Duplicate Object

Creates one or more copies of the picked objects, with optional transformations applied to each copy. The default options create an exact copy of the original at the same location. You have to move the copy to see the original.

You can also create copies that are actually references to an original object. When the original is changed, the copied instances automatically update. Instances take up less memory and disk space and display faster than real geometry.

Note: Instances of the Duplicate Object tool added to custom marking menus or shelves prior to Alias 2022.2 Update, will no longer appear. You need to re-add the Duplicate Object tool to your custom marking menus and shelves.

Duplicate Object Control settings

Number

The number of copies you want to create.

If you specify multiple copies, each copy is moved, rotated, and scaled relative to the previous copy.

Translation, Rotation, Scaling

Move, rotate, and/or scale the geometry as it is copied.

Note: Negative scaling values reflect the object across its pivot point.

Geometry Type

Choose Copy to create real geometry.

Choose Instance to create a lightweight reference to the original. When the original is change, the instance is automatically updated.

Group Duplicate

Specifies whether the copied geometry should be a child of the same parent as the original geometry from which it was copied.

Copy Animation

Copy animation applied to the object. Checking on this option gives access to the Animation Parameters section (see below).

Animation Parameters

These options are available when Copy Animation is turned on.

All/Parameters

Use these check boxes to copy channels for either All parameters or only those specified in the Parameter Control window. To find out how to turn animation parameter controls on or off, see Animation > Parameter Control.

Otherwise, select All to have all parameters copied.

Time Offset

Change the start time of the animation of the object being copied. This setting is applied to all nodes of the chosen hierarchy, not just the picked node.

Control options

Auto Update

Automatically update the new object when the values in the Duplicate Object Control window change.

Return to Last Active Tool

Turn this on if you want Alias to close the Duplicate Object following a duplication operation and return the focus to the tool you were previously using.

Duplicate object workflows

Duplicate an object

Pick the object(s) you want to duplicate.
Shift-select Edit > Duplicate > Object.
Specify the number of copies and translation (move) and rotation, and scaling values to apply to each copy.
Press the Spacebar or click the Duplicate button in the viewport to duplicate the object.

Create a flipped duplicate of the picked objects

Shift-click Edit > Duplicate > Object.
In the scale boxes, type scaling factors for X, Y, and Z:
- To flip across an axis, type -1 for that axis.
- Otherwise, type 1.
For example, to flip across the X axis, type -1 1 1. To flip across the Y and Z axes, type 1 -1 -1.

Create linked instances of objects

Pick the object that you want to copy.
Shift-click Edit > Duplicate > Object.
Set Geometry Type to Instance and click Go.

Note: Use Expand Instances to convert instanced objects to real geometry.

Path Array