Add constraints to animation layers

You can add simple constraints to animation layers.

To add a simple constraint to an animation layer

1. In the Animation Layer Editor, click to create a new empty animation layer for the constraint.
2. (Optional) Rename the animation layer so that you can easily identify it later in the Constraint Options as you create the constraint.
3. Select one or more target objects, followed by the object you want to constrain to them.
4. From the main menu bar, select one of the following, depending on which type of constraint you want to create:
   • Constrain > Point >
   • Constrain > Aim >
   • Constrain > Parent >
   • Constrain > Orient >
5. In the Constraint Options window, select the animation layer where you want to add the constraint using the Animation Layer drop-down menu. Set the other constraint options as required, noting the following recommended options:
   • Keep Set Layer To Override on to automatically set the selected layer to Override mode. With the layered constraint on an Override layer, underlying animation is blocked so you can see the full effect of the constraint. This is an ideal setup for adding animation on top of the constraint using Additive layers.
   • Turn on Maintain Offset so that your selected objects do not move unexpectedly.

   The constraint animation is now contained in its assigned animation layer, and it contributes to the result animation in your scene.

   Tip:

   If you have multiple constraints on an object and add each constraint to an Override animation layer, you can then manipulate the weight of each layer to create a blended result between the constraints.

Known limitations for animation layers with constraints

Note the following known limitations and workarounds when using animation layers with constraints.

• Layers containing constraints cannot be exported using the Animation Layer Editor export tool. (See also Import and export animation layers.)
• The Graph Editor does not fully support animation layers with constraints. Constraint attributes always display associated with the BaseAnimation, even when they are added to a layer.
• You cannot edit a Set Driven Key curve with the Set Driven Key window once the curve has been added to an animation layer. You can still edit the curve using the Graph Editor. (See also Set driven keys.)
• You cannot add a new target to a multi-source constraint once it has been moved to an animation layer. Instead, create multiple layers with multiple instances of the constraint, then adjust the layer weight values to achieve the desired effect.

Related topics

• Create point constraints
• Create aim constraints
• Create orient constraints
• Create a parent constraint