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 Node view. The Timeline view represents the layers in a linear and simple way. The Node view lets you create all sorts of complex connections that the Timeline view cannot display. This means that:
| • | Any template created from the Timeline view must be imported in the Timeline view. |
| • | Any template created from the Node view must be imported in the Node view. These templates are also referred to as master templates. |
When you create a template from the Timeline view's right side, 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 (action) 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 node system's advanced connections and composites. If you import a template that was created in the Timeline view into the Node view or in the Timeline view's left side, the layers will be in the wrong order and will not be connected to a composite.
How to create a template from the Node view
| 1. | In the Library view, right-click on the desired library folder and select Right To Modify. |
| 2. | In the Timeline view, collapse the master peg layer. |
- 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.
- Add a keyframe on the collapsed character.
| 3. | In the Node 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.
- In the Name field, type in a name for the template.
- Click OK.
How to create a template from the Timeline view
- In the Library view, right-click on the desired library folder and select Right To Modify.
- In the Timeline view, collapse the master peg layer.
- If your scene has a series of blank cells, they will also be included in the template if you drag the layer to the Library view. Reduce the scene length to have no empty cells before creating your template.
- In the Timeline view, select your master peg and drag it to the Library view.
The Rename dialog box opens.
- In the Name field, name the new template.
- Click OK.
How to create a key pose (action template)
- In the Library view, right-click on the desired library folder and select Right To Modify.
- In the Timeline view, collapse the master peg layer.
- Select the cell containing the desired view and drag it into the desired library folder.
The Rename dialog box opens.
- In the Name field, type in a name for the template.
- Click OK.