Ordering the Layers
At this point, it is possible that your character's pieces may show up in the wrong order.
There are several ways to fix this. First, you can reorder your layers by dragging them to a higher or lower level in the Timeline view. The top layer is displayed in front of the others and the bottom one is displayed behind. Second, you can use the Z-axis nudging (forward and backward) if you have extra views included in the same layers (front, three-quarter, back, etc.).
This topic is divided as follows:
• | Ordering the Timeline Layers |
• | Ordering Layers in the Network View |
• | Nudging Parts Backwards and Forwards |
Ordering the Timeline Layers
In the Timeline view, the layer positioned at the top will be displayed in front and the ones below will be displayed behind. If you have multiple views, you should order your layers based on the most common view, which is generally the three-quarter front.
‣ | In the Timeline view, drag a layer to reorder it and drop it between other layers. |
If you drop it on a layer, it will create a parent hierarchy, so make sure to drop it between layers.
Ordering Layers in the Network View
The Node view allows you to reorder layers without breaking any hierarchy. For example, if you want the Head layer to appear behind all the facial features, in the Timeline view, you cannot simply move the layer down because you will break the parenting between the head layers. In the Node view, since you have a set of flexible connections, you can change the Composite node ordering without breaking the parenting between the nodes.
The Composite node ordering corresponds to your timeline ordering unless the Node view's organization is too complex for the Timeline view to display. The element connected in the left-most port of the Composite node is displayed in front in the Camera view and the one connected in the right-most port is displayed behind.
‣ | In the Node view, select the node's output cable connected to the Composite node and drag it to its new position. |
Nudging Parts Backwards and Forwards
If you created a hierarchy on your arms, legs or other body parts, it is possible that you will want a part, such as the hand, to appear in front of its parent. Yet, if you move the hand layer above the arm layer, you will break the hierarchy. To reorder a layer rigged in a hierarchy, nudge it backwards or forwards on the z-axis.
Harmony allows you to move your elements in three dimensions:
• | Up and down (Y-axis) |
• | Left and right (X-axis) |
• | Backwards and forwards (Z-axis) |
In the same way you create multiplane backgrounds (depth), you can perform a micro nudge of the part to be reordered and see it in front of the other elements, even if its layer is actually behind the other ones in the Timeline view. The forward-backward position can also be animated over time.
Repeat the following instructions for all the views.
- In the Tools toolbar, select the Transform tool. Make sure to enable the Animate mode.
- In the Camera view, select the element you want to reorder. Make sure the focus (red outline) is around the Camera view before selecting the element.
- To move the element forward, press Alt + Down Arrow and to move the element backward, press Alt + Up Arrow.