Flame Action File Format

Anonymous

Flame Action File Format

Anonymous
Not applicable

Does anyone have documentation on the Flame.action file format? I'd like to export data from a random 3D program and imort it into Flame using .action. So, I'll need to learn how to create an attribute that Flame can read and assign values to it.

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yann.laforest
Autodesk
Autodesk
Hi,

The .action file format is a Flame proprietary format and cannot be modified externally.

Exchanges with 3D applications must be done through the .fbx file format.


Please let us know if you have any questions,


Regards,

Yann

Yann Laforest
Feedback Community Manager
Autodesk Canada Co. 10 rue Duke Street
Montr?al (Qu?bec) Canada H3C 2L7

Direct 514 954-7241

[Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: autodesk-logo-rgb-color-logo-black-text-small]
Yann Laforest

Program Manager Data Analytics - Autodesk EMS
10 rue Duke Street
Montréal (Québec) Canada H3C 2L7
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Anonymous
Not applicable

Yeah, but there's gotta be a way...

I understand that it's proprietary, but it's also a human readable, text format that is well organized. I could create an exporter very easily if there was a document outlining its structure or list of possible objects and properties. Attached is a screenshot of an action file. It's very clear and readable.

To further the point that this is possible, there are other applications that write out .action files for subsequent import into Flame. Shotgun is one application I believe that can do this. There are others, but this is the most recognizable example.

Since Flame does allow the saving of actions to an .action file, and the file isn't encrypted, there must be a way to figure out the spec.

 

 

What follows is opinion...

It would also work to Autodesk's benefit to make this format open so that pipeline developers can create automation tools. This is a constant frustration when working with Flame and trying to integrate it into a larger studio pipeline. If the software were more open it would be much easier to work with.

 

Thank you so much for your time.

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cedriclejeune
Alumni
Alumni

For that matter that's how Nuke started loooooong time ago, creating action scripts at Digital Domain...

Cedric Lejeune
Media workflow and quality specialist
www.workflowers.net
www.cpgp.nu
www.icolorist.com

yann.laforest
Autodesk
Autodesk
Hi,

The .action file is subject to change from release to release, so it cannot be used for that purpose.

That is mainly the reason why we do not provide documentation about how to read, decode and handle the .action file (although it is text and it is human readable).

Considering that everything you can extract from that file may become irrelevant in the subsequent releases, this cannot be considered as an valid option for our users.


Please let me know if you have any other questions,


Regards,

Yann

Yann Laforest
Feedback Community Manager
Autodesk Canada Co. 10 rue Duke Street
Montr?al (Qu?bec) Canada H3C 2L7

Direct 514 954-7241

[Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: autodesk-logo-rgb-color-logo-black-text-small]
Yann Laforest

Program Manager Data Analytics - Autodesk EMS
10 rue Duke Street
Montréal (Québec) Canada H3C 2L7
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Anonymous
Not applicable

Thanks Yann for clarifying,

 

Do you know then of another way for a developer to programmtically create batch and action files? Is there an API that I can use to do this?

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yann.laforest
Autodesk
Autodesk
Hi,

Please correct me if I am wrong but my understanding is that you are looking from something similar to what Nuke does in that matter (as Cedric mentioned earlier in this thread).

If so, the answer is no.

There is no mechanism that allows to write action and batch setups outside of the application (through an external API or script).

This is something on our radar but there is no ETA about when such of a feature could be implemented in Flame.


Please let me know if you have any other questions,


Regards,

Yann

Yann Laforest
Feedback Community Manager
Autodesk Canada Co. 10 rue Duke Street
Montr?al (Qu?bec) Canada H3C 2L7

Direct 514 954-7241

[Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: autodesk-logo-rgb-color-logo-black-text-small]
Yann Laforest

Program Manager Data Analytics - Autodesk EMS
10 rue Duke Street
Montréal (Québec) Canada H3C 2L7
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Anonymous
Not applicable
Thanks for your feedback Yann.
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