Problems re-binding layer to bones.

[benecosse]

I'm having real trouble re binding image layers back into a skeleton so that it acts in a flexible way.

To explain this - I'll use AYA_FRONT that comes with ASP in the Anime Characters section as an example.

If I want to RELEASE her LEFT ARM to replace it with another arm for example.

1. I highlight the BONE LAYER select all 3 left arm bones (shoulder, forearm, wrist)
2. I then select the 'ArmL' layer
3. Then I select BONE menu > RELEASE LAYER.

This is ok, and the arm bones are now free moving and doesn't affect the 'ArmL' layer anymore. Fine.

This is where I'm stuck.

I now want to re bind this layer to these bones again (or another image) and I can't?
From what I've read I should:

1. Select the BONE LAYER highlighting all 3 bones of the arm again.
2. Then select the layer 'ArmL'.
3. Then press the BIND LAYER button or BONE menu > FLEXI BIND LAYER

This doesn't work.
I've tried multiple versions of this order and nothing seems to return 'ArmL' to the original 'flexible' state.
I've noticed the 'ArmL' layer now has a RED DOT next to it and wonder if this has anything to do with it?
Can anyone help me?

[slowtiger]

You can't bind layers or points to more than one bone. Select just one bone and all will be fine.

[benecosse]

If I re bind one of the bones to the ArmL layer is only moves it from that bone. The other bones are not attached to anything.
I want to return to the ArmL bones to the FLEXI bone state where one layer is affected by multiple bones.

I can bind a single layer to a single bone no problem.

It's when I release a bone that has flexible biding then try and return to that state I can't seem to work out.

I'm convinced it's something to do with the layer now having a red dot in the corner of it. what does that mean and how can I get rid of it?

[slowtiger]

The red dot only indicates that this layer is "optimized" for SWF output, meaning it will be treated as a symbol in Flash.

Try this:
1. select no bone at all.
2. select all points of a vector layer
3. select "flexi bind points".
4. press space.

[benecosse]

sorry I orginally wrote 'vector' layer. AYA_FRONT is an image character and I'm using image layers.

The red dot only appears after I RELEASE LAYER.

I've now noticed that if I re import the specific layer into the bone layer it doesn't have a red dot any more and it suddenly become a flexi binded layer.

So it has to be something to do with the layer having a red dot.

[benecosse]

Slowtiger, when you say 'hit SPACE' do you mean the SPACEBAR?

If I do this. it just 'plays' the timeline? I'm on a PC.

The manual is really vague about 'Release layer' and 'Flexi bind layer'.
It would suggest that if you select no bones, select the layer and hit 'flexi bind layer' it would work.
But it doesn't do anything if the layer is 'optimized' (red dot).
Only when you re import the image layer does it seem to work.
Unless there is a way to 'de-optimize' a layer ie. take it back to the state it was when first imported, rather than having to re import everything again!
Why would a layer be without a red dot when you first import it then suddenly get one once you 'release' it from a bone?

It seems so weird.

[slowtiger]

Forget about the red dot.

You want your shapes to move flexible, which means they should bend? That means you need to bind the points of that layer. If you use Layer bind, the whole layer will be bound to a bone and doesn't bend at all.

[benecosse]

I thought bind points was only for vector layers. I'm using bitmap image layers.

[slowtiger]

Ah, sorry, I haven't noticed somehow that you were talking about image layers the whole time.

Image layers can only be bound 1:1, one image layer to one bone. That's what "Layer binding" is for. I prefer to bind each layer to a dedicated bone:

1. select image layer
2. select bone with the layer binding tool
3. press space.

The other way would be to have one image be influenced by several bones, means warping the image. If you want that, make sure you have "warp using bones" checked in the image layer's last tab. This also is necessary when you have bound that image layer to a bone, then released it: AS doesn't reset this checkbox automatically.

[benecosse]

That's it - The 'warp using bones' checkbox was the option I was looking for....and that red dot is gone now too
Why do you create a separate bone layer for each layer instead of having multiple layers under one bone?
I like it when the joints are seamless. Do the image layers each with a bones not have sharp edges when they meet? Or do then morph together as they do if under one Bone layer.

[slowtiger]

Why do you create a separate bone layer for each layer instead of having multiple layers under one bone?

Uhm, I don't do that. Usually I have one bone layer for the whole character, and if necessary, additional sub bone layers for the arms and legs. Something like this:

- top bone layer
- - right arm bone layer
- - - upper arm
- - - lower arm
- - - switch layer for hand
- - - - one hand pose
- - - - another hand pose
- - left arm bone layer
- - - upper arm
- - - lower arm
- - - switch layer for hand
- - - - one hand pose
- - - - another hand pose
- - head switch layer
- - - one head pose
- - - another head pose
- - body image layers
- - legs bone layer
- - - upper R leg
- - - lower R leg
- - - upper L leg
- - - lower L leg

In this rig, the top bone layer controls the overall apperacne like position and bending of the torso. Usually I put both legs in one bone layer because I have only one timeline to care of for a walk. The arms I like to keep separate from each other for gestures.

It doesn't make any visible difference where you put your layers into, only if you use masks.

You might run into problems with too many bones warping your images, so you may want to read up about the "Offset Bone" feature.