Creating a Character Extension

To create a Character Extension:

1. In the Scene browser, right-click a characterized character and select Create Character Extension.
   

   Scene browser A. Create Character Extension option

   A Character Extensions heading is added to the Scene browser. By default, the Character Extension object added is named <char_name> Extension, where <char_name> is the name of your character.

   

   Scene browser A. Character Extension is added to the character B. Character Extensions heading is added to the Scene browser

2. Alt-drag any type of object(s) you want to associate with your character onto the Extension in your character.

   For example, you can add a light, a sphere, a constraint, or any other object. If your character model has additional limbs or a tail, you might add a series of Skeleton nodes.

3. Select Add to <char_name> Extension from the popup menu that appears.

   This object is now part of the Character Extension and is considered as if it is a body part on the current character.

4. Create a Reference Object for this Character Extension by doing the following:
   • Select the closest part of the body that affects the movement of your Character Extension. Normally, this is the direct parent of the Extension, but it can be any object associated with the Extension.

     For example, if you are adding a tail, you might select the Hips bone, because you want the tail to be attached at the hips.

   • Alt-drag the selected body part into the Character Extension’s Reference Object field in the Properties window.
     

     A. Selected bone to be associated with the Character Extension B. Reference Object property

   This creates a Reference for your Character Extension, which is used to calculate all future positioning of the Extension, for example if the Character Extension is included in a pose.

5. In the Properties window, view the list of properties to be keyed when you set a keyframe on this Character Extension. Add or remove the properties you want to have keyed by right-clicking and selecting Remove Property from Extension or Add Property to Extension. These properties are also included in any poses you create for this character.

   You can also use the Add To Full Body option to define whether you want the Character Extension to be keyed when you set keys in Full Body Keying mode.