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follow path: layer switch?
Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 9:28 pm
by arfa
Using follow path - great.
It seems that it uses the layer immediately above the object.
Is there any way to switch the object to another path?
I have tried to animate layer sorting. I am sure I have done this in the past.
Also tried using a switch layer. Nope.
My aim is to have the object follow path A
animate the object here and there
have the object follow path B
thx
Re: follow path: layer switch?
Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 9:40 pm
by slowtiger
Why? Just create one path.
Re: follow path: layer switch?
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 1:59 am
by arfa
My thought is to have animation/action/transitions between the end of one path and the start of another.
I am still developing the action but figure there will be some (complicated?) activity between the end of A and the start of B and start of C...?
Lateral movement could be totally governed by one path but, somehow I suspect that there will be limitations that I will want to get around.
So, is it possible? Y/N
If Y then how?
Re: follow path: layer switch?
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 10:41 am
by slowtiger
You can follow only one path per scene.
It might be possible that you duplicate the object/path couple, so you have the second path in a second group, then use whatever transition to switch visibility between them. Still I can't imagine which movement would be so comlicated that it can't be done with on path.
Re: follow path: layer switch?
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 8:32 pm
by arfa
Thanks for the clarity slowtiger.
I have done a bit more work and see that the path can be animated (I already have insects walking along a wind-blown vine) and the object layer can be scaled.
BUT... there seems to be no way to animate the object points. Even just clicking a point causes weird contortions.
I am also looking at a "follow parentless bone chain" method [Selgin I think] that is similar to follow-path and allows point animation. I guess the limitations of any system require a combination of approaches. Duplicating the object is certainly a solution.
Just on the off chance....
********* Is there a way to dis-connect the object from the path? The object I am using is relatively simple so an extra layer is no problem but - one less step is - one less step.
Re: follow path: layer switch?
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 11:12 pm
by slowtiger
If detaching doesn't work, use the aforementioned method of duplication - one item bound to the path, the other free, and switch visibility where needed. I do this all the time - much faster than any fiddling with settings.
Re: follow path: layer switch?
Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 12:49 am
by arfa
I had high expectations for follow-path with my snake character - as in "one method to cover all poses, etc..."
I am learning limitations (and strengths).
thanks