Create Group for different located layers

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skygazer
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Create Group for different located layers

Post by skygazer »

Hi there

Is it possible to put different layers in a group without moving them?

These layers are e.g. below each other
Layer 1
Layer 2
Layer 3
Layer 4
However, I would like to have layer 1, layer 2 and layer 4 in one group without moving them. The reason for this is that I have objects whose size I want to adjust, because the head, eyes and hair are too small in relation to the rest of the body, but of course they are arranged in this way hierarchically for a reason. If I use the transformation tool without grouping then each layer has its own center from which it is then made larger or smaller and suddenly the things are then shifted
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slowtiger
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Re: Create Group for different located layers

Post by slowtiger »

In the layer tab, select the layers to group and then "create group from selection". Then you can adjust the group layer's size easily.

I often do that as it is quick and dirty and does the job. However, if you're at the start of a project and just create your character, it is recommended to "normalise" all the layers the character consists of. This means, that every character layer is at 100% (and a Z value of 0), and you adjust the content inside each on them by scaling the points. Yes, that's work, but will pay in the long run.

You could always duplicate layers, chancge sizes via the group method on half of them, and then just use this as a blueprint for adjusting the other half via point scaling.
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skygazer
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Re: Create Group for different located layers

Post by skygazer »

slowtiger wrote: Mon Sep 23, 2024 2:49 pm In the layer tab, select the layers to group and then "create group from selection". Then you can adjust the group layer's size easily.

I often do that as it is quick and dirty and does the job. However, if you're at the start of a project and just create your character, it is recommended to "normalise" all the layers the character consists of. This means, that every character layer is at 100% (and a Z value of 0), and you adjust the content inside each on them by scaling the points. Yes, that's work, but will pay in the long run.

You could always duplicate layers, chancge sizes via the group method on half of them, and then just use this as a blueprint for adjusting the other half via point scaling.
Maybe I'm just blind but I can't see "create group from selection"
I only see "Group" or "Group With Slection". If I group them the all end up in one Group and get moved.

Yeah I' usually also prefer them beeing 100% but I was trying a lot of things and now also have a lot of layers, so I'm a bit too deep in the process to clear things up to 100% :(
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slowtiger
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Re: Create Group for different located layers

Post by slowtiger »

I'm a bit confused about what you mean with "moved". What exactly do you mean? No matter how I group or ungroup items, they will stay at their position on the stage.

And yes, you're right, it's "group with selection".
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skygazer
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Re: Create Group for different located layers

Post by skygazer »

If there is Layer 1, Layer 2 and Layer 3 and I create a Group Named "Group", then Layer 1 and 3 shall be in there

Before
Layer 1
Layer 2
Layer 3

After
Layer 2
Group
>Layer 1
>Layer 3

so now they are in Group and under Layer 2. But I want Layer 1 still to be on top of Layer 2
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Re: Create Group for different located layers

Post by slowtiger »

In that case you have to move the new group to the top. (this is called "changing layer order", changing the stacking isn't called "moving" here.)

But this looks like you need to work the other way.
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SimplSam
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Re: Create Group for different located layers

Post by SimplSam »

One alternative approach is to:
- add all the layers to a group
- convert that to a bone group
- add a 'mover' bone (with 0 strength)
- layer bind the layers you want to move together to that 'mover' bone
- then animate the 'mover' bone
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skygazer
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Re: Create Group for different located layers

Post by skygazer »

Thanks guys for your help!
Okay I had hoped there was a quick and easy way
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