How do I create a multiplane?

In Storyboard Pro, a multiplane is created by positioning 2D layers in 3D space. For more information about the 3D space, see About the 3D space in Storyboard Pro.

Step 1: Prepare the layers for multiplane

To create a multiplane effect, you need to first make sure that you have a panel made of many layers. This can be a layered PSD that you import, or you can make the artwork directly in Storyboard Pro.

Make sure of the following:

• The artwork is separated onto layers in a way that logically makes sense for the variation of depth portrayed in the artwork. Objects that appear to be on the same plane can stay together, while objects that appear to be on different planes should be separated.

• The artwork extends to the area that the camera needs to move across.
• The artwork is completed in any areas hidden by above layers. Camera movements in a multiplane scene can reveal hidden areas of a layer, exposing any missing artwork.

Original artwork with overlay		Incomplete artwork behind overlay	Complete artwork behind overlay

Step 2: Activate the 3D space

1. In the Storyboard toolbar, select the Enable 3D for Current Scene button.

2. The Stage view and camera will switch to their 3D versions:

Step 3: Add and position the Top or Side view

When positioning layers on the Z-axis, it is recommended to either have the Top view or Side view open to help control the movement. Both views are very similar and therefore their use comes down to preference. We will be using the Top view for this step, which allows us to view all our elements from directly above, but the process is similar with both.

For more information, see Top and Side views.

1. Add the Top view by doing one of the following:
   • In the top menu, go to Windows > Top view
   • Use the button in the top right of any open view and select Top view from the menu.
2. Position the Top view so that you can see it together with the Stage view.

Step 4: Position the layers on the Z-axis

By default, all layers start at 0;0. As a general rule, it is recommended to keep any focus in the scene at 0;0 (usually characters), and move everything else around them. Remember to only push layers as far as you think they need to go to keep the depth differences between layers realistic.

1. Based on your needs, choose one of the following tools to move your layers:
   • The Layer Transform tool: Use this tool if you want layers to change size as you move them back and forth. Recommended for animated objects that move towards or away from the camera and need the natural change in size.
   • Maintain Size: This tool maintains the size of the object no matter how close or far away it is. This is perfect for background layers that need depth, but have to stay consistent in size to keep the artwork’s composition intact.
2. Select a layer. It is recommended to start with the layer you want to move furthest back.
3. Depending on the tool you are using, you will see one of the following controllers in your Top view:

Layer Transform tool	Maintain Size

4. To simply move the layer back and forth, focus on using the blue, vertical arrow. Click and drag the arrow in the Top view: 
   • Drag the layer UP to move it away from the viewer.
   • Drag the layer DOWN to move it towards the viewer.

5. As you move it, check the result in your Camera view. It will look different depending on the tool you chose to use. Both are being moved the same distance, but appear different.

Layer Transform tool	Maintain Size

6. Add a camera movement to see the parallax in action. Keep selecting each layer and moving it into position on the Z-axis until you are happy with the result. For more information, see Animating the 3D Camera.

Q&A 

Question: 

Why can’t I see the 3D layout elements in the Stage view?

Answers: 

1. Make sure your 3D scene is activated by selecting the Enable 3D for Current Scene button in the Storyboard toolbar.
2. Make sure you are in the Stage view and not the Camera view, as the Camera view has no 3D layout.

Question: 

Why can’t I select my layers in the Top view?

Answer: 

Selecting 2D layers directly in the Top view can be tricky, especially when they are all on top of each other. It is recommended that you select your layer from the Layers Panel in the Stage or Camera view. You can also lock layers that you do not want to select.

Question: 

Why do my layers look strange in the Stage view when I push them back and forth?

Answer: 

If you are using the Maintain Size tool, your layers can look strange as you move them in the Stage view because the tool is adjusting the size to stay consistent as it moves the layer. In this case, it is better to view the adjustment in the Camera view as you will see it exactly as it would be rendered.