Rigging

[v1u1ant]

I know there a few ways to set rigging up.
I just need some things confirming for how i would prefer to rig.
Im going to add bones to an object in layout with no weightmaps.
Is it best to seperate all my limbs out in modeler into seperate layers, (upper_left_leg, lower_left_leg, etc) and parent the bones thus: lower_left_leg_bone to lower_left_leg (object) to upper_left_leg_bone to_upper_left_leg (object) etc? hope you get my thinking here.


Or should i be looking at doing this a different way.

Hope its not a daft question im asking here

Dont need an indepth explanation, just a pointer is cool:)


Thanks

[Sensei]

separate layers would be good only for mechanical objects, but such don't need usually bones, but straight away movement and rotation.. Separate layer in Layout is treated as completely new object, not connected by points and polygons with other layers by any way..

[SplineGod]

You can do that but then you would have to checkmark "use bones from" in the bones panel for each object layer.
Its easier just to keep them all in one layer.
If you intend not to use weigh tmaps. pose the character in modeler so that the arms and legs are spread apart as well as the fingers etc so that you dont get any cross influence from bones.

[adamredwoods]

In addition to SplineGod's comments, I'd like to add when I first started out I found it can be a little tricky to check the "Use Bones From".

I usually select the master object, then press the key "p" for properties, then press the key "shift-B" for bones. Then you get the bones panel for that object and you can use the "select bones from" box.

Maybe it's simple, but for some reason I found it difficult when I started out.

[SplineGod]

Simple for me is to keep it all in one layer. :)

[v1u1ant]

ok thanks:)

i managed a simple animation of a basic arm doing a 'pull back and punch, follow through arm swings back' kinda thing. Seemed to work ok on an organic model:)


I guess i need to look into doing something mechanical. Would i be correct in thinking that one way to make something mechanical move in a mechanical way is just to restrict the HPB motion controllers? Like thats my simple take on doing a simple mechanic where i have everything on one layer?