Cineversity

I need to render a project that uses a custom font for an xpresso-driven number counter. The problem is that the render farm I’m using does not support custom fonts. Is there a way to make each digit (0-9) editable, and use those as the numbers for my counter?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/oiqidua2oool0o3/number counter.zip?dl=0

The other option was to bake my animations to Alembic, but I was finding that was taking way too long, and does not work in my case. Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Matt

Hi Matt,

The project file is supposed to hold a copy of the font, but so far I can tell, only what is needed.
You might have wondered why I have placed in the past a Text Spline, with the numbers 0-9.

Please open the file below:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/6FjEoTfKYOAtHJcEzKyP9rXd874acMfnnuDjzWQtyKl
and check, while it is playing, if the MoGraph Text has all the numbers.

I checked it here with a second computer, which doesn’t have that font. It works fine here.
It should look like this at frame 17 for example
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/VlAjRzCIi6UngGmReZcnOIGZpo19FwpnxYRvRav4Kpf

If this isn’t working, I will take a look into an editable numbers approach.

All the best

Hi Dr. Sassi,

Yeah, it’s replacing that font with Helvetica on my end :(

OK, I will have a look in an alternative.

If it’s too much trouble, I may just switch to a more generic font, like Arial.

Thanks again,
Matt

No trouble, just time.

Matt,

Could you please have a look at this project file:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/Zn14WwMZ5Nozscx4MemCsgmn0WUjp0MGhkqytusGhmw

Please test it and let me know if something is missing. I tried to keep it small, but perhaps it needs something else.

All the best

P.S.: Please check this variation.

It is set up with non-editable (Primitive) numbers. In this way, you can adjust the font, size, anything. Perhaps you have to move the decimal point.
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/mZywjZNJZHM9tfMDvRzOBIlLi9pmfaIWETM7NB919wM

I have included a video clip, explaining the procedure. However, in short, you save it as a copy, then make all adjustments, based on the Selection Object I have used.
This Selection Object also helps to select all and make the editable (hence the copy)

This should work anywhere now.

Enjoy

Dr. Sassi,

Yes this is working great on my end. In my case, I’ve already got several scenes with animation. Is it possible to convert my number counter to use your system, so that I don’t have to re-do all my animation?

Thanks,
Matt

Oh I will try your new variation, thanks.

You’re very welcome, Matt!

Merge this file to your original scene. Leave the old counter in, but set to not visible in editor nor render.

Then use Xpresso to connect your slider for the numbers with the User Data of the new counter. Adjust size, font, position, etc.
Then make it editable.

I hope that works for you, as I have no idea where you are with the current animation of your scene.

Cheers

P.S.: here is an even smaller Xpresso set up
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/zACxYyWJiNpaufERT6OlSFJfMbBb7Jwk708wvelDn0F

Thanks so much Dr. Sassi.

I’m really struggling with merging the setup together :(

Please see this updated setup:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qsdgo3q8l2jcc2i/number counter merged.c4d?dl=0

Is there any way of taking your setup and making it work with the already animated user data?

Matt,

Thanks for the file. Always good to work with files!

Please have a look at the Xpresso Tag close to the new numbers. I have marked the two nodes in green, so you can see instantly what part of your setup needs to be used.

Project file
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/4ePfyTlVOh98Jf9CFPmZWpwmy5GhMK5bvZm1HyiCzDZ

I was under the impression you used the suggested counter set up from the previous thread, so I did not even though that you used anything else.

The leading Null is just switched off in my setup, as you seem to stick with that range of numbers. Otherwise, take a look in the other Xpresso tag, you will be able to quickly connect the “enable” ports.

All is now run by the previous setup, so the User Data of today’s suggestion is superfluous, but it doesn’t hurt either.

Cheers

YES! This is perfect! This will work just fine with my setup! Thank you so much!

Great!

Matt, Thanks for the kind feedback.

Enjoy your project.