Is it possible to use reference layers to sync characters?

[Bat]

I'm working on a rubber hose project and want to have multiples of a character act in synchronization like in Disney's famous Skeleton Dance. Is this possible to do with reference layers or other means to animate one rig and have the others mimic the animation? If I forego the bones and just use the shapes, would that then be possible?

[slowtiger]

For this I animate one character completely, then duplicate the character and place them where I need it. I think same can be done with referencing.

[Bat]

For this I animate one character completely, then duplicate the character and place them where I need it. I think same can be done with referencing.

Huh. I'm surprised to hear that the animation carries over. Do you animate it in a file of its own and then import that?

[Greenlaw]

You can import as a regular file or a reference file, and either will retain its animation keys. The only difference is that the reference is linked to the original file.

Alternatively, you can use Copy Layer for the character’s parent group layer, and Paste Layer between open project files. Be sure to use Copy Layer/Paste Layer, not Copy/Paste…these are not the same commands. This will result in a duplicate though, not a reference. Once the duplicate animation is in your destination file, you can duplicate or reference the parent group to make copies.

[Greenlaw]

Do you animate it in a file of its own and then import that?

It depends on your preference or technical requirements.

If it’s easier to make the animation in its own project, you can do it in a separate file, and then import or reference that to your final project file. Then, you can duplicate or reference multiple copies of the animation in your final project file.

Or, you can animate the character directly in the final project, and duplicate or reference the character animation there.

Whichever approach is easier may depend on what else is going on in the scene.

If it was me, I think the only reason I’d animate in a separate file is when I’m using custom Styles in the characters, and I want to vary the colors of the duplicates. To do this, you’ll want to enable Unlink Shared Styles in the Import window. This creates different style IDs for each imported copy.