Anim8or v0.9 Release Notes
---------------------------

These notes are for release v0.9 of Anim8or.  The primary
differences between this and the previous version, v0.85,
are improved animation tools, user interface options and
hot keys, and a new edge extrusion modeling tools but there
are many other bug fixes and enhancements.

Compatibility
-------------

V0.9 should be able to read previous versions of .an8 files.
Though the opposite is not entirely possible, it generally
should work especially for the most recent releases.  Newly
added features will be ignored, of course, but shouldn't
cause other problems.

General
-------

* Hot keys for almost all functions.  Make sure you have tool
  tips enabled because it shows the hot keys for each toolbar
  button in the status bar.
* Front/Top/Back/Bottom/Left/Right views.
* Reimplemented all spline code.  Splines now behave much
  better especially in animation keys.  Objects shouldn't
  overrun the ends of their paths like they used to.
* Improved OpenGL rendering.
* Added AA filer options for sharper or softer filering.

Modeling Tools
--------------

While the focus of this release wasn't modeling, a new edge
extrude tool should help simplify polygonal modeling.

Animation
---------

* New Step key for discontinuous values.
* Spline editing window for scenes allows you to directly
  manipulate all controller curves.
* Painted skinning weights.  They aren't as easy to use as I'd
  like but are much more flexible than influence volumes.
* Morph targets.  Controllers can add multiple targets'
  influences simultaneously.
* Multiple characters in the same scene can be animated
  differently.
* Multiple cameras.
* Subdivision applied after skinning during animation.
* Camera and spot light views.

Major Bug Fixes
---------------

* B&W .jpg images now load.
* .3ds export of meshes with partial texture coordinates fixed.
* Fixed mottled look bug in skinned figures where blotches
  would appear on a textured object.
* Fixed problems with extruding along a path.
* Misc. other bugs.


Have fun!

Steve

January 30, 2005