Using Patch Layers on a Switch Layer

[Karl Toon]

I have 2 hands inside a switch layer. Is there a way I can use a patch layer between this and the arm? It doesn't seem to work with the switch layer and I can't figure out a way which would be easier than using a patch.

[Greenlaw]

The regular patch layer doesn't work with groups, however you can use a regular shape with masking to do the same thing:

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=32275&hilit=patch+layer

This method has other advantages, like being able to use an arbitrary shape for the 'patchoid'. Unfortunately, the tread has a lot of broken links and images but Wes description of the technique should be complete.

Hope this helps.

[Greenlaw]

I just looked over that thread and I think the trick might not be so clear without the proper example files. (The ankle file I posted there is an example of what doesn't work.)

I'm tied up here for bit but I think I can whip up an example and post it later. If anything, I have some of those files here (like the ankle example Wes fixed for me) and can repost them. Will let you know when they're up.

[Greenlaw]

Sorry, got too busy yesterday and didn't get to whip up the example project file, but here at least is the project file Wes fixed for me in that other thread...

patchoidTest(fixed).moho

This is the ankle example I posted but with the 'patchoid' working on a Switch layer (this method works with any group type.) I'll break down what's going on in this file but for now feel free to pick apart this example project.

In a nutshell...

1. Leg Group has Masking enabled and is set to Reveal All
2. Leg Stroke is set to mask this layer
3. Foot Mask (Switch Ref of Foot) is a mask set to Subtract From Mask (Invisible)
4. Leg Fill is not masked
5. Foot (Switch) is set to don't mask this layer Note: This might seem counter-intuitive since the bottom layer in a mask group is often a mask.

I noticed this version of the project has the notches I mentioned in a follow up post. I'll look into applying the fix and re-upload in another post later.

Hope this helps

(Correction: Leg Group is set to Reveal All not HIde All.)