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Follow Parent Objects is the companion tool to Follow Last Segment. Although both aim to make newly added elements follow an already completed animation, how they compute this movement is completely different.
The Fundamental Difference: Rigidity vs. Flexibility
- In Follow Last Segment: Movement is based on a rigid segment defined by two manual points. The following object tracks translation, rotation, and scaling of those two points, but does not deform.
- In Follow Parent Objects: Movement is based on the relationship between child objects and parent object. Instead of following a fixed segment, each part of the child object attaches to the nearest surface point of the parent object. This makes the child element behave like a flexible “skin” or mesh, deforming and conforming perfectly to the parent’s surface as it moves or stretches.
What Are “Parent” and “Child” Objects?
In Arttista, vector shapes created with the pen tool (Point Click Pen) serve as parent objects. Any paint, texture, or mask applied internally using the Brush or Eraser tools is considered a child object.
Follow Parent Objects is perfect for keeping these internal elements attached to the main structure.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Highlights and Shadows: Making shadows painted on a character’s face follow the head realistically, even when the face deforms while smiling.
- Internal Textures: Patterns or clothing prints drawn with a brush that need to twist and move with the character’s body.
- Details and Markings: Scars, blushing cheeks, or eye highlights.
Step-by-Step: Practical Usage
- Select child elements: In Edit Mode, select the child objects (brush strokes or erasers) you want to lock in place.
- Select the parent: Holding Ctrl, also select the parent object (the main vector shape drawn with the pen).
- Execute the command:
- Use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + F5.
- (Or navigate to top menu Timeline → Follow Parent Objects).
⚠️ Important Note: Just like Follow Last Segment, this command always operates from the current frame forward on the timeline, keeping prior frame animation intact.
Advanced Feature: One “Child” with Multiple “Parents”
One of Arttista’s key advantages is that Brushes and Erasers can be assigned to multiple parent objects simultaneously. This is incredibly useful for elements spanning joints.
Example: Imagine a long shadow covering part of the head and part of the neck.
- If you want the upper portion of the shadow to follow only the head, select the head object along with the top section of the shadow and press Ctrl + Shift + F5.
- Then select the neck object along with the lower section of the shadow and press Ctrl + Shift + F5 again. This allows a single brush stroke to split intelligently and track independent movements of both head and neck.