XSTAGE File – What is .xstage file and how to open it?
XSTAGE File Extension
Harmony Scene – file format by Toon Boom
XSTAGE (Harmony Scene) is a proprietary file format used by Toon Boom Harmony, a 2D animation software program. It stores animation scenes, including layers, drawings, and effects. The XSTAGE file format allows for efficient loading and saving of complex animation projects.
XSTAGE File Format
An XSTAGE file is a proprietary file format used by Toon Boom Harmony, a professional 2D animation software application. It stores a complete animation scene, including all assets, layers, keyframes, and other data necessary for playback and editing. XSTAGE files enable animators to collaborate on projects seamlessly, share scenes, and maintain a consistent animation workflow.
XSTAGE File Structure
XSTAGE files are structured in a hierarchical manner, with the main scene hierarchy stored as a binary stream in the header. The file contains various sections, including:
- Project Information: Properties and settings related to the project, such as the frame rate, resolution, and project name.
- Scene Data: Contains the timeline, layers, and keyframe data for each character, prop, or element in the scene.
- Object Definitions: Defines the properties of each object in the scene, including its size, color, and transformation matrices.
- Asset References: Links to external assets used in the scene, such as images, audio files, and fonts.
- Metadata: Additional information related to the scene, including versioning, copyright notices, and annotations.
What is an XSTAGE file?
An XSTAGE file stores a digital scene created using Toon Boom Harmony, a popular animation software program. It contains information about the scene, such as the characters, objects, and background, as well as the animation keyframes and timeline. XSTAGE files are used to store and share animation projects, and can be opened and edited in Toon Boom Harmony.
How to open an XSTAGE file
To open an XSTAGE file, you will need to have Toon Boom Harmony installed on your computer. Once you have installed Toon Boom Harmony, you can open an XSTAGE file by following these steps:
- Launch Toon Boom Harmony.
- Click on the “File” menu.
- Select “Open”.
- Navigate to the location of your XSTAGE file.
- Select the file and click “Open”.
Your XSTAGE file will now be open in Toon Boom Harmony, and you can begin editing it.
XSTAGE File Structure and Content
XSTAGE files are Harmony scenes used in the Toon Boom Harmony software. These files store all aspects of an animated scene, including drawings, layers, properties, camera settings, and special effects. The file format is based on XML, making it easy to read and edit.
XSTAGE files contain various sections, each serving a specific purpose. The “project” section holds general project information, such as the name and creator. The “stage” section defines the scene layout, including its dimensions, background color, and camera settings. The “library” section contains reusable elements like characters, props, and symbols. The “timeline” section organizes the animation sequence, displaying each frame and controlling playback.
XSTAGE Compatibility and Usage
XSTAGE files are primarily used with Toon Boom Harmony software. The software allows animators to create, edit, and export XSTAGE files for various purposes. These files can be shared and collaborated on between different users and studios using Toon Boom Harmony.
Additionally, XSTAGE files can be exported to other formats for compatibility with different platforms and applications. Common export formats include PNG, PSD, and QuickTime MOV, enabling animators to share their work with non-Harmony users. XSTAGE files have become an essential part of the animation industry, streamlining collaboration and enhancing the efficiency of the animation process.