Storing the Character in the Library
For maximum efficiency and reuse of your character in different scenes, you must store a template in the Library view. You can create different kinds of templates, such as templates that include all the layers, a template for a body, key pose or even some containing only the head.
Harmony has a Timeline and a Network view. The Timeline view represents the layers in a linear and simple way. The Network view lets you create all sorts of complex connections that the Timeline view cannot display. This means that:
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Any template created from the Timeline view must be imported in the Timeline view. |
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Any template created from the Network view must be imported in the Network view. These templates are also referred to as master templates. |
It is highly recommended that you create a cut-out puppet's main template (master template) from the Network view since it contains advanced connections, Display modules and Composite modules.
How to create a template from the Network view
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In the Library view, right-click on the desired library folder and select Right To Modify. |
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In the Timeline view, collapse the master peg layer. |
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If your scene has a series of blank cells, they must also be included in the template if you drag the layer to the Library view. Reduce the scene length so there are no empty cells before creating your template. |
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Add a keyframe on the collapsed character. |
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In the Network view, select your character's group and in the top menu, select Edit > Copy. In the Library view, select the folder in which you want to store the template and in the top menu, select Edit > Paste. |
The Rename dialog box opens.
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In the Name field, type in a name for the template. |
How to create a key pose template
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In the Library view, right-click on the desired library folder and select Right To Modify. |
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In the Timeline view, collapse the master peg layer. |
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Select the cell containing the desired view and drag it into the desired library folder. |
The Rename dialog box opens.
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In the Name field, type in a name for the template. |
When you create a template from the Timeline view, you must first import your master template in order for everything to work properly when you reimport it into a scene. Once the master template is imported, you can import the key pose template's content into the right side of the Timeline view.
When you create a template from a keyframe in the Timeline view's right side, it only copies the drawings and keyframes. It does not copy all of the network's advanced connections and composites. If you import a Timeline template in the Network view or in the Timeline view's left side, your layers will be in the wrong order and will not be connected to a composite.
