To select only objects that have custom property sets, select the
Obj w Custom PSet filter from the Selection list (click the arrow button in the Select panel to open the list).
All-Purpose Tools for Increasing Productivity
Both custom toolbars and the synoptic view allow you to set up whatever you like for character animation. They are typically used to make it easy to select and key character elements.
Although these require a bit of work setting up, custom toolbars can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. You can create a toolbar for a character, then add all sorts of custom buttons that run simple scripts to select different elements or open property editors.
For example, you can have a button that selects an arm’s effector or the whole spine, or one that opens a property editor with proxy parameters of frequently-used IK parameters—it’s all up to you!
For more information on custom buttons and toolbars, see Custom Commands [ Customization ].
Synoptic views allow you to quickly access commands and data related to a specific object or model. They consist of a simple HTML image map stored as a separate file outside of the Softimage scene file. The HTML file is linked to a scene element by a Synoptic property. Clicking on a hotspot in the image either opens another synoptic view or runs a script.
You can set up a character synoptic view for other members of your team, allowing them to use your character easily. You can include all sorts of information about the character, set up hotspots for selecting body parts, setting keys on different elements, running a script, etc.
To see some synoptic pages, create a biped or quadruped rig (see Getting Started with Predefined Rigs), select any of its elements and press F3.
For more information on creating a synoptic view, see Synoptic Views [ Customization ].
Using custom parameters, you can create your own animation controls via expressions or linked parameters. You could control different rig elements or body parts via expressions using custom sliders, such as the movement of a hand and each of its fingers.
For more information on custom and proxy parameters, see Custom and Proxy Parameters [ Customization ].
Creating Your Own Property Editors
Using proxy parameters, you can bring a number of parameters from different locations in Softimage “under one roof”, creating your own property editor. Proxy parameters are clones of existing parameters: any changes you make to them has the same result as using the real thing. Having all pertinent parameters grouped together saves time because you only have to look in one place, allowing you to focus only on the parameters that matter.
When you’re done creating custom property editors, create a custom button that opens them up with one mouse click (see Custom Toolbars). Alternatively, you can set up a synoptic control page where you have access to all the character’s control panels via a picture of your character (see Synoptic Views).
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To select only objects that have custom property sets, select the |
Autodesk Softimage v.7.5