This provides tools for easy manipulation of link chains such as a biped spines, necks, and tails.
To bend a spine naturally using Bend Links Mode:
To twist a spine naturally using Twist Links Mode:
To twist a spine link without affecting the chain using Twist Individual Mode:
To smooth out a spine using Smooth Twist Mode:
The chain links rotates to smooth out the orientation difference between the two link extremities. Adjust the Smoothing Bias control to distribute the chain's rotation towards the base or top link.
This mode can be used to rotate multiple links of a chain without having to select all of them beforehand. Bend Links Mode transfers the rotation of one link to the other links, following a natural curvature.
Similar to Bend Links Mode, this mode takes the rotation in local X applied to the selected link and increment it equally throughout the rest of the chain while maintaining the relationships between the links in the other two axes.
Similar to Bend Links Mode, this mode allows a selected chain link to be rotated in local X without affecting its parent or child. The chain therefore maintains its shape while the individual link is adjusted.
This mode takes into account the orientation in local X of the chain's first and last links in order to distribute the rotation of the other links. This results in a smooth rotation between every chain link. The rotation distribution can be set by adjusting the Smoothing Bias control or by rotating either the first or last link of the chain.