2009

Hierarchies
Bipedal figure with part of its hierarchy diagrammed in the background
One of the most useful tools in producing computer animation is the ability
to link objects together to form a chain. By linking one object to another, you
create a parent-child relationship. Transforms applied to the parent are also
transmitted to child objects. A chain is also referred to as a hierarchy.
You can find the commands to build and manipulate hierarchies in the
following places in the interface:
The Select and Link on page 3343 and Unlink Selection on page
3344 buttons let you make and break links between objects in your scene.
The
Bones system on page 901 in the Create panel > Systems category lets
you create a hierarchy of bones. You can also create bones by choosing
Bone Tools on page 915 from the Animation menu on page 7490. You can
turn any hierarchy of objects into bones by selecting the hierarchy and
turning on Bone Tools dialog > Object Properties rollout > Bone On.
Hierarchies | 3331