Is there any way to use frame flex without modifying the source? It seems kind of silly to have to match frame, find bin, modify source settings, and then go back to your timeline and open the effect editor just to do a simple animation. I'd say there has to be a better way, but I know there doesn't :)

Perhaps this helps, but in her example the clip is highlighted in the bin, so maybe not :( : http://youtu.be/pBxrmtHfQb0

Thanks for your reply. I had actually seen that video, and the steps outlined are the same ones I was describing. In this example the source clips are being modified.

From my testing a clip only becomes a frame flex clip by changing the source settings. In order to do that the clip actually needs to be modified in some way (simply opening source settings and making sure the frame flex checkbox was checked was not enough). I'm hopeful there is a frame flex effect in the effects palette and I'm just not seeing it, though I would prefer to simply be able to open the effect editor and use frame flex, that just doesn't work. 

That seems like very odd behavior. Which makes me wonder, after applying FrameFlex to a master clip, how does the master clip show up when it's edited into a new segment or sequence? Do the previously made FrameFlex choices carry over?

And if so, how does one make multiple FrameFlex choices for a master clip? Does the source file need to be relinked to for each instance that the FrameFlex decisions change? So for one source file you'd need to have multiple AMA master clips?

jray:

Is there any way to use frame flex without modifying the source?

If there is no mismatch in aspect ratio or dimensions between the source clip & project format,
then, unfortunately, the only way to get a FrameFlex is to add a custom framing box in Source Settings.
Once this is done, existing edits can be updated via the Refresh Sequence command.
Sorry if this process seems a little convoluted.
We had hoped to add a shortcut for a user to manually add a FrameFlex, but couldn't squeeze it into MC7.
We'll keep it on the list of things to do.

BobbyMurcerFan:

...after applying FrameFlex to a master clip, how does the master clip show up when it's edited into a new segment or sequence? Do the previously made FrameFlex choices carry over?

And if so, how does one make multiple FrameFlex choices for a master clip? Does the source file need to be relinked to for each instance that the FrameFlex decisions change? So for one source file you'd need to have multiple AMA master clips?

Actually, only the initial framing box set in source settings is tied to the source.
This just serves as a starting point for FrameFlex when the clip is edited into the timeline.
So each edit can have its own custom FrameFlex animation while remaining linked to the original master clip.
Note that Refresh Sequence will not corrupt any existing FrameFlex effect that has been customized.

Thanks very much.

May I ask, does or are there any plans to incorporate FrameFlex decision into an AAF, so that the resizings will be respected in loading the sequence into a finishing applictaion like Resolve?

Thanks again.

BobbyMurcerFan:

...are there any plans to incorporate FrameFlex decision into an AAF...?

All of the FrameFlex parameter data should already be stored in AAF, like for any other MC effect.
Whether or not they are interpreted by 3rd parties is another question...
Bruce

BobbyMurcerFan:

May I ask, does or are there any plans to incorporate FrameFlex decision into an AAF, so that the resizings will be respected in loading the sequence into a finishing applictaion like Resolve?

Just curious on your workflow.  If your plan is to use Resolve to relink to original media and want your sizings to go across, why not just use a Resize effect instead of FrameFlex?  That already works in Resolve. 

To me, the only reason to use FrameFlex is if you need the highest possible quality out of Avid.

bwilhelm:

If there is no mismatch in aspect ratio or dimensions between the source clip & project format,
then, unfortunately, the only way to get a FrameFlex is to add a custom framing box in Source Settings.
Once this is done, existing edits can be updated via the Refresh Sequence command.
Sorry if this process seems a little convoluted.
We had hoped to add a shortcut for a user to manually add a FrameFlex, but couldn't squeeze it into MC7.
We'll keep it on the list of things to do.

Knowing about the raster mismatch helped me figure out what I was doing wrong. At first I was working with stills, and after I went back knowing that frame flex should show up with a mismatch I realized that the first still I tested was very small. The second one I tested I had accidentally imported, so in neither case did I get frame flex to show without a modification. 

So I setup a new 720p project and linked to 1080p footage and a high res still. I put them both in the timeline and opened the effects editor. Frame Flex showed by default. Having it for clips that match the raster is likely not a big deal, as a simple resize or 3d Warp would be sufficient for those instances. Thanks for clearing up how it works for me!

I would really like to see the tool become more robust for working with stills. It already has the number 1 feature I had wanted for this purpose - not having to point back to the original file manually for each still you want to animate or reframe. Now if it just had rotation (preferrably using the onscreen box as opposed to just a slider), and the ability to move outside the bounds of the frame (including the ability to set the background as transparent or match a color within the image with a color picker) it would be hands down the best tool for this use.

Would you know or anybody here in the blog would know why does frame flex degrades the image when doing center for SD footage. I have full 1080 footage and I need it for a 480i project but once I fix my ratio the footage looks super soft. Any help would be great Thank you.

Alejandro - that's a 2013 thread referring to a different issue with FrameFlex. Reckon you'd be better off starting a new thread with a more appropriate title (liek Frameflex soft in 480i?) and then describe your workflow a little better if you can.