Layer Controller

The Layer Controller dialog provides commands and options related to the Layer controllers in your scene, which the system automatically assigns for you when you enable animation layers on an object.

• Track View > Highlight a layer-enabled controller name such as Position and right-click. > Properties
• Select a layer-enabled object. > Motion panel > PRS Parameters > Position/Rotation/Scale

Unlike other controllers, you cannot assign a Layer controller explicitly to a track; you first need to enable layers via the Animation Layers toolbar or the Enable Layers command on the Track View Edit menu Controller submenu.

The Layer controller dialog has similarities to the List controller dialog. For complementary information on some of the options, see List controller.

Note: This section covers using layers in general animation; for information about using layers with biped animation, see Layers Rollout.

Interface

The dialog for a Layer controller depends on whether you’re using it with a Position or Scale track (left, following), or with a Rotation track (right, following).

Layer Controller dialog with Position and Scale tracks

Layer Controller dialog with Rotation tracks

Tip: In general, for ease of use we recommend you work with layers using the Animation Layers toolbar rather than this dialog.

[List Window]

Shows all Layer controllers for the selected object, along with their respective weight values.

Set Active

To specify the layer to receive subsequent animation keys, as well as adjust its weight, highlight a layer in the list and then click Set Active. The active layer is marked with an arrow in the list.

Tip: You can also change the active layer by double-clicking it in the list, and with the drop-down list on the Animation Layers toolbar .

Delete

Deletes the highlighted controller. A dialog prompts you to confirm the deletion.

Copy

Copies the highlighted controller's data and enables Paste.

Paste

Applies the copied controller data onto the highlighted controller.

Weight

Sets the relative effect of the highlighted Layer controller.

Average Weights

When on, averages the Weight values of all controllers in the list. Available only when you assign a Layer controller to a Position track. Default=off.

Pose to Pose

Enables blending among controllers in the list. Available only when you assign a Layer controller to a Rotation track. Default=off.

See List controller for more information on this option.

Blend Euler As Quat

When on, exposes the rotation axis order for blending the Euler controllers, which can prove useful for controlling gimbal. Available only when you assign a Layer controller to a Rotation track. Default=off.

X/Y/Z Order

Sets the order in which the system calculates each rotation axis. Available only when Blend Euler As Quat (see preceding) is on.

Disable

Removes the Layer controller from the select object and reverts the animation keys on the Base Layer to the original controller.

Note: Disable is available only when the Base Layer is the only animation layer. That is, you need to have first deleted or collapsed (available on the Animation Layers toolbar) all layers above the Base Layer.