TransformΒΆ

The position, orientation and scale of scene graph nodes in a 3D scene are controlled by the Transform and the Hierarchy Mode.

Hierarchy Mode

The hierarchy mode controls whether the scene graph node position is local to its parent or directly in world space:

  • Inherit: The position is local to the parent.
  • World Default: The position is in world space, left-handed, Y up axis.
  • World Maya: The position is in world space as in Maya, right-handed, Y up axis.
  • World 3dsMax: The position is in world space as in 3dsMax, right-handed, Z up axis.

Transform

The scene graph transform is a 4x4 affine matrix that transforms the node position, orientation and scale. You can modify it by using the transform tools, but not edit its values manually.

To edit a transform, use the Euler transform node, as explained below.

Transform Stack

You can control more specifically the transform of a scene graph node by using the transform stack. The final transform is computed by concatenating the transform nodes from top to bottom. Different types of transforms are available:

  • Euler: Applies a translation, rotation and scale. Each component can be individually changed and animated.
  • Target: Applies a look-at rotation aligned on the Z axis towards a Target node. When creating a Target transform, an additional Target node is created.
  • Constraint: Constraints the transform on another node transform.
  • Shake: Applies a pseudo-random translation.
  • Baked: Applies the transform coming from the baking package (Maya, Alembic). You can only have one baked transform.
Transform nodes are visible in the Node List, as children of the scene graph node.

You can add a transform node on the stack.

Add a transform node
  1. Select a scene graph node.
  2. Choose the Transform type to add with the Properties > Transform > Transform Stack > Add a Transform Node drop down list.
  3. And click the Add button.

You can move a transform node up or down the transform stack.

Move a transform node
  1. Select a scene graph node.
  2. Click the Properties > Transform > Transform Stack > item > Move Up/Move Down button.

You can remove a transform node from the stack.

Delete a transform node
  1. Select a scene graph node.
  2. Click the Properties > Transform > Transform Stack > item > Delete button.

You can reset the node transform to the identity.

Reset the transform
  1. Select a scene graph node.
  2. Click the Properties > Transform > Reset Transform button.

This operation resets each transform node in the stack when possible.

Additional resources