I have a figure in a group layer, containing all the moving parts on separate layers. If I want have this character move (probably walk) across the frame, I can either move each body part separately to where I want them (very tedious) or use the translate layer tool.
Is there any reason not to use translate layer for this? it seems a slightly 'hacked' way to do it to me but maybe it's the proper way?
Translate Layer for Movement
Moderators: Víctor Paredes, Belgarath, slowtiger
I think it's the way most of us do this.
The other alternative (assuming you have boned your character) is to translate the master bone. However, if you have developed your actions (like many of us have) to include up and down movements in your master bone then this won't work.
I'm not sure why it sounds kludgy to you.
The other alternative (assuming you have boned your character) is to translate the master bone. However, if you have developed your actions (like many of us have) to include up and down movements in your master bone then this won't work.
I'm not sure why it sounds kludgy to you.
I tend to split up movements in order to maintain a good overview. I use the "translate bone" tool for the up-and-down of the root bone of a walking character, but the "translate layer" tool for moving the bone layer (which is the top layer of my character) sideways. This way I can have both movements on different timelines which makes editing much easier for me.
Something I like to do is to set the origin point of the layer to the location of the root bone or which ever bone is the base of the layer. Then when you translate or rotate a layer it is based on the same origin as the bone.
When doing character movement I like to key the root bone for forward motion rather than the layer. I find it easier to "match" the movements if all the keys are in the same place. I will do a walk cycle "in place" then go back and key the root bone for forward motion. That's just my preference though. I am using a save bone animation script so I need to keep all the character motion on the bone layer.
I think it is going to give similar results either way. Moving the layer is exactly the same as moving the root bone. Both create the exact same motion. the only difference is that the layer motion is on its own key frame channel and not confused by all the other bone keys.
-vern
When doing character movement I like to key the root bone for forward motion rather than the layer. I find it easier to "match" the movements if all the keys are in the same place. I will do a walk cycle "in place" then go back and key the root bone for forward motion. That's just my preference though. I am using a save bone animation script so I need to keep all the character motion on the bone layer.
I think it is going to give similar results either way. Moving the layer is exactly the same as moving the root bone. Both create the exact same motion. the only difference is that the layer motion is on its own key frame channel and not confused by all the other bone keys.
-vern