Creating a Split Deformation Chain

It is possible to create a deformation chain that splits into multiple branches, allowing to rig complex drawings with multiple extremities using a single deformation chain.

When creating a split deformation chain, a Deformation Composite node is automatically added to your rig. This deformation composite connects all the branches of the split deformation chain to the drawing it deforms. You can see which deformation nodes are connected to the Deformation Composite in the Node view.

  1. Select the drawing layer or the deformation chain to which you want to add a branch.
  1. In the Deformation toolbar, click the Show Selected Deformers and Hide All Others button to display the deformer controls in the Camera view. This also hides all the deformer controls that were displayed.
  1. Select the Rigging tool.

The deformation chain turns from green to red. A green chain indicates that you're animating the deformation. A red chain indicates that you're modifying the rig.

  1. In the deformation chain, select the point from which you want the new deformation branch to start.
  1. Place the cursor where you want your new branch's first point to be and click. A new chain is created.
  1. Create the remainder of your chain's points as you would create a regular deformation.

NOTE When using the Rigging tool, you can select which existing deformation point you want the next deformation point you create to branch from at any time by selecting a point in the Camera view. When you create a deformation point, it is always linked to the currently selected point, if any. Creating a point automatically selects it, which is why deformations are built in a single chain by default.