Props

Props are objects and accessories that can be added to scenes to improve storytelling, realism, and visual engagement.

STPro Animator provides a collection of props that users can place inside scenes alongside characters, backgrounds, and other assets.

Props help create more detailed and meaningful animations.

Purpose of Props

Props allow users to attach accessories and additional visual elements directly to specific parts of a character.

They help users:

Personalize characters
Add accessories and wearable items
Enhance character appearance
Create unique character styles
Support storytelling and character roles
Improve visual realism

Props automatically follow the character and remain attached to the selected body location.

Accessing Props

To use props:

Select a character in the scene.
Open the Properties panel.
Expand the Props section.
Select a prop attachment category.
Choose a prop from the available options.
Adjust the prop settings if required.

The selected prop is immediately attached to the chosen character location.

Prop Category

Prop Categories

Props are organized into attachment categories based on where they appear on the character.

Available categories include:

Left Hand
Right Hand
Left Earring
Right Earring
Shadow
Body Back
Body Front
Left Eye Prop
Right Eye Prop
Face
Head

Each category displays props designed specifically for that attachment location.

Prop Category

Selecting a Prop Category

To add a prop:

Select a character.
Open the Props section.
Choose an attachment category.
Browse available props.
Select a prop.

The available prop list automatically changes based on the selected category.

For example:

Selecting Head shows head accessories.
Selecting Left Hand shows hand-held items.
Selecting Face shows facial accessories.
Selecting Eye Prop shows eye-related accessories.

This helps users quickly find compatible props.

Applying Props

After selecting a category:

Choose a prop from the available list.
The prop is automatically attached to the character.
Adjust positioning if necessary.
Preview the result in the scene.

Multiple props can be applied to different categories simultaneously.

Example:

Glasses on Face
Hat on Head
Book in Left Hand
Bag on Body Back

This allows users to create detailed and unique character designs.

Prop Adjustment Controls

After applying a prop, users can fine-tune its placement using adjustment controls.

Available controls include:

X Position
Y Position
Scale
Opacity
Rotation

Prop Control

X Position

Controls horizontal movement of the prop.

Increase value → Move right
Decrease value → Move left

Useful for precise alignment.

Y Position

Controls vertical movement of the prop.

Increase value → Move up
Decrease value → Move down

Useful when adjusting accessory placement.

Scale

Controls the size of the prop.

Users can:

Increase size
Reduce size
Match character proportions
Improve visual appearance

Scaling does not affect the original prop asset.

Rotation

Controls the angle of the prop.

Rotation is useful for:

Natural placement
Better alignment
Character-specific positioning

Rotation values are measured in degrees.

Opacity

Controls prop transparency.

Values range from:

0% = Fully transparent
100% = Fully visible

Opacity can be used to create subtle visual effects and improve scene composition.

Importing Custom Props

In addition to the built-in prop library, users can upload and use their own custom prop assets.

Custom props allow users to create highly personalized scenes and character designs that match specific project requirements.

Common examples include:

Company logos
Product images
Custom accessories
Branding elements
Educational materials
Project-specific objects
Decorative assets

Uploading a Custom Prop

To upload a custom prop:

Select a character.
Open the Properties panel.
Navigate to the Props section.
Select the desired prop category.
Click Import Prop.
Choose an image file from your device.
Wait for the upload to complete.

The uploaded prop becomes available for use within the selected category.

Layer Management

Props can be layered with other scene elements.

Users may:

Place props in front of characters
Position props behind characters
Organize scene depth

Proper layering improves visual hierarchy.

Character Customization Examples

Props can be combined to create unique character appearances.

Examples:

Teacher

Glasses on Face
Book in Left Hand

Fashion Character

Earrings
Face Accessories
Head Accessories

Different prop combinations help create distinct character identities.

Editing Existing Props

After placing a prop, users can modify it at any time.

Possible adjustments include:

Repositioning
Resizing
Rotating
Applying effects

Changes are reflected immediately within the workspace.

Props in Animation Projects

Props can be used across many animation types.

Common use cases include:

Educational videos
Storytelling projects
Marketing content
Business presentations
Training materials
Social media videos

Different props can be combined to create more engaging scenes.

Performance Considerations

For optimal performance:

Use only necessary props
Avoid excessive scene clutter
Organize assets properly
Preview scenes regularly

Efficient asset management improves workflow and rendering performance.

Benefits of Props

Props provide:

Better storytelling
More realistic scenes
Enhanced visual quality
Greater creative flexibility
Improved audience engagement
Professional scene design

Summary

The Props section allows users to attach accessories and wearable items to specific character locations such as the head, face, hands, eyes, ears, and body. Props automatically adapt to the selected attachment category and can be customized using X position, Y position, scale, opacity, and rotation controls to achieve the desired appearance.

Next Step

Continue to the next section to learn about:

Color grading tools
Scene color correction
Brightness adjustments
Contrast control
Saturation settings
Creating different visual moods
Enhancing the overall appearance of animations