This guide addresses common issues you might encounter when working with automations in Vizzy and provides solutions to help you resolve them.
Automation not affecting the property
Problem: You’ve created an automation, but it doesn’t seem to be affecting the target property.
Solutions:
- Check if the automation is enabled in its settings
- Verify that you’ve connected the automation to the correct object and controller
- Make sure the automation’s time span includes the current playback time
- For Math automations, check that your formula is valid and doesn’t contain syntax errors
- For Audio Impact automations, ensure your lower limit is not too high. Check delta smoothing parameters if enabled
Automation effect is too subtle
Problem: The automation is working, but the effect is too subtle or too extreme
Solutions:
- For Audio Impact automations, increase the sensitivity or adjust the min/max values to create a suitable range
- For Math Automations, modify your formula to produce larger values or multiply/divide the result
- For Keyframe automations, change the difference between start and end values
Jerky or stuttering animations
Problem: Animations aren’t smooth and appear to stutter or jump.
Solutions:
- For Audio Impact automations, increase the smoothing value
- For Math automations, use the previous value (p) in your formula to create smoother transitions, e.g.,
p * 0.9 + sin(t) * 0.1 - For Keyframe automations, try a different Easing function or extend the duration
Multiple automations don’t work
Problem: When using multiple automations on the same property, they conflict or produce unexpected results.
Solutions:
- Check the order of automations in the Automations tab (automations at the bottom take precedence)
- Consider combining the effects into a single Math automation with a more complex formula
- Use different properties to achieve similar effects without conflicts
Formula syntax errors
Problem: Your Math automation formula produces errors or doesn’t work as expected.
Solutions:
- Check for errors in the browser console
- Check for missing parentheses or incorrect operators
- Verify that you’re using the correct variable names (t, a, p, etc.)
- Try simplifying your formula and adding complexity gradually
- Use the
cons(x)function to debug values (e.g.,cons(sin(t))will print the value to the console) - Check the Math Automation Examples page for working formula examples
Start fresh
If you’re experiencing persistent issues with an automation, sometimes it’s easier to delete it and create a new one from scratch rather than trying to fix complex problems.
Test in isolation
When troubleshooting, try creating a simple test project with just the automation you’re having trouble with. This can help identify if the issue is with the automation itself or how it interacts with other elements.