Moho (Anime Studio) Tutorials : Control Switch Layers With Bones

1. Create The Character

First use the Character Wizard (Available in Anime Studio 8+) to create a creature that we can work with. (Any character will do for this tutorial)



Once created, you will see that Anime Studio has created different views of the character within a switch layer. In each of these layers there are bone groups with more layers and switches (for eyes, mouths and arms etc.)

Create a new bone layer and move the character layer inside.

2. Add The Controlling Bones

Next create a new bone and name it the same as one of the switch layers.

In FIGURE 2-1 the bone has been named (3) the same as the body switch layer (1)



Set the bone constraints to -90 and 90 degrees



Do this for each switch layer that you wish to control.

3. Add Help Text

To help you remember which bone controls which switches you can add some labels.

Create a new vector layer (1) and add the corresponding text to it.

Make sure you set the layer's properties so that it's set not to render (2)





The controlling bones can be arranged however you like, you may find it more helpful if they are arranged off the set.

4. Add The Script

We now need to release the layer so that the bones don't animate the layer as they would by default.

Select the main character layer and the go to 'Bone' > 'Release layer'



Open the layer settings for the parent bone layer (the one with the controlling bones) then click the 'Embedded script file' option, select the script in the pop-up window.



Now move to frame 1 and manipulate one of the control bones, you should find that by doing so you are swapping between layers in that switch layer.

Supporting Content