Inverse Kinematics Tool Properties

The IK tool has a series of different modes and options available in the Tool Properties view.

Inverse Kinematics Tool Properties View

Mode

Mode

Button

Description

Bone Selection

Enabled by default, this mode lets you click on any bone in a character and move it without having to select the actual layer.

When you disable this mode, you cannot move any bone except the selected one. This allows you to grab and rotate the selected part from many angles and locations. You can click completely outside the character and move the pieces.

Chain

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Simple Chain Mode: This is the default mode and will only allow for the movement of parts attached to a single chain up to the point of intersection. A single chain is a straight line with no secondary chain attached.

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Direct Chain Mode: This mode allows you to move parts up a simple secondary chain to a principle chain, as long as translation movement is possible (the principle chain is attached to its own peg), but will ignore all secondary chains. A direct chain is a single chain which goes directly to the core.

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All Chain Mode: This mode allows you to move all parts attached to all chains in the IK skeleton. All chains are attached and move simultaneously when one part is moved.

IK Manipulation

The main working mode for the IK tool. Enable this mode when you want to animate and position a puppet.

Ctrl + click (Windows/Linux) or ⌘ + click (macOS) on a body part to select it. You do not need to select a part to be able to move it.

Apply IK Constraints

Lets you correct a part's position on a series of frames. For example, if the character's foot is sinking into the floor, you can correct its position and angle over a series of frames.

Edit Min/Max Angle

Lets you set a rotation restriction on some of your parts, such as elbows, knees and ankles.

Bone Editing

Lets you fix the bone orientation on extremities, such as hands and feet.

IK Options

Parameter

Description

IK Keyframe

Used in combination with the IK Constraints mode, this option determines the starting frame of the constraint you will apply.

Ease Shape

While animating with the IK tool and before doing a movement, set an easing preset so the motion is not so mechanical.

Before moving the part, select a preset from the Ease Shape menu:

If you select a new preset in the list and move the part again on the same keyframe, the easing will automatically update.

Selection

Parameter	Description
Enable Translation If Top of Hierarchy	Used only on master pegs. This option is useful when you have this particluar situation: You want the character to do a perfect split (sitting down with the legs at right angles to the body or at the sides with the torso facing forwards), then the hip will need to translate and not just rotate on the spot. And since IK is all about rotation, you would select the hip layer and enable the translation option.
Enable Rotation	This option is enabled by default. The pivot disappears but you can still see the bone. When this option is disabled, the selected part cannot be rotated and will remain in the same position. You can use this option to simulate an arm in a plaster cast.
Exclude from IK	This option lets you exclude certain parts of the puppet from the IK influence, such as the eyes and mouth.
IK Nails	These options let you temporarily fix a part of a character to a spot either in translation or rotation, or enable maximum and minimum angle usage.
Stiffness	When a certain part is selected, you can apply a stiffness value to it. A different stiffness value can be set to each body part individually. The greater the stiffness, the more difficult it is to make that part rotate, thereby rendering it stiff while the other parts continue to move freely on their joints.