Container layer

What can I do with the container layer?

With the container layer you can group layers together and move, rotate and scale them as one.


How do I add a container layer?

Choose LAYER > Add layer > Add container layer... to add a new container layer.

The new container layer can be selected from the layers dropdown to make it the active layer.

Examples

The installer comes with shows demonstrating the possibilities of the container layer. Choose FILE > Open show... and select a show from the BluffTitler/Media/Shows/Container folder.

To quickly switch between your own shows and the ones that came with the installer, click on the Personal and App buttons in the upper right corner of the file dialog.

A container layer groups layers together

The container layer does not render anything, it only groups layers together. And when you delete a container layer, all attached layers are deleted as well.

It is useful in situations where you would like to animate several layers at the same time. When you move, rotate or scale a container layer, all layers that are attached to this container layer are automatically moved, rotated and scaled as well.

Attaching a new layer to an existing container

Make the container layer the active layer before creating the new layer.

Attaching an existing layer to an existing container

Choose LAYER > Attach layer > Attach active layer.

Detach a layer from a container

Choose LAYER > Attach layer > Detach active layer.

Attaching containers to containers

Make the container the active layer and choose LAYER > Add layer > Add container layer.

Container layer properties

Position

The position of the container layer.

1st slider: horizontal (x) position

2nd slider: vertical (y) position

3rd slider: depth (z) position

Press <F2> to render the coordinate system.


Rotation

The rotation of the container layer.

1st slider: heading

2nd slider: pitch

3rd slider: roll

Press <F2> to render the coordinate system.


Pivot point

The point around which the container rotates when animating the Rotation property.

When you press <F2>, the pivot point is visualised with cyan, yellow and purple arrows.


Size

The size of the container layer.


Transparency

The transparency of the container layer.

0 means fully opaque

1 means fully transparent (invisible)


Model joint

When this prop is -1, the container is detached from the model layer.

When this prop is 0, the container is attached to the centre of the model.

When this prop is bigger than 0, the container is attached to one of the model layer joints. This can be used to, for example, attach a phone to a hand. Double click on the joint of the parent model with the <Ctrl> key pressed to select a joint.