Use animation layers like takes

If you prefer, you can think of layers like takes that contain and organize parcels of animation. You can use layers as takes to compare variations of animation.

To use layers to compare variations of animation

1. Set up your first layer “take” by doing the following:
   • Select the object you want to animate.
   • In the Animation Layer Editor, select Layers > Create Override Layer From Selected. (See also Create an animation layer.)
   • Rename the new Override layer “Take1”.
2. With the object still selected, click in the Animation Layer Editor to create another layer, then rename it “Take1_Layer1”.

   This layer is in Additive mode by default.

3. -drag Take1_Layer1 onto Take1.

   This sets up a layer hierarchy with Take1_Layer1 parented to Take1. (See also Parent and unparent animation layers.)

4. Select Take1_Layer1, and animate the object. See Keyframe objects on animation layers.
5. Repeat steps 2 - 4 to create and animate on as many layers as you need for Take1.
6. Set up your second layer “take” by repeating steps 1 - 5. This time, name your Override layer “Take2”, and the Additive child layers “Take2_Layer1” and so on.

   You now have two sibling layer hierarchies in your animation layer stack, one for Take1, and one for Take2.

   
7. Play the animation.

   Notice that only the animation you created in the Take2 hierarchy of layers plays in the scene. Since both the Take1 and Take2 parent layers are in Override mode, and Take2 is higher in the stack, the animation from Take2 overrides the animation from Take1.

8. To view the Take1 animation (and compare it to Take2), click the Solo button for the Take1 layer, then play your animation.

   The Take2 layer and its children are automatically muted when you Solo Take1, letting you view only the animation from Take1 in your scene.

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