Session Import (.asciimtn)

Session files (.asciimtn) are the recommended format for saving and restoring complete ASCII Motion projects. They preserve your full workspace state.

What Session Files Preserve

Session files store your complete project state:

How to Import a Session

From the Import Menu

1. Click Import in the top toolbar
2. Select .asciimtn from the dropdown
3. A file browser opens
4. Select your .asciimtn file
5. Click Open to load the project

From Cloud Storage (if signed in)

1. Click the hamburger menu (≡) in the top toolbar
2. Select Open Project
3. Browse your saved projects
4. Click a project to load it

Import Behavior

Full Replacement

Loading a session file replaces your current workspace entirely:

• All existing frames are replaced
• Canvas is resized to match the session
• Custom palettes are loaded
• Current work is not preserved

Validation

ASCII Motion validates session files before loading:

• File format is checked for integrity
• Missing or corrupted data is handled gracefully
• Invalid sessions show an error message

Session File Format

Session files are JSON-based with a .asciimtn extension. The structure includes:

{
  "version": "1.0",
  "metadata": {
    "name": "My Project",
    "created": "2024-01-15T10:30:00Z",
    "modified": "2024-01-15T14:45:00Z"
  },
  "canvas": {
    "width": 80,
    "height": 24
  },
  "animation": {
    "frames": [...],
    "currentFrameIndex": 0,
    "frameRate": 12,
    "isLooping": true
  },
  "characterPalettes": {...},
  "colorPalettes": {...},
  "settings": {...}
}

Cloud Projects vs Local Sessions

Cloud Projects

• Stored on ASCII Motion servers
• Require sign-in to access
• Auto-save capability
• Accessible from any device
• Use Open Project from the hamburger menu

Local Session Files

• Stored on your computer
• Work offline
• Manual save/export required
• Portable (can share via email, etc.)
• Use Import → .asciimtn to open

Both formats use the same internal structure and are fully interchangeable.

Troubleshooting

"Invalid session file"

The file is corrupted or not a valid ASCII Motion session. Check that:

• The file has a .asciimtn extension
• The file wasn't modified by another program
• You're opening the correct file

"Version not supported"

The session was created with a newer version of ASCII Motion. Update the application to open newer session files.

Missing custom palettes

If your custom palettes don't appear after loading:

• Check the Character Palette and Color Palette sections
• Custom palettes should appear in the "Custom" section of the dropdowns
• The session may not have included custom palette data

Best Practices

• Save often - Export session files regularly during long projects
• Use descriptive names - Include project name and date in filenames
• Keep backups - Store session files in multiple locations
• Cloud sync - Use cloud storage for projects you want to access anywhere