Xpression supports a variety of graphic file formats

Static Graphics

Almost all static file formats are supported. With or without alpha. It is recommended that the images are cropped to size, instead of full screen resolution.

Order	Format	Description
1	PNG	Most recommended for static graphics. Efficient file size, with straight matte alpha.
2	Jpg	Use if no alpha is required due to its smaller file size.
3	Tiff, Targa	Useful if you want to utilize the metadata inside the image.
4	PSD	Photoshop Format in which you can import all layer separately as quads.
5	Gif
6	BMP

Animated/Video graphics

While Xpression supports MOV, MP4, MPG, it is recommended that you use the native Xpression AVI codec for your video animations. It is also recommended that all video files be rendered Crop to Fit as rendering full resolution will decrease resources in Xpression.

Order	Format	Description
1	AVI	Recommended for animations. Using the xpression video codec.
2	MPEG	Support only with 32bit versions of Xpression
3	Quicktime	Support only with 32bit versions of Xpression
4	Sequential Images	*While not necessary, sequences should be converted to avi video format for optimal results.

3D Object Formats

These are the supported 3D Formats

Order	Format	Description
1	3DS	3D Studio Format
2	OBJ	Open Object Format
3	FBX
4	C4D	Cinema4D format

Render animations directly from After Effects:

Install the Xpression AVI Codec
Build your scene in After Effects
Render using the Xpression AVI Codec

Render your animation using the Xpression Video Coder (for MAC users)

Render your Animation in After Effects (Recommend Quicktime Animation with Alpha)
On your Xpression system, open the Xpression Video Coder (or install the Video Coder on your GFX system for (PC only))
Import your animation by selecting "New Job"
Go over your settings. Match your settings to your project settings
Press To Render Queue or Render All

3D in Xpression

You can import 3DS and OBJ files inside xpression.

You're not limited to the quantity of vertices inside your 3D models, but the more vertices you generate, the slower the system will become.
Try creating your scenes in an efficient manner.
Utilize the Null objects in Cinema 4D or the groups in 3DS Max to organize your objects.
Properly map your materials prior to exporting from your 3D application.
In Xpression you can assign your maps/materials to your object including textures, reflections and refractions.

Xpression Best Practices

Creating Scenes in Xpression

Always assume your producers will change their mind.

It is recommended that you use Xpression's Groups often.
Create these groups initially to assist with object coordinates.
Label your objects clearly as it will become important the larger your scenes get.
- If you add a number at the end of your object, sequential numbers will be added as you copy and paste them. The same goes with copying Animation Controllers.
Animate your groups and not your objects. (similar to how you would animate a nested comp in After Effects)

An example of a recommended workflow tree:

Animating Inside Xpression

While After Effects can create wonderful graphics, it does require rendering every time you want to output. The advantage of using Xpression as your animation tool, is that things can be modified instantly with no rendering required. When conceptualizing your scenes, always plan ahead considering what Xpression has to offer in terms of animation tools.

Basic Position, Rotation, Scale and Texture Position can all be animated inside Xpression.
Persistent loops for backgrounds can be created using the Continuous Animation Tool.
You can create unlimited scene directors which could in turn be triggered using "scene triggers" This is similar to using multiple nested comps running at the same time.

In this section:

XPN Chameleon Stacked Black text over white.png

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