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One could simply copy and paste the layers and pegs of the character to achieve this, however there is a much easier, less messy way to achieve the same result. This article will outline how to use the Apply-Peg-Transformation node to create a copy. This is great for reflections, shadows, and tones and highlights.
Step 1: Add the Apply-Peg-Transformation node to the Node view
- Add the Apply-Peg-Transformation node by doing one of the following:
- In the Node view, hit the Enter key and search for the node.
- In the Move section of the Node Library window, click and drag the node to the Node view.
| NOTE: When using the Apply-Peg-Transformation node, the clone is always linked to the original. If you adjust any animation or drawings on the original, they will update on the clone. Animation timing cannot be changed independently on the clone. |
Step 2: Connect the Apply-Peg-Transformation node
The Apply-Peg-Transformation node can be used on a single layer, or an entire group containing many elements, like a rig.
- In the Node view, select the bottom port of the group or layer you want to clone, and connect it to the Image port (far right) of the Apply-Peg-Transformation node. This tells the node which elements and animation to clone.
- Connect the bottom port (Output) of the Apply-Peg-Transformation node to a composite so that the clone will be visible.
- In the Node view, create a peg using the hotkey Ctrl + P (Windows/Linux) or ⌘ + P (macOS).
- Connect the new peg to the Transformation port (far left) of the Apply-Peg-Transformation node. This will give the clone the ability to have its own position independent of the original.
- The Apply-Peg-Transformation node is ready to use. Continue to the next steps to learn about positioning the Apply-Peg-Transformation node.
Step 3: Reposition the clone using the Transformation peg
At this point, the clone may not be visible as the animation matches the original and the position has not been adjusted. Do the following to adjust the clone.
- Select the peg connected to the Apply-Peg-Transformation node.
- In the Tools toolbar, select the Transform
button.
- In the Camera view move, scale, rotate or skew the clone into a new position. The clone will still follow the same animation as the original, even when it’s moved.
| TIP: Using a Quadmap node with the Transformation port peg can give more control when warping the clone. |
Step 4: Reposition using an Insertion Point peg
If you want more controlled movement of the clone and original, you can add a peg to the Insertion port (middle). A peg connected to the Insertion port applies its rotation and scale first, applying the rotation and scale together on the clone and original at the same time.
- Create a new peg, or use an existing peg, and connect it to the Insertion (middle) port of the Apply-Peg-Transformation node.
- If a peg is connected to the Insertion port, it can be used together with the Apply-Transformation peg. The peg in the Insertion port will act like a parent to the original and the copy, but the Apply-Transformation peg can still apply its own scale, rotation and position in relation to the transformations applied on the Insertion port peg.
- Rotating the Insertion peg will have the original and clone rotate together from that peg’s pivot position.
| Rotation with peg connected to Insertion port | Rotation with peg unconnected to Insertion port |
- Scaling the Insertion peg will have the original and clone scale together from that peg’s pivot position.
| Scaling with peg connected to Insertion port | Scaling with peg unconnected to Insertion port |