9

Animation Layers 329
When you add a new animation layer ( page 2–334),
you can pick a name already in use by an existing
layer; this links both layers’ weight track, wh ich
is now instanced.
Using Merged or XR ef Scenes Containing
Layers
When you merge (page 3–463) or externally
reference (page 3–407) asourcescene(orobject)
containing layers into your master scene, the
system adds the incoming layers to the master
scene’s layer list.
Note: AllanimationswithinanincomingXRef
object or scene is preserved within an XRef
controller (page 2–383).Youcannoteditthem
unless you merge the XRef object or XRef
controller into your master scene.
If a layer name from the merged or XRef scene
matches one from the master scene, both la y ers
become synchronized ; that is, the weight track is
instanced to both of them.
Collapsing Layers
Collapsing a layer merges keys if any of these
conditions are met:
• the two controllers are of similar types (B ezier,
Float, TCB, etc.).
• they have the same tangent ty pe.
• the Blend Euler As Quat option of the Layer
Controller dialog (page 2–325) is turned off.
However, many factors can cause a collapse per
frame (that is, setting a key on every frame):
• If one controller type is TCB (Quaternion) and
the other is B ezier (Euler).
• If the Blend Euler As Quat option of the Layer
Controller dialog (page 2–325) is turned on, and
both rotation controllers are Euler-driven.
• If the Blend Euler As Quat option of the Layer
controller is turned off, and both rotation
controllers are Euler-driven, but both have
different tangent types.
• Ifeithercontrollerisnon-keyable.
Procedures: Integra tin g Anima tion
La ye r s in a Wor kl ow
The following sequence of procedures illustrate
how you can use animation layers in your workflow
to quickly create and combine different animation
tracks together for the same object. You should
be fa miliar with the basics of animation and key
creation before going through the following steps.
Ex ample: To ena ble lay ers :
1.
Createateapot,andthenturnonAutoKeyand
setpositionkeysontheXaxisatframes0,15,
and 30.
2. Open the Curve Editor (page 2–507) and locate
the teapot’s Position track in the hierarchy
window.
3. Choose Animation > Animation Layers to open
the Animation L ayers toolbar.
4. Make sure the teapot is selected, then
click Enable Anim Layers.