Corel Painter Help | Getting started with scripts

Getting started with scripts

Using a script is similar to using the speed-dialing feature on a phone. On many phones, you can set a frequently dialed number to a speed-dial button; then, the next time you need to dial that number, you can save time by pressing its speed-dial button. Similarly, a script lets you set the actions that you want to repeat; then, the next time you need to repeat those actions, you can save time by playing the script.

You can record anything in a script — from a single edit command to an entire work session.

There are a number of ways to take advantage of scripting:

• You can record a script to replace repetitive tasks.

• You can use background scripts to back up your work, which gives you the ability to revert to any stage in the project by playing the script and stopping it at the stage you want. This technique is similar to using multiple levels of undo. For more information, see Enabling and playing background scripts.

• You can play back a script at a different resolution. You can record at a low resolution, then automatically produce the same results at a higher resolution. For information, see Creating resolution-independent scripts.

• You can record a script that plays back using the current art materials. For example, you can record a script of a pencil drawing, then open a new document, choose a different paper texture, color, and brush, and play back the script. Then, you can watch Corel Painter repeat your drawing with the selected art materials. For more information, see Recording and playing scripts.

• (Windows only) You can record a script to use as a tutorial so you can show someone the step-by-step process used to create an image. It’s like looking over the artist’s shoulder. You can then convert the script to an .avi movie to share techniques with others. Every action you take becomes a frame in the movie. For more information, Converting scripts to movies.

• (Windows only) You can use scripts with movies. When you have an operation that you want to apply to each frame in a movie, record the set of commands in a script. You can then apply the script to the entire movie as one command. For more information, see Applying scripts to movies.