts - "Character raises both arms and channels glowing energy between hands" - "Character swings sword in a wide horizontal arc from right to left" - "Character crouches low, then springs upward with arms raised" - "Character pulls back fist, then punches forward with full force" ### Quick Add Presets - `charges energy` - `swings weapon` - `leaps forward` - `casts spell` - `unleashes blast` Be specific about body movement and direction. Instead of "attacks," describe the exact motion like "slashes downward with both hands on sword hilt." ## Wizard Step 7: Review & Create Review your configuration: - Animation name - First frame (custom or auto) - Last frame (custom, auto, or loop) - Action description Click **"Create Animation"** to save. The animation is now ready to generate. ## After Creation Once your custom animation is created: 1. **Select it** in the animation panel (it appears with your other animations) 2. **Generate** - Click Generate to create the animation frames 3. **Preview** - Watch it in the preview player 4. **Regenerate** if needed - Each regeneration costs credits ## Tips for Great Custom Animations ### Writing Effective Prompts | Do | Don't | |-----|-------| | "raises sword overhead and slashes down" | "attacks" | | "leans back, then throws fireball forward" | "casts spell" | | "jumps and spins 360 degrees" | "does a cool move" | ### When to Use Each Mode - **Auto Mode**: Standard actions, quick iteration, testing ideas - **Custom First Only**: When starting pose matters but ending is flexible - **Custom First & Last**: Precise control, looping animations, specific poses required