Custom attributes

You can add dynamic custom attributes to your node. Some applications include:

• Link attributes so that one attribute drives another; for example, in a rig
• Add a custom attribute to an object and use it in an expression; in particular, to control a combination of other attributes
• Add a custom attribute to a particle shape node to control its value in an expression
• Use a custom attribute as a variable to store a value temporarily to be read by other attributes

To add custom attributes

Add custom dynamic attributes by selecting Modify > Add Attribute. The Add Attribute window appears. See Add Attribute Options for more information.

When you add a custom attribute to an object, it appears in the Extra Attributes section of the Attribute Editor (and in the Channel Box, if you make the attribute keyable).

With this feature, custom attributes are dynamically added to an object. Dynamic attributes allow you to add or delete attributes on a particular node. They are different from static attributes in that they are only married to a specific instance of a node type. Although custom attributes added using this feature are dynamic attributes, they are referred to as custom to distinguish them from the built-in dynamic attributes.

For more information about different types of attributes, see Static, dynamic, and extension attributes.

Custom attributes have no direct effect on any characteristic of an object in Maya.

Related topics

• Create edit or delete custom attributes
• Use custom attributes in expressions
• Add dynamic attributes to nParticles
• Assign to a custom attribute
• Edit Attribute Options