Overlay Transparency as Rigidity Map

For added control, the Shape-Aware Deformation allows you to stiffen your drawings to add more rigidity to the deformation structure. When the option is checked in the Layer Properties, the overlay drawing will affect the Deformation Mesh and reduce the impact of deformation. The intensity of the overlay's impact depends on the opacity of the drawing supplied. The more transparent the supplied drawing is, the less the overall section of the deformation is affected, the more opaque, the harsher the impact is.

In the example above, the #1 has a turquoise overlay drawing. Due to the drawing being opaque, when the trophy is deformed, the #1 maintains its shape and integrity and is influenced less by the deformation around it. When the overlay drawing is removed, the #1 gets affected by the surrounding Points and is deformed.

NOTE For more information on the Shape-Aware Deformation Layer Properties, please refer to Shape-Aware Deformation Node.

This option is best used to maintain the integrity of textures on an image that is being deformed. It will not act as a deformation handle. Instead, it stiffens the internal structure of the Deformation Mesh.

TIP The Overlay drawing used for the Overlay Transparency as Rigidity Map will show in the Render view. In order to hide the Overlay drawing when using this mode, you’ll need to deactivate the Overlay layer in the Layer Properties window.
NOTE In order to activate and deactivate art layers, see Activating and Deactivating Layer Properties.

Overlay Transparency as Rigidity Map setup

Creating an Overlay Transparency as Rigidity Map is an effective way to stiffen the Deformation Mesh preventing textures from breaking while the surrounding shape is deformed.

  1. In Layer Properties of the Shape-Aware node, check Use Overlay Transparency as Rigidity Map.

  2. Select the Pencil or Brush tool

  3. In the Overlay layer create a stroke where you want the Deformation Mesh to be more stiff.

  4. Double click Drawing Layer Properties > Uncheck the Overlay Art Enabled box.

    5. TIP The Overlay Transparency as Rigidity Map is sensitive to the opacity of the drawing on the Overlay layer. For less of an effect, reduce the opacity of the drawing’s colour. For a stiffer result increase the opacity of the drawing’s colour.

    NOTE For more information on the Shape-Aware Deformation Layer Properties, see Shape-Aware Deformation Node in the Reference Guide.
    NOTE In order to activate and deactivate art layers, see Activating and Deactivating Layer Properties.