body parts become outlines when crossing others

[AlanPS]

Hi, I'm the super new guy.

When I go to animate the limbs, head, etc., they are fine until they cross over other parts of the body. Then they become like masks or something (white versions of themselves).

I've separated all the body parts onto individual layers thinking this would resolve the problem but it didn't.

A PS problem is that even though I define the bone strength, certain limbs want to move points of other body parts with them when I move a bone.

thanks for helping

[rylleman]

I think this can help you.

[AlanPS]

I did put everything into separate layers and still have the same problem. Do I need to put the bones into separate layers also?

Alan

[myles]

Hello Alan,

A PS problem is that even though I define the bone strength, certain limbs want to move points of other body parts with them when I move a bone.

Have you set the bone layer to Region Binding rather than the default Flexible Binding? (Layer Settings, Bones tab)

Regards, Myles.

[myles]

Hello Alan,

When I go to animate the limbs, head, etc., they are fine until they cross over other parts of the body. Then they become like masks or something (white versions of themselves).

I've separated all the body parts onto individual layers thinking this would resolve the problem but it didn't.

Do you have an example file you can upload somewhere?
I can't see how this could happen with the pieces on different layers.

Regards, Myles.

[AlanPS]

myles,

I decided to put each limb's bone on a separate layer (L arm, L leg, etc.) and then put the vector layer on each according bone layer. Now they don't appear transparent when animating (yayyyy!!!), but I still have a problem with the points going crazy.

I haven't tried that other form of binding you mentioned. Will give it a shot. Thanks.

[AlanPS]

Hey Myles,

you can't attach files here, can you? I don't see a feature. I'm still having trouble. I have looked at examples of other people's stuff and all their vectors are on one layer and all their bones are on one layer.

But I have to put all my limbs on separate vector and bone layers, which creates the problem of - if I move leg on bone layer, then vectors on torso layer distort out of whack with vector leg layer, so that the body seems to be coming apart at the seams.

I just don't get it.

Alan

[myles]

Hello Alan,

you can't attach files here, can you? I don't see a feature.

No, you have to put them up on a web site for download. There are heaps of free web hosts, and some that specialise only in file uploads/downloads (a quick Google reveals http://www.free-webhosts.com/free-file-hosting.php or http://www.lights.com/pickalink/freestorage/ for lists of examples)

I'm still having trouble. I have looked at examples of other people's stuff and all their vectors are on one layer and all their bones are on one layer.

Yes - this also works fine if you use the bone offset technique detailed in Tutorial 3.4. To isolate the bone effects, you have to use region binding rather than flexible binding.
However, one bone layer and multiple vector layers also works fine and is often easier for the beginner.
Work your way through that tutorial (actually doing it, not just reading it) and it should solve most of your problems and give you some insight into basic character setup (there are a few advanced tricks it doesn't cover, but it gives you a very good basis to work from).

But I have to put all my limbs on separate vector and bone layers, which creates the problem of - if I move leg on bone layer, then vectors on torso layer distort out of whack with vector leg layer, so that the body seems to be coming apart at the seams.

Ah, I think I see what's going on, or at least one possibility (without actually seeing the file in question). Your bone hierarchy or your layer hierarchy possibly needs fixing. It sounds like maybe you've got the torso bone or layer as a child of the leg bone or layer, instead of the other way around.
A single bone layer is often a simpler and better way to work, at least for the major torso and limb bones (again, see Tutorial 3.4)

Regards, Myles.

[AlanPS]

Thanks for your help Myles

I think I was actually doing bones right before I started doing the layers thing. I think my real problem may have to do with shape ordering or something. When I look at other people's bones/vectors they are on 2 layers only.

When I cross an arm in front of the chest the arm (if it is the same color as the chest) the arm becomes white (the transparent effect I mentioned, although transparent is the incorrect term). If I move the hand infront of the leg it actually shows up behind when rendering.

I tried to draw lines separating the limbs and then raising/lowering shapes. It worked a little (the hands now show up in front of the chest, but the sleeves still become white because I can't select just it).

Am I supposed to draw lines (like invisible seams) that separate the arm from the chest, the knee from the thigh, etc?

This whole disappearing/transparent/becoming white body parts thing doesn't have anything to do with the bones as far as I can tell. I wish they mentioned that in the tutorials/documentation.

thanks