Why merge animation layers

After you have created animation layers for different body parts or for testing different effects, you can merge them into one to combine layer effects.

1. Create a project with a character.
   
2. Create poses in different time frame to generate a new motion clip.
   
   In this case, the motion has the character leaning to its right side.
   
   The pose keys will be saved into the Base Layer.
   
3. Create a new animation layer and add pose keys into it.
   
   Here, the character stretches its left hand.
   
4. Activate both layers to view the combination effect of these two layers.
   
5. Create another new animation layer and add pose keys into it.
   
   Here, the character raises its right hand.
   
6. Activate the new and the Base layers to view the combination effect of these two layers.
   
7. Compare the combination of these layers. Determine which one is ideal.

   Base and Left Hand Layers	Base and Right Hand Layers

8. Click to pick the desired layers (for example, Base and Right Hand layers) by holding the Ctrl key.
   
9. Click the Merge Layers button on the toolbar.
   
   • Optimized: Choose this method to merge the layers and their keys with smooth optimization algorithm. Some details may lost with this method.
     
   • Per Frame: Choose this method to merge the layers and their keys, one frame after another. This method ensures that details are kept intact.
     
10. You will see the layers are merged into one: Merged [Original layer name].