Quick start — first steps
This guide takes you from the first launch of MotioForge Studio to your first running animation in five steps.
Step 1 — Create a domain
From the start window, click New domain. Assign a name (e.g. "Character 1") and an optional description, then confirm.
The domain is created in the domains folder configured in Settings → Paths... (see Preferences).
Step 2 — Configure ports
With the domain selected, open the Ports tab and click New. Specify:
- The logical name of the port (e.g. "Main port").
- The type: Serial.
- The physical address: the COM port to which the controller is connected (e.g. COM3).
- The protocol: choose based on the type of connected hardware.
Save and exit the ports editor.
Step 3 — Add elements
Open the Elements tab and click Edit elements. For each physical component (servo, switch, speaker) add a row:
- Choose a name (e.g. "Head", "Mouth", "Right eye").
- Choose the type (SERVO_BUS, SERVO_PWM, SWITCH, SOUND).
- Assign the port and the address (or pin) of the element.
- Set the travel limits (minimum, initial, maximum in degrees).
Save. The elements will appear in the Elements tab of the start window.
Step 4 — Create an animation
Open the Animations tab and click New animation. Assign a name and confirm. Double-click the new animation to open the main editor.
Step 5 — Draw and play
In the main editor you will see the element tracks on the timeline. To create a segment:
- Locate the track of the servo you want to animate.
- Hold Shift and drag with the mouse on the track: a segment will appear.
- The segment height indicates the angular position (top = maximum, bottom = minimum).
- To adjust: double-click the segment to open the detail editor.
When ready, connect the hardware and click the Play button (or press F3): MotioForge Studio will open the ports and send the commands. The servo will move exactly as drawn.