How to control this pink dot and what is it?

[Anii]

After using Opentoonz for a while i just noticed this pink dot? (the circled one)

apparently if any vector shape is far from the X mark it will affect how any effect is applied on it 

i'm not so sure what this pink dot name is ?? google said it is the "true centering" of the shape? and it cannot be adjusted no matter what after the shape have been created?(is that true?)

this a comparison to both shapes with an effect applied on them

left shape was drawn away from the "X" 

right shape i drew it in the center of the "X"

and as i mentioned each have been affected differently from one another when used distored linear effect

I was wondering if there is a way to change the placement of the pink dot? and what is the purpose of it?

[Jorge del Campo Andrade]

Hi.

That point is the center of a column. And it's very revelant because is the point from which any transformation is performed and calculated (position, rotation, scale, etc.)

This point is not animatable (not change across timeline) but you can modify its coordinates using the Animation Tool.

For example, if you have a level with a planet and you want to animate it turning around the sun, not place the center in the planet, better place the center in the sun, and your planet will turn around it.

There's a lot of resource to learn the basis of OpenToonz. First, I invite you to read the official documentation in https://opentoonz.readthedocs.io/ and there's many good videos explaining the iterfaces and its tools:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekoZ-3FWeQQ&list=PLqazFFzUAPc6if6lKp2Z5sDKcvVND0cP-
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ywK0RAmUhA&list=PL-kyUCiIIVS7LQ5U1dUIJDrYRLiQzXTP_
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqEFzQyWwvU&list=PLQJax1g6e0dbnNWJTrz8jOiO7qUhcrC8d
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_Btu8QpceQ&list=PL5xtQ0kWJKFT0xl0fp0yX_d0E5tqLBCuR

Best!

[Anii]

thank u for sharing all content, i have indeed already watched all content before! 
regarding the "column center point" i have tried multiple of time to change it  coordinates  using the animate tool but it didn't work

can u share with me the method to do so ?

[Jorge del Campo Andrade]

Don't worry, It's simple.

A very common misconception about the center point is that some users expect the level's content to move with it. When you modify the center point, the drawings in the level maintain their relative position; what changes is the point from which the transformations are calculated using the Animation Tool.

Also, the center point works as pivot when you connect different columns or nodes in the Schematic, very useful to create cut-out animations.

I hope this brief video (in spanish) explain you better: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp4IuRoRmxQ

Best!

[Anii]

again thank u for your reply!

I believe there is some sort of mix regarding my question

the problem is not with "the center point" it's concept and the method of animating it is pretty much clear to me!

the issue im having is with the other dot !  

this one in this image

and not the center point/column one:which is the image below

i have noticed that every object is connected to this filled pink dot and if the shape isnot drawn in it's automatical placement (which is the middle of the canvas)

all effect (fx) applied to the shape will be affected from its placment (the pink filled dot)

[Jorge del Campo Andrade]

Oh, I see.

Yes, that X represents the center on the table (or canvas if you prefer). This point is very relevant, because is where the center of all columns are pointing. In consequence, all columns and effects uses this point as a reference pivot, unless you modify the center of a column.

The only exception for this rule is when a column is connected to a pegBar or another column in Schematic. in that case that column will inherit the center of its parent node.

As you see, center point of column and center point of table are related. So, in the most of cases, try to align your drawings with this point to prevent unexpected results.

Best!