Is it possible to use the timeline without unfolding the "_S" - sprite tracks all the time?

I never use those but they clutter up the whole timeline. I also don't want to have keyframes on those tracks as I don't need them. 

What can I do?

Cheers

On the top left hand end of the timeline there is a button called "Track Filter". Clicking this allows you to switch between Sprite based tracks and Function based tracks which may help. In addition, if you select the "Object Related Track" button then this will only display the selected objects. This will  help keep the timeline uncluttered.

                                                                

Peter
Forum Administrator

www.reallusion.com

Yes I noticed that already, however switching between the modes does exactly nothing. Object related helps in some cases, however most of the time I need more than one object at the same time BUT without a million tracks that I do not animate. 

also I do not understand the "auto hide" feature, which just hides every keyframe. I am a little disappointed with the software so far. Have only used it two days now

The timeline is customisable so you only see the information you want. The screenshot below shows the areas where you can toggle on or off everything in your project. When combined with the two buttons previously mentioned, you should be able to display just want you want to work on.



You mention you have only been trying out CTA5 for a couple of days. It is quite common for all of us to feel frustration or disappointment with software that has quite a steep learning curve as we all want to be productive straight away.

I would advise spending time with the tutorials and webinars below which cover all the features of CTA5 including the timeline. If you start with the basics and gradually increase to more advanced features, you should find it all starts to come together quite quickly.

https://courses.reallusion.com/home/cartoon-animator



                                                                

Peter
Forum Administrator

www.reallusion.com

Thanks, I know those toggles, but they don't help very much when you have to click them over and over and over again. It's just painful.

I am also into learning Houdini at the moment, which really has a steep learning curve. I have over 10 years of experience with after effects and know my way around with software like this, CTA is just not very convenient to use and has also lots of bugs and strange behaviour.

btw I read every page of the manual and watched almost all video tutorials, plus the ones on 2D Animation 101.