follow path: layer switch?

[arfa]

Using follow path - great.
It seems that it uses the layer immediately above the object.

Is there any way to switch the object to another path?
I have tried to animate layer sorting. I am sure I have done this in the past.
Also tried using a switch layer. Nope.

My aim is to have the object follow path A
animate the object here and there
have the object follow path B

thx

[slowtiger]

Why? Just create one path.

[arfa]

My thought is to have animation/action/transitions between the end of one path and the start of another.

I am still developing the action but figure there will be some (complicated?) activity between the end of A and the start of B and start of C...?

Lateral movement could be totally governed by one path but, somehow I suspect that there will be limitations that I will want to get around.

So, is it possible? Y/N
If Y then how?

[slowtiger]

You can follow only one path per scene.

It might be possible that you duplicate the object/path couple, so you have the second path in a second group, then use whatever transition to switch visibility between them. Still I can't imagine which movement would be so comlicated that it can't be done with on path.

[arfa]

Thanks for the clarity slowtiger.

I have done a bit more work and see that the path can be animated (I already have insects walking along a wind-blown vine) and the object layer can be scaled.

BUT... there seems to be no way to animate the object points. Even just clicking a point causes weird contortions.

I am also looking at a "follow parentless bone chain" method [Selgin I think] that is similar to follow-path and allows point animation. I guess the limitations of any system require a combination of approaches. Duplicating the object is certainly a solution.

Just on the off chance....
********* Is there a way to dis-connect the object from the path? The object I am using is relatively simple so an extra layer is no problem but - one less step is - one less step.

[slowtiger]

If detaching doesn't work, use the aforementioned method of duplication - one item bound to the path, the other free, and switch visibility where needed. I do this all the time - much faster than any fiddling with settings.

[arfa]

I had high expectations for follow-path with my snake character - as in "one method to cover all poses, etc..."

I am learning limitations (and strengths).

thanks