Hierarchy Panel

Command panels > Hierarchy panel

The Hierarchy panel provides access to tools to adjust the hierarchical linkage between objects.

By linking one object to another, you create a parent-child relationship. Transformations applied to the parent are also transmitted to the child. By linking more objects to both parent and child objects you can create complex hierarchies.

Gyroscope assembled as a hierarchy.

The parent is the outer ring with handle.

The flywheel is the lowest child.

Common uses of linking are:

Creating complex motions.
Simulating jointed structures.
Providing the basis for inverse kinematics.
Setting rotational and sliding parameters for Bones.

The Hierarchy panel is divided into three areas:

Pivot

Link Info

Note: For important background information on hierarchies and kinematics, see Animating with Forward Kinematics and Inverse Kinematics (IK).