2 Constraints Without Driver vs 2 Constraints With Driver (switching target example)

Hello. Could I not use the driver as a custom property or driver in general when it is unnecessary?
Is it interchangeable? Could be the absence of a custom property driver an issue or a matter of conflict with animator? I am asking because I am observing the same result but a different approach.
https://postimg.cc/Rq9cqRNd

1 love
Reply
  • Adrian Bellworthy replied

    Hey Viktar,

    Yes, I believe so.
    As in your example image you can use a driver instead of a constraint.

    One thought comes to mind though when I look at your example, not only is it easier/quicker to add a constraint than setting up a driver,
    but lets say your character is holding a dagger and wants to switch hands,
    It would be far easier to add keyframes to the influence, on the constraint than the driver.

    That's my observation. Maybe you could try it out and let us know what you think.

    2 loves
  • Wayne Dixon replied

    Hi Viktar,
    Good question.  What you have shown will give you the same result, yes.  But you are right to be thinking about the animator here.

    They would need to dig through the constraints on the rig in order to hopefully find the correct one to animate.
    (not all animators know Blender that well)

    • Having the custom property has many more advantages.
    • It makes it clear, "This is the property to control X", rather than just "influence".  
    • Plus the animation data ends up being grouped with the control.
      Any constraint animation ends up outside of this group, which is annoying.

    • Sometimes you need to use a property (if you are driving more than 1 constraint at a time), this will lead to inconsistencies across the rig for the animator to deal with. (eg - for the IK/FK switch they use a property - but for something else they have to key the influence on a constraint that they have to hunt for.)


    Hope that helps clarify.


    2 loves
  • Viktar Harbunou(Viktar Nomad) replied

    Thanks, Wayne. Thanks, Adrian.
    I feel like this door is opening slowly) But I'm melting a little due to lack of experience)
    I need more rig and animation experience to absorb these answers. I'll be back© again until absorbed)