Push/Pull Objects Around Null

Question

Hello all,

I'm trying to create a target reticule effect where four separate objects converge on a central point. To do this, I've parented them to a null object and set up a script to work off the null's scale property.

The script I use is:

pSc = parent.scale;
x = value[1]*100/pSc[1];
y = value[0]*100/pSc[0];
[x,y];

I also use a separate script to maintain the child layers' scale, but that doesn't seem relevant to my struggle.

The problem occures when I change the parent scale and the entire array moves in a uniform direction. Instead of converging on the center, I wind up displacing the array.

As far as I can tell, the object in the upper left is moving as I wish. It's the other three that need some kind of inversion, but I'm not sure how to modify the script to accomplish this.

Any suggestions?

Rick Gerard · Answer

What have you done about the anchor points? Do you want to maintain the layers' size while changing the position? If you need to keep size but have the scale of the parent affect the position, then you need calculations on both scale and position/anchor point. The other option is to avoid parenting and use the scale value of a null to offset the anchor point of the objects you want to move or set up a slider to control position offset from the center.

It would help us help you if we saw a screenshot of your timeline showing the modified properties of the problem layers. Just press the 'u' key twice and share a screenshot.

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