Best way to reuse an already rigged character for multiple scenes? (import more than just a reference to a composition)

Question

So I have a character all rigged and ready to go, but before I start animating, I want to figure out a way to set him aside so I can use him for multiple scenes without having to go through the rigging process each time.

The only way I can think of doing this is by importing the current AE scene to a new project, and then manually duplicating my character composition as well as my many nested compositions. This becomes entirely too complicated. For example, I have composition "arm" as well as controllers for each puppet pin on arm. I cannot easily duplicate "arm" without replacing the controllers, basically re-rigging.

So what I'm really looking to do is to import not just a REFERENCE to the composition, but the entire composition itself to each new composition/project I create, independent of the original.

imeilfx · Answer

Ok so I think I know what you are asking about - if not let me know.

So to do what you need - that mean to use some composition (with all nested compositions and scripting) of rigged character om other scenes/comps of the same project:

- just use script called True Comp Duplicator - it makes exact duplicate of composition with everything in it - i'm using it from the begining (2012) and I can't imagine working in AE without

To use your character in other projects just clear out your main comp leaving only your character in it - using File>dependancies (example: After Effects Hidden Gems Weekly: Cleaning Up Projects on Vimeo ) then save your project and jus import that project to your other projects - that way your original comp/character will stay intact.

Sign up

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Sign in to Adobe Community

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Scanning file for viruses.

This file cannot be downloaded