Using the VFXAnimator Script

📜 Get the Script: VFXAnimator.cs on GitHub

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Overview

VFXAnimator is a C# script designed for Unity that automates the fading of CanvasGroup and Image components. It features:

• Sequential or simultaneous fade-outs.
• Easing control via an AnimationCurve.
• Glitch/flicker effects on previously faded elements.
• Runtime toggling for quick testing in the Editor.

Setup Instructions

1. Create an empty GameObject in your Unity scene and attach the VFXAnimator script.
2. In the Inspector, assign:

• Any CanvasGroup components you wish to fade (e.g., UI panels).
• Any Image components you want to fill (e.g., radial wipe, progress bars).
• A custom AnimationCurve if you want non-linear fading.

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Basic Usage

Fading In:
Call PlayFadeIn() from another script or a UI button click:

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public class SampleUsage : MonoBehaviour
{
    public VFXAnimator animator;

    void Start()
    {
        // Fade everything in when the scene loads
        animator.PlayFadeIn();
    }
}
            

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Fading Out:
Similarly, call PlayFadeOut(). You can optionally pass a callback to run after the sequence finishes:

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animator.PlayFadeOut(() =>
{
    Debug.Log("All elements faded out!");
    // You could unload a scene or disable objects here
});
            

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Key Properties

Timing Settings
- startingDelay: Wait time before fade in.
- exitDelay: Wait time before fade out.
- delayBetweenElements: How long to wait before starting the next element’s fade.
- fadeDuration: How long each fade/ fill animation lasts.

Glitch Effect
- enableGlitchEffect: Toggle flickering on previously faded elements.
- glitchDuration: How long each flicker lasts.
- glitchRepeats: Number of times each previous element flickers.
- randomGlitchOrder: Flicker prior elements in random order.
- glitchAlphaMin / glitchAlphaMax: Range of alpha used for flickering.

Test Visibility

The testVisibility bool (exposed in the Inspector) allows you to toggle fade in/out at runtime without extra scripting. Flip it to true to auto-fade in, or false to auto-fade out. This is perfect for dialing in the right speed, delays, and glitch values on the fly.

Final Notes

The VFXAnimator script is a simple approach to orchestrate UI fades and glitchy visuals.

• Combine with Timeline for more complex sequences.
• Extend the glitch logic for random durations or color shifts.
• Use your own curves to create bouncy or overshoot fade transitions.

Remember to test with various UI elements, from menus to victory screens, to ensure the timings feel just right.

We hope this tutorial helps you integrate smooth, attention-grabbing animations in your Unity project. Enjoy creating awesome UI experiences!