Cluster

Cluster

A Cluster Object moves six object points to create a quick and easy destruction-free deformation/animation.

This Deformer was given its name because it can be used to move, rotate or scale an entire cluster of points. First off: This Deformer does nothing more than can also be done using Joints or Skin Objects. However, it is well-suited for adding animations on another layer or to quickly affect a group of points.

Even though this object is actually a Deformer, there are a few differences you should take note of.

As with any Deformer, this one can be made a Child of an object in order to deform that object. Cluster differs from other Deformers in that it does not affect all objects with which it is grouped below a Parent Object. If you want the Cluster Deformer to affect multiple objects, all objects must be assigned their own Deformer. If you want to animate multiple selections within an object using Cluster this object must be assigned a Cluster Deformer for each selection.

Use

If, for example, you want to use the Cluster deformer to raise the left side of the upper lip of the character above, you can proceed as follows:

• First, select the Points that the Deformer should affect
• Select the Create Cluster command (main menu: Character | Commands). This will create a vertex map (and assigned to Points) and a Null object (and assigned to Target).
• Now drag the Null object that was created slightly upward so all Points linked to it will also be moved upward. Now all you have to do is position the top-most Null object correctly in the hierarchy.