Welcome to Swift 3D V2 - we're happy to have you aboard. This readme file serves as a vehicle for some key information about the application. It also offers a heads-up on any last minute technical issues that may cause issues while using Swift 3D V2.
Notes on Swift 3D
1. Just one tip - Read the documentation. It's all in there. The HTML and the PDF version of the User Guide included with the application are the most up-to-date versions available.
2. For folks who have been using Version 1, there is now an Animation mode you need to be in to create any animations other than drag-and-drop animations. To go into this mode, toggle the Animate button on in the Main Toolbar and you'll be set to go.
3. Since the Export process has been altered radically, to render certain frames of your animation you need to select those frames in the Render Preview section of the Preview and Export Editor and then choose Generate Selected Frames. This is much different than setting the numerical range in V1.
4. Another major difference that V1 users should be aware of is the fact that the 6 Standard cameras can no longer be animated. Since there is now a Free and a Targeted Camera, we want people to use those cameras for animations and the Standard and Rotating cameras for reference views, or scenes with non-animated cameras.
5. If you have purchased the CD version of Swift 3D, you can link directly to 24 tutorials that are installed with application. To do this, choose Help > Swift 3D Tutorials and you'll be able to see what's available. If you have purchased the download version of Swift 3D, you can view the same collection of tutorials and more on our www.erain.com website.
Known Problems with Swift 3D
1. When rendering complex scenes or long animations on the Macintosh version of Swift 3D V2, you may generate an Out of Memory error. If this occurs, you should increase the amount of memory allotted to Swift 3D (as much as you can spare) and try again. If you continue to get the error message, you may need to render your animation in smaller chunks. Swift 3D will do its best to warn you when memory is getting low so you can save your work before the program quits.
2. When choosing File > Import on the Macintosh version, you cannot import an existing T3D file, even though they may show up. To open a T3D file (Swift 3D's native format) you need to choose File > Open.
3. Balloon Help does not work on the Macintosh version.
How to Contact Electric Rain
Electric Rain handles all of its technical support via email: support@erain.com. While we know email has brought the written word to a new art form, if we can't understand your message then it is quite possible that you may not understand our response. So, while we won't take off points for lack of grammar, when scribing your email please include the following information:
* Name
* Serial Number (required)
* Product: Swift 3D V2
* Build Number found under Help > About (WIN) or Apple Menu > About (MAC)
* Hardware configuration including video card information
* Description of Problem
* Complete Text of Associated Error Messages
* Attachment of T3D, SWF, AI, EPS, 3DS, DXF or SVG File(s) (if relevant)
Whether we have an immediate solution to your problem/question or not, our technical support staff will respond to your email within 48 hours (unless you happen to be burning the midnight oil on a Friday). In the case of more complex problems that may require testing, providing you with an actual solution may take longer.
Third Party CD Resources
If you've purchased the Boxed CD version of Swift 3D, you are welcome to explore some of the goodies we've added to the CD. These include 3D resources, examples, trials and other assorted stuff that you may find interesting as a connoisseur of all things both 3D and vector.
But above all, enjoy the program and just let it rain.
