Animating 3D Model Sub-Objects
After adding 3D objects to a scene, you may want to animate a part of the object, called a sub-object. For example, the doors of a spaceship can be animated to open.
- In Stage or Camera view, select one or more sub-objects as follows:
- In Stage view: Use the Layer Transform tool and press Ctrl to select a sub-object. Hold Shift to select multiple sub-objects.
- In 3D Graph view: Select one or more sub-objects. Press Ctrl to select multiple sub-objects.
- Right-click in the 3D Graph. In the pop-up menu that displays, select one of the following:
- Separate Sub-Object
In this new layer, the selected sub-object(s) are displayed and all others have their shape hidden. In the original layer, the selected sub-object(s) have their shape hidden.
- Separate Sub-Tree
In this new layer, the selected sub-object(s) and their children are displayed and all others have their shapes hidden. In the original layer, the selected sub-object(s) and their children have their shape hidden.
The new layer is grouped with the original layer.
Any transformation in the original layer is transferred to the parent group.
If you select multiple sub-objects to separate, all the sub-objects are visible on the newly-created layer.
- To animate the sub-objects, use the Layer Transform tool and place them in their initial state.
- In the Tool Properties view, click the Add Keyframe button to set a keyframe.
- Select the same element and place it in its next state. Keep setting keyframes until your animation is complete.
- Click the Play button to see the animation of the element.