Pose matching best practices

Root object

By default, the Time Editor uses the top object(s) in the scene hierarchy from all objects driven by that Clip to be the Relcoator. The Relocator is positioned on the first frame of the animation root.

However, there may be times when it is a good idea to reassign root objects to prevent incorrect interpolation. For example, whenever the whole character slides during a Clip crossfade where a transform is used, it may be caused by using the wrong Root Offset. Or in cases where a clip has multiple roots, such as, a rig with no explicit hierarchy that has a controller acting for the entire character.
Note: A clip can have multiple root objects if it contains multiple hierarchies.

Root objects rules

  • are different from the matching object
  • should be objects which will not shift a lot from their local space when you apply the Transform
  • will transform any scene element located under Pose Matching the scene hierarchy by the Transform

Best practices

  • Populate a character downward from the top controller in the hierarchy that defines the character’s position and which is probably its center of gravity or hip.
  • The Root offset should be an object that does not move much relative to the matching object.
  • Use the Relocator options to stop the Time Editor from using the default Root and assign different roots in the Clip Roots list.
  • The relocator root is typically the same controller(s) you use to manipulate the entire character in the Viewport.

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