Viewing Sequences

A Sequence or the contents of a Sequence Set may be viewed by clicking on the + that appears next to it. If you wish to select more than one Set or Sequence, then you may hold down the Shift key as you click on each item. You also have the option to hold down the Ctrl key and click to select the Sequence.

Once the Sequence is open, you will see every command contained in that Sequence. Via the Sequences palette, any of these commands may be enabled, disabled, rearranged, or deleted. Any change to a Sequence results in the creation of a different design effect.

You also have the freedom to change the settings in the dialog box as the various operations play. Any Canvas operation that has an associated dialog box may be set to display its dialog box while the Sequence is running. Selecting the User Interface checkbox ensures that the dialog box displays during playback of the Sequence.

Sequence Set

A Sequence Set is similar to a file folder that may contain one or several Sequences. You can easily share your Sequence Sets and Sequences with co-workers.

To maintain a consistent look for an individual client, you may create a number of specific Sequences. Once created, you may save these "client-specific" Sequences into a personalized Sequence Set.

Canvas will remind you to save a new Sequence Set upon closing if the Set has not been previously saved.

A Sequence Set can be played back as well. Doing so will play each of the Sequences within the Set. The order in which all operations, sequences, and sets appear can be changed and rearranged. Simply select the Sequence Set, Sequence, or command and drag it to the desired location.

A Sequence Set or Sequence can be renamed by double-clicking on the name. Enter the new name in the Name field.

To Create a Sequence Set:

1. Click on the New Sequences Set button. The Sequence Set dialog box opens.
2. Enter a name in the Name field.
3. Click OK.

To Create a New Sequence:

1. To create a new Sequence, click on the New Sequence button. The User Sequence Options dialog box opens.
2. Enter the name for the new Sequence.
3. Choose the Sequence Set in which you want to store this new Sequence from the Sequence menu.
4. Click OK.

Sequence Options Menu

You will find the Sequence Options menu at the bottom right-hand corner of the Sequence palette. Click to view the pop-up menu. This will bring up the following options:

Play Options

This dialog box allows you to select one of three modes to use when playing a Sequence.

Insert Stop

This option allows you to place a Stop command at any point in a Sequence.

To Insert a Stop Command in a Sequence:

To place a Stop command in a Sequence, do the following:

1. Open the Sequence and select the location where you wish to place the stop.
2. Open the Sequence Options menu and select Insert Stop.
3. A dialog box opens in which you can enter a text message. This short description will be displayed during play back.

This short description can help you organize your work. You may also check the With Continue box if you wish the Sequence to continue playing after the text box is displayed. Click Cancel to reject.

Insert Script

This option allows you to insert a script at any point in a sequence.

To Insert a Script in a Sequence:

1. Open the Sequence and select the location where you wish to place the script.
2. Open the Sequence Options menu and select Insert Script.
3. Navigate to the folder that has the script. Mac OS uses Apple-Script and Windows uses Visual Basic scripts.

A Script Notes dialog box opens in which you can enter a text message. This short description will be displayed during play back.

You can attach a short text message to any Sequence.

If the User Interface for the stop is activated, then a message box pops up with a pre-entered text message. You can choose to continue or to stop. A Stop with text can display messages as the Sequence plays back. A Stop without text simply discontinues the Sequence.

Duplicate

This option will create a precise copy of any Sequence, Sequence set, or command. A duplicated Set appears at the bottom of the Sequences palette with the word “copy” inserted in the Sequence name. The duplicated Sequence or command appears after the original Sequence or command.

Save Sequences Set

This option allows you to save a selected Sequence Set to another location on your computer or network. This command can only be applied to one Sequence Set at a time. The Save Sequences Set command should also be performed if you have edited an existing Sequence within a Set. Each Sequence set file will be assigned a .CVA extension.

When quitting, Canvas will prompt you to save any new or modified Sequence Sets that have not already been saved.

Load Sequences Set

Saved Sequences can be installed for use in Canvas. These Sets may be your own or they can be Sets that are sent to you by other Canvas users.

Clear All

Clear All immediately erases all Sequence Sets and Sequences from the Sequences palette. Care should be exercised when using this command. If activated, you will need to use Load Sequences Set to reinstall your saved set.

See also:

• Sequences
• Using Sequences