Understanding Scripting

A script is similar to a video. You can record, edit, and play it back at any time from the Scripts palette. The ability to edit scripts step-by-step also gives you control over recorded action sequences.

You can record anything in a script-from a single edit command to an entire work session.

There are a number of ways to take advantage of scripting:

• Scripts offer the ultimate in Undo. If you record your work, you can revert to any stage in the project by playing the script and stopping it at the stage you want.
• You can use scripts to create macros. If you have a repetitive task or an operation you use frequently, you can record that series of commands. Whenever you want to perform the task, play the script.
• You can play back a script at a different resolution. You can record at a low resolution, then automatically produce the same results at a higher resolution.
• You can record a script that plays back using the current art materials. For example, you can record a script of a pencil drawing, then open a new document, choose a different paper texture, color, and brush, and play back the script. Watch Corel Painter repeat your drawing with the selected art materials.
• Scripts are a great educational tool. Playing the script of an art project lets you see the step-by-step process used to make the image. It's like looking over the artist's shoulder.
• Scripts are particularly useful for working with movies. When you have an operation you want to apply to each frame in a movie, record the set of commands in a script. You can then apply the script to the entire movie as one command.
• When you play a script, you can output it to a movie. Every action you take becomes a frame in the movie. This is a great way to create special effects for your QuickTime or Video for Windows (VFW) movies.