Matrix Tool – OVERVIEW

The Matrix Tool is a simple UI with controls for editing Maya’s new Offset Parent Matrix attributes in Maya 2020 and above.

Handy for both modeling and rigging the offset parent matrix attributes act like an extra group embeded in each object; this allows the user to reset the main translate/rotate/scale whilst keeping the object’s position and orientation.

Modelers: Can now effectively freeze transformations whilst maintaining the local rotation of an object.

Riggers: Can zero out joints or controls without the need for extra groups.

The user can now toggle between the offset being on the offset matrix or on the main translate/rotate/scale attributes.

THE PROBLEM

Maya has added the new Offset Parent Matrix attribute in 2020+ that’s now included on every transform node in Maya. Unfortunately out of the box the feature is difficult to use.

THE SOLUTION

Zoo’s Matrix Tool allows the user to freeze and unfreeze to the offset matrix with the click of a button. This makes it more usable for everyday modeling and rigging tasks.

COMPACT SETTINGS

Modeler Freeze Matrix (Maya 2020+)
Sets an object’s translate, rotate to zero and scale to one.

Transfers translate and rotate information to the offsetParentMatrix.

Scale will be frozen to 1.0 to support non-uniform issues with rotation.

Supported in Maya 2020 and above.

Select object/s and run.

Freeze To Offset Matrix (Maya 2020+)
Sets an object’s translate, rotate to zero and scale to one.

Transfers translate, rotate and scale information to the offsetParentMatrix.

There can be non-uniform issues with rotation after freezing, see Modeler Freeze Matrix which removes scale issues.

Supported in Maya 2020 and above.

Select object/s and run.

Unfreeze Offset Matrix (Maya 2020+)
Resets an objects Offset Matrix to zero values.

Maintains the object’s translate, rotate and scale position.

Supported in Maya 2020 and above.

Select object/s and run.