Orient an object on a path
 
 
 
  1. Select the object you want to move along the path curve.
  2. Click the Select by component type button in the Maya status line (toolbar) to switch to component selection mode.
  3. -click the Select miscellaneous components option and turn on the Local Rotation Axes option in the menu that appears.

    This lets you select the Local rotation axes for the object.

  4. Select the Rotate Tool, and select the local rotation axis of the object.
  5. Rotate the axes so that one axis points in the direction of the front of your object, and another axis points in the up direction of the object.
  6. -click the curve.
  7. Select Animate > Motion Paths > Attach to Motion Path > .
  8. In the Attach to Motion Path Options that appear, do the following:
    • Turn Follow on.

      When Follow is on, the Front Axis and Up Axis options determine which of the three local rotation axes sets the front and up of the object respectively. See Follow.

    • Select the axis you chose to represent the front of your object as the Front Axis, and select the axis you chose to represent the up direction of your object as your Up axis.
  9. Click Select by object type in the Maya status line (tool bar) to switch to object selection mode.
  10. Select the object, then -click the curve in your scene that you want as your motion path.
  11. In the Attach to Motion Path Options, click Attach to create your path animation. See Create a motion path using a curve.