title: Bones System
author: cdunde

<g>Bones</g> are used primarily for the animation, movement, of models in the same way that our bodies
<g>Skeleton</g> bones are. The editor has one <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">Skeleton folder</a>
where these bones are kept, if there are any. They can be applied to a single model <g>Component</g>,
multipul components of a single model or components of another model that has been imported.

A complete bone is made up of two <g>joints</g>, one at each end of a bone. But each joint is given a bone name.
So joint1 is called NewBone1 when it is created. I know that's a little confusing, but that's the way it commonly is.
When a joint is connected to another joint, the first joint is the <g>parent</g> of the second joint.
These can be displayed in one of two ways in the <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">tree-view</a>,
either <g>extracted</g> (all bones under each other) or <g>structured</g> each <g>parent</g> bone tiers on down
with all of its <g>child</g> bones inside it as a <g>hierarchy</g>.
Doing a <g>RMB</g> click over the <g>Skeleton folder</g> or any one bone will bring up a menu that has functions to
easily switch between these two ways of displaying the bones.

Even though a model may not come with its own bones, you can still create your own set of bones and store them
in a QuArK Model <g>.qkl</g> Work File. To start adding bones simply do a <g>RMB</g> click in any view of the
editor, which will bring up a menu, and then by going to the <g>Bone Commands</g> item which will cause the
Bones menu to appear.

The use of bones is activated by clicking on a single frame of any component and either the
<a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">Skeleton folder</a>
in the <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">tree-view</a>, if there are bones, or by
opening that folder and clicking on any of the bones inside it. Once activated, all of this systems
controlling functions are located on the
<a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#viewsrmbmenus">Editor Views RMB menu</a> for
<a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#bonecommands">Bone Commands</a>. Reading their brief descriptions
will give you a quick understanding of each function. For a quick reference, hold your cursor over any menu
item and press your <b>F1</b> key for its help box that will also give you its use information.
A <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">Skeleton folder</a> selection causes all <g>attached</g>
bones to move together, while a single bone selection only moves that particular bone.

By selecting some vertexes in any of the editor's views and then placing your cursor over the center of a
bone joint and doing a <g>RMB</g> click will bring up the bone menu with a function active to <g>Assign</g>
those vertexes to that bone joint or <g>Release</g> them if they have already been assigned to that bone joint,
this is detected and managed automatically by the editor.

<img border=1 align=right>bones1.png</img>

<g><i><b><u>Basic Applications</u></b></i></g>&nbsp;:<br>

The first step is to <a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#bonecommands">Add a Bone</a>.
To do this you must be in <a href="intro.modeleditor.toolpalettes.display.html">Vertex mode</a>
and not <a href="intro.modeleditor.toolpalettes.display.html#linear">Linear Drag Handles mode</a>
as the bones will not be displayed.
Then do a <g>RMB</g> click, in one of the editor's <g>2D views</g> where you want to place the bone,
to get the popup menu, go to <a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#viewsrmbmenus">Bone Commands</a>
then click on <a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#bonecommands">Add Bone Here</a>.

By selecting a <b>single component</b> in the
<a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">tree-view</a> the bone joint handle
of the new bone will be assigned to that <b>component</b>. Otherwise it will be assigned to the
first component in the <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">tree-view</a>.
Bone joints can be spread across different components within the editor if needed by assigning their
vertexes to the same joint handle. When this is done a dropdown list on the <a href="#specificsettings">Specifics page</a>
named <g>comp list</g> will display all of the components and the number of their vertexes
that are assigned to that particular bone joint handle. By clicking on any one of the components
in that list it will automatically jump to that particular component and select those assigned vertexes.

Each bone joint is a <a href="intro.modeleditor.toolpalettes.display.html#linear">linear drag handle</a>,
where the connecting lines for attached bone joints, are the widest.
All attached bone joint <g>drag handles</g> are where the lines meet in the middle.
The middle of each handle is the <g>center drag</g> point, which does the lateral movements,
and the single offset yellow oval handle is the <g>corner drag</g> handle, used to do rotation
and scaling (Ctrl key) movements. When a bone is given a specific <g>color</g>, from the
<a href="#specificsettings">Specifics page</a>, this oval will be filled with that color
as well as the entire joint handle. This is used to help identify bone joints in close proximity.

The next set of bones show how you can
<a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#bonecommands">Continue the bones</a> by placing your cursor over the
<g>center point</g> of a bone's <g>drag handle</g>, do a <g>RMB</g> click and select
<a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#bonecommands">Continue Bones</a> from the popup menu.
This can be done with any bone at any time. You will also notice how these different menu functions will
become active when they can be used properly.

The third set of bones show how to select and <a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#bonecommands">Assign</a>
a number of vertexes to a bone handle. First a single or multipal frames need to be selected,
in the <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">tree-view</a>, 
then select a number of vertexes by doing a <g>LMB drag</g> in one of the editor's views over those vertexes.
Now do a <g>RMB</g> click (or first hold the <g>LMB</g> button briefly for <a href="#autoselection">auto selection</a>)
on the <b>center</b> of the bone handle you want to assign those vertexes too, and select
<a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#bonecommands">Assign / Release</a> from the popup menu.
The handle will automatically center itself on those vertexes.
You can <a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#bonecommands">Set the Handle Position</a> a couple of ways
which is covered below, along with more about the built in <a href="#autoselection">Auto Selection Capabilities</a>.

The last set of bones demonstrate a variety of features, capabilities and <a href="#specificsettings">Specifics Settings</a>
of the bone system, see below.

<img border=1 align=right>bones2.png</img>
<a name="specificsettings"></a>
<g><i><b><u>Specifics Settings</u></b></i></g>&nbsp;:<br>
When a single bone, or a single bone and other component items are selected, a number of settings can
be made for that bone on its <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#specsargsview">Specifics/Args</a>
page shown to the right. If you also have a frame selected and you deselect the <g>Skeleton folder</g> 
or the bone it will automatically switch to the
<a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#specsargsview">frame Specifics/ Args</a> page.
Reselecting a bone will switch it to that bone's page.

<i><b><u>Icon Buttons</u></b></i>&nbsp;:<br>
The <b>first button</b> is used to display and select a specific <g>Model Format</g> from a dropdown list by clicking on where it says <g>set model type</g>.<br>
This selection will put the editor into that particular model format mode, using any special features and functions that it may have.

The <b>second button</b> will display all help data for the currently selected model format type.

The <b>third button</b> is a toggle button, on or off, that when active changes your cursor to a paint brush that
can then be used, by pressing your <g>LMB</g>, to pass over vertexes giving them a specific color.
You can also do a <g>LMB</g> drag in any editor's view to select a group of vertexes and they will be assigned
that same color. Changing the color is done on the <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#specsargsview">frame Specifics/ Args</a>
page (see <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#specsargsview">that page</a> for more details).

The <b>forth button</b>, when clicked, will bring up the
<a href="intro.modeleditor.vertexcolorandweights.html#vertexweights">Vertex Weights Dialog</a>
that is used in conjunction with that system.

<u><i>classname </i></u>&nbsp;: This shows the name of the bone which can be changed to any name you choose
in the <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">tree-view</a> by pressing your <b>F2</b> key.
Once <b>Enter</b> is pressed to change the name, it will update the
<a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#specsargsview">Specifics/Args</a> page.

<u><i>Bone Length </i></u>&nbsp;: A bone can be any length you desire by either dragging one
of its handles in any of the editor's views or by giving it an exact length here.

<u><i>comp list </i></u>&nbsp;: This is a <g>dropdown list</g>. The component's name currently showing
is the component that was selected last. By clicking on the <g>down arrow</g> to the far right, it will cause
all components that have vertexes assigned to that handle to be displayed along with the number of
those component's vertexes that have been assigned. Clicking on one of those components in the list,
that component will become selected along with the vertexes assigned to that handle.
This is a read only value and can not be change by hand, only by component vertex assignment or release.

<u><i>auto expand </i></u>&nbsp;: If check, when a component is clicked on in the above <g>dropdown list</g>
the editor jumps to that component and will expand its <g>Frames folder</g> and select the first frame automatically
along with the vertexes assigned to that bone handle.

<u><i>parent </i></u>&nbsp;: This displays the name of the bone that this bone joint is attached to, if any.
If the parent's name is changed, this will update automatically, keeping things in sync for the system to work properly.
It is a read only specific.

<u><i>color </i></u>&nbsp;: The color bar, when clicked on, will bring up a color selection window where
you can choose any color you like for that bone handle. There is also an option on the
<a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#viewsrmbmenus">Bone Options</a> sub-menu called
<a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#editorboneoptions">Match Bone Lines Color</a>
that, when checked, the <a href="#bonelinescolor">bone lines color</a> displayed during a drag will match the handle color being dragged.
Any vertexes assigned to that handle will be displayed in that same color.

<u><i>position </i></u>&nbsp;: This is the exact 3D position of a bones handle that gets updated at the end
of each drag, or an exact position can be set here.

<u><i>offset </i></u>&nbsp;: Sometimes a bone's handle can be in the way of other things or not set exactly where you want it.
Here an offset 3D value can be entered, for x, y and z, to reposition that handle in relation to any vertexes assigned to it.
Be advised that any rotation will be based on its offset position, which is the center point of that handle.

<u><i>scale </i></u>&nbsp;: Here the size of a bone's handle can be set to make it bigger, to see other
bone's handles attached to it, or smaller, as detail work so requires. These settings have no effect on
rotation, since that is based on the center point of a handle.

<i><b><u>Vertex Weight Colors</u></b></i>&nbsp;: Some model formats use additional, more advanced, special display and movement systems.<br>
These are <a href="intro.modeleditor.vertexcolorandweights.html#vertexcoloring">Vertex Coloring</a>, using different colors,
and\or <a href="intro.modeleditor.vertexcolorandweights.html#vertexweights">Vertex Weights</a>, which is done by a numerical setting from 0 to 1.0.<br>
See the section about <ref>intro/modeleditor/vertexcolorandweights</ref> for specific details of their features and use.

<u><i>use weight bone sel </i></u>&nbsp;: When checked, it puts bone selection into a special mode allowing you to
add or remove bones to the selection without having to use the <g>Ctrl</g> key.

<u><i>show weight colors </i></u>&nbsp;: When checked, if component has vertex weight coloring they will show.
If NOT checked and it has bones with vetexes, those will show.

<u><i>auto apply changes </i></u>&nbsp;: When checked, applies all bone weight settings for any currently or
additional selected vertexes using the linear handle or applied by the paint brush.

<u><i>(bone name) weight (value) </i></u>&nbsp;: The arrows are used to set a bone's vertex weight value.
The total value of a <b>single</b> vertex MUST = 1.0 to be valid. Meaning if you have a <b>particular</b> vertex assigned
to three different bones then all three of its values must add up to 1.0 no more no less.
A value can also be entered by hand.
A group of selected vertexes can be set to the same basic value and then changed individually on the
<a href="intro.modeleditor.vertexcolorandweights.html#vertexweights">Vertex Weights Dialog</a>
(see <b>forth button</b> above for access to that dialog).

<u><i>(bone name) weight (color) </i></u>&nbsp;: This color corresponds to the above bone's vertex weight value.
When the value changes the color changes and visa versa. So you can change the value by changing this color also.
These colors are used as a guide to help see the different settings in the editor's views.

<g><i><b><u>Special Features</u></b></i></g>&nbsp;:<br>

<a name="autoselection"><g>Auto Selection Capabilities :</g></a><br>
There are a few criteria’s that need to be followed in order for bones to work properly, or at all,
for a drag to take place. These are:
<ul>
<li> Only a singe frame and the <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">Skeleton Group folder</a>
can be selected, or
<li> Only a single frame and a single bone can be selected. If not, you will hear a <b>bing</b> sound to signify the problem.
<li> If a bone's handle has vertexes assigned to it, or an attached bone's handle does, a single frame must also be selected.
<li> If no vertexes have been assigned then a single frame selection is not required to move the bones around.
</ul>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Because of the above criteria it can be cumbersome if you constantly
need to use your <g>Ctrl</g> key to maneuver in the selection of these items, therefore:
<ul>
<li> Select any single frame, you can then select the <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">Skeleton Group folder</a>
or any single bone without having to use your <g>Ctrl</g> key, that frame will remain selected.
<li> You can select another single frame and the <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">Skeleton Group folder</a>
or single bone will remain selected.
<li> With a single frame selected, you can bounce from the <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">Skeleton Group folder</a>
to any single bone, or from one bone to another without having to use your <g>Ctrl</g> key
<li> or you can bounce from frame to frame without having to use your <g>Ctrl</g> key.
<li> You can make single or multiple bone or frame relocation movements without having to deselect the other item type.

<li> To cancel this action, click on the <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">Frames Group folder</a>
<li> or any blank unused area in one of the editor's views or the model itself
<li> or select some other folder besides the <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">Skeleton Group folder</a>.
</ul>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sometimes the bone handles will appear to be active but no drag
can take place.<br>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That is because your selection in the tree-view does not meet
the above criteria and you simply need to make the correct selection.

<a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#bonecommands">Key frames Movement :</a> (not dependable at this time)<br>
To activate this menu item you <b>must</b> have <b>two single frames</b> and the
<a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">Skeleton Group folder</a>
selected. This is because those two frames will be used to <g>spread</g> the movement from the first frame to the second
evenly over the frames that are between them. For example, you want to do a walking motion, the first frame has the arms and legs
swung in one direction and the last, second, frame has them in the opposite positions. With a spread of about 10 frames you will
create an animation of a fast walk, with a spread of 20 frames the motion would seem a bit slower. <b>Be advised</b>, the
outcome may not always be what you expect and even though they can be reversed by using the
<a href="intro.modeleditor.menu.html#editmenu">Undo system</a> that could still cause a crash of the program.
So it is highly recommended that you always save your work before using this function.

<a name="bonelinescolor"><g>Bone Lines & Vertex Colors :</g></a><br>
When a bone's handles colors are set on its
<a href="#specificsettings">Specifics Settings</a> page and the
<a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#viewsrmbmenus">Bone Options</a> sub-menu
<a href="intro.modeleditor.rmbmenus.html#editorboneoptions">Match Bone Lines Color</a> is check these line colors
act as a guide to help distinguish which bone's handle is being dragged. They also work differently when the
<a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">Skeleton Group folder</a> is selected as opposed to a single bone.

When the <a href="intro.modeleditor.dataforms.html#treeview">Skeleton Group folder</a> is selected all of the lines
share the same color as the drag handle, all the way <g>down line</g> for any connected bones that are also being moved
or rotated. Where as for a single bone, only its lines, matching the drag handle, and any connecting bone handles will display
their respective handle color.

For any bone's that are using the default colors, those colors will be reverse when a drag is being made, also when a single
bone or bones are selected those lines will become the default blue color, as long as there are no frames or other folders
selected as well.

Any vertexes assigned to a bone handle will be displayed using that same handle's color. Releasing or re-assigning vertexes
to another handle will change their display color respectively.