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Set parent constraints

Set parent constraints

Parent constraint workflow

 

User Guide > Rigging > Character Setup > Constraints > Set constraints > Set parent constraints > 

Create a parent constraint

Before creating your first parent constraint in a Maya session, we recommend that you set the Parent constraint options. See the Constrain > Parent.

After you’ve created a parent constraint, you can add more target objects for additional control over the constrained object’s position and rotation. Adding more target objects changes the target point, which in turn changes the constrained object’s position. See Target point.

To create a parent constraint

1. Select one or more target objects, followed by the object you want to constrain.
2. Select Constrain > Parent > .
3. Set the constraint options or select Edit > Reset Settings.
4. To finish setting the constraint, do one of the following:
   • Click Add to create a parent constraint. The Parent Constraint Options window closes. Select Edit > Save Settings to save the constraint options.
   • Click Apply to create a parent constraint. The Parent Constraint Options window remains open. By clicking apply, you can also apply the current constraint options settings to other objects. Select Edit > Save Settings to save the constraint options.
   • Click Close to close the Parent Constraint Options window without setting or creating the constraint.

To add a parent constraint to an animation layer

1. Select one or more target objects, followed by the object you want to constrain.
2. Select Constrain > Parent > .
3. In the Parent Constraint Options window, set the constraint options you want. From the Animation Layer drop-down menu, select the animation layer where you want to add the constraint.
   TipTurn on Maintain Offset when adding constraints to animation layers so that your constrained objects do not move unexpectedly.

   The constraint animation is now contained in its assigned animation layer, and it contributes to the result animation in your scene.

To add a target object to a parent constraint

1. Select one or more objects to add as target objects, followed by the constrained object.
2. Select Constrain > Parent.
   NoteIf you turn on Maintain Offset in the Parent Constraint Options, the constrained object’s position and rotation will not change when you add a target to the constraint.