Why can't I offset a bone?

[writerhoward]

I want to move the body (bottom) shape up so it's next to the top shape, however, though I'm using the Offset Bone tool, when I try to move the bottom shape both shapes only move as a unit.

I put the first bone in the torso (bottom), the second in the head (top), both bones facing up. I then reduced bone strength. I can't move bottom shape up. Using the Manipulate Bones tool, the head can sway side to side independent of body and, when the body moves, head moves with it as a unit.

What did I do wrong? How can I fix it?

[jahnocli]

Are the vector shapes on separate layers?

[writerhoward]

Yes, the vector shapes are on two separate layers, and those two layers are "embedded" within a bone layer.

[BA]

if the top bone is the child of the bottom bone, it will move with the bottom bone whenever you move it.

if you want to put them closer together, try offsetting the top bone instead.

[writerhoward]

I can move the top part (head) with the Offset Bone tool but not the bottom part (torso). Anyone know why that is?

[rylleman]

Because the bottom bone is parent to the top bone which means that the top bone is stuck to the bottom bone and follows where that goes, including when offsetting.

[jahnocli]

I just tried this -- you need to move the two shapes (and bones) further apart, and use region binding.

[writerhoward]

Thanks everyone for your help.

Howard