Switch layers not keyframing

[StopMo]

Hi,

When I run through the timeline, I was under the impression that clicking on a different image in a switch layer would set a keyframe where the selected (clicked-on) image would show up in the animation.

I'm running through my timeline and getting what I want out of bones, but I'm not getting the switch layers to animate properly.

I've gone through the tutorial, but the info on switch layers seems geared heavily towards using a .dat file for lipsynch. Help!

I have the switch layer parented to a bone so it will follow the head (it's a moon-face in profile), and I can see the switchlayer icon to the left of the timeline when I have the bone layer selected, but it disappears when I click on the images in the switch layer folder itself.

[Rasheed]

Right click on the switch layer in the Layers window and select the layer name from the pop-up menu. This will put a key in the Timeline at the current frame.

[StopMo]

That's exactly what I needed to know - thanks!

[heyvern]

There is also a switch layer tool. It is the last tool icon under the layers section of the tool palette. When that tool is selected the pull down menu appears at the top of the document.

I don't think many people use that tool very much since it is easier to right click.

-vern

[Touched]

I never would have noticed that tool or its use. Good tip!

[mooncaine]

Oh, yes, I was glad to see this, because I have to keep moving my mouse a lot to switch layers. This tip will mean I move the mouse less over the next few weeks, and all that adds up to less wear and tear on me poor old hands. Thanks!

Hmm, I guess if I moved the Layers palette closer to the Timeline, I would need to move the mouse even less to get at the switch, while I'm animating ...

... but using this tip, it'll be easier when I'm setting up the drawings in each switch layer. Cool!