Using the Reach Target Panel

Instead of setting several Motion Layer keys to reach a character's head, hands or feet or a target object, you can use a Reach Target key.

Setting Reach Target Keys

1. Apply a character and a target object, such as a prop.
   
2. Move to another time frame where you wish the character to point at the target object.
3. Pick the character, click the Edit Reach Target button under the Animation tab of the Modify panel.
   
   The Reach Target panel will pop up.
   
4. Select the right hand effector point from the left dummy pane.
   
5. Click the Select Target button, and then pick any object on the 3D preview window to specify the target (the gold pile on the ground in this example). The character will reach out with the right hand and point at the object.
   
6. The right hand effector point will turn from to ; which indicates that the corresponding body part is pointing at an object.
   You will see a new reach key added into the Reach track of the corresponding body part.
   
   Note:

   Please note that the body part of the character only points at the target after this step.

7. Optionally change the hand gesture so that the character really looks like its pointing at the target.
   
8. Move to another forward time frame. Select the same effector point and then click the Release button.
9. The character then stops pointing at the target (the character gradually puts down his right hand).
   
10. You will see a new release key added in the timeline.
    
    Note:

    • After releasing the target, you may then have the character point at another object.
    • If you set Reach Target keys to the Pelvis or Chest effector points, then they will instantly snap to the target's pivot. You can drag them back where they are by Keeping the Original Poses or Motions to the effector points of the limbs.

      Please refer to the following section for more information: Character Contacting with Targets

Transition Keys

In case reaching and releasing keys cause body parts to act abruptly, these two kind of keys contain transition durations. You may then adjust the duration so that the reacting time can be prolonged or shortened. In addition to that, you may use the transition keys to avoid body parts from twisting when they are pointing or contacting with targets.

A - Reach Target key and Release key. B - Transition Start key and Transition End key.

If the durations are prolonged, then the reaching or releasing motions will be slower.

On the contrary, the motion will be quick and sudden.