Using a Game Controller or Director's Pad

With FrameForge Storyboard Studio, you have the option of using a standard USB two-joystick Game Controller (game pad) to perform most of the same functions controlled by the keyboard and mouse, but all from one convenient device.

This capability is so powerful we even offer our own high-quality Director’s Pad controller (sold separately), with all of the FrameForge functions clearly labeled next to each control. But whether you use a Director’s Pad or a generic USB game controller, the first thing you’ll need to do is make sure it’s configured the way you like it. 

Configuring your Game Controller

Full Instructions for this are in the full Manual in the Chapter Using a Game Controller accessible on the Help Menu from within the program, but in short, make sure your game controller is connected and recognized by your operating system BEFORE launching FrameForge.

Once you launch FrameForge, if it doesn't automatically off a configuration dialog, go to the Tools Menu and choose Configure Control Pad. If this option is disabled then FrameForge is not “seeing” your controller and you should exit the program, make sure that your controller is installed correctly, and try again.

A quick break down of the Game Controller's functions and how to use it

Control Mode

This is the mode that the Game Controller is normally in and how it always starts when you frst launch the program. When it is in this mode you use the D-Pad to switch among available object and camera controls, and the joysticks to control the activated multi throttles. 

Mouse Mode

Means just what it says–the right joystick controls the mouse and the front triggers or buttons act as left and right mouse buttons, respectively. This mode is automatically switched into if a dialog pops up (so that you can respond to it without putting down your controller and picking up your mouse) and is automatically exited when the dialog closes.

To Manually Switch from Control Mode to Mouse Mode
Press the controller’s right trigger or right front button (top).  

To Manually Switch from Mouse Mode back to Control Mode
Press the D-Pad in any direction.  

NOTE: The D-Pad is the four-way Rocker Control shown in the image above under the word SELECT

Using a Game Controller to Select and Add Objects

In order to use your Game Controller to drag in objects from your library onto your set and/or select existing objects on your set so that you can manipulate them further, you need to first put your game controller into Mouse Mode as described in detail above. 

Once in Mouse Mode, your Right Joystick controls your mouse and you can do anything with it that you can do with your mouse. This includes dragging and dropping in new objects on the set, selecting them either by Clicking, using a “rubber band” selection box or even Shift-Click selection and deselection (there is a SHIFT key on the Game Controller so you don’t have to touch the keyboard!). 

When you’re done and want to return to Control Mode, simply tap the D-Pad in any direction.

Switching Among Live Views Using the Game Controller

There is a diamond-shaped group of four buttons on your game controller. Think of them numbered from 0 to 3 in a clockwise orientation, starting from Zero at 9 o’clock. Button Zero is your Blueprint, Button One is Monitor One and so on. 

Press the button which corresponds to the Monitor whose camera you with to activate. To access Monitors 4-7, you need to press SHIFT before you press the appropriate button.

Snapping a Shot Using the Game Controller

Press the <Control> key on your Game Controller, then, while holding it down click the button which corresponds to the Monitor whose View you wish to store as a shot as described above in the section Switching Among Live Views Using the Game Controller