Cluster Deformer options

Note: For information on using the Cluster deformer, see Create Cluster deformers.

Basic tab

Relative Mode

Specifies whether the cluster deformation will occur only when the cluster deformer handle itself is transformed (moved, rotated, or scaled). With Relative Mode turned on, only transformations to the cluster deformer handle itself will cause deformation effects. With Relative Mode turned off, transformations to objects parented to the cluster deformer handle can cause deformation effects.

For example, suppose you are using a cluster deformer to smooth deformation effects around the wrist joint of a character’s skinned arm. If you create a cluster deformer with Relative Mode turned on, and then parent the cluster deformer handle to a wrist joint, you can rotate the shoulder joint without causing cluster deformation effects around the wrist. But when you move the cluster deformer handle itself, you cause cluster deformation effects around the wrist. Default is on.

Envelope

Specifies the deformation scale factor. A value of 0 provides no deformation, a value of 0.5 provides a deformation effect scaled to half of its full effect, and a value of 1 provides the full deformation effect. Use the slider to select values between 0 and 1. Default is 1.

Advanced tab

For information on these creation options, see Advanced deformer options.

Deformation Order

Specifies the placement of the deformer node in the deformable object’s history. For more information about deformer placement, see Deformation order.

Exclusive

Specifies whether the deformer set is in a partition. Sets in a partition can have no overlapping members. If on, the Partition To Use and New Partition Name options become available. Default is off.

Partition To Use

Lists any existing partitions, and a default selection Create New Partition. If you select New Partition, you can edit the Partition Name field to specify the name of a new partition. Only available if Exclusive is on.

Partition Name

Specifies the name of a new partition that will include the deformer set. The suggested partition name is deformPartition, which will be created if it does not already exist. Typically, you might put all your exclusive deformer sets in the partition named deformPartition. However, you can create as many partitions as you like, and name them whatever you want. Only available if Exclusive is on.