One layer shape:Can I set parts as foreground or background?

[HHGG]

If I cross body parts of an one layer shape the crossing parts seam to
imbibe the background colour:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtUNaYuxRFw&t=04m23s

I want to create a left to right walking person as an one layer shape.

Is there a technique to set parts of the one layer shape to background or foreground?

So if I cross parts of the shape (the legs for walking in this example) I only see the
leg that I set to foreground and the not covered parts of the background leg?

[Greenlaw]

You need to segment the path so you can create multiple shapes from it. Then, you hide the internal edges so the complete path still looks like a single shape. Once this is done, you can change the stacking order of the shapes to make them look in front of or behind itself.

Bonus point: if you enable animated shape order for the layer, you can animate when the shapes move in front of or behind each other.

Somebody asked essentially the same question a week or two ago...more info here:

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=30901&hilit=shape+order

There's an image at the bottom of the thread that may help you understand the technique.

So, in your case, you may want to segment the path to create shapes at the shoulders and hips, and possibly at the elbows. (Sometimes I only do the elbows, but it depends on how the character will be rigged and animated.)

[HHGG]

Ok, thank you. Read also the other thread.

[Greenlaw]

Also, is it necessary to make it all one shape? If you use Patch layers, you can make multiple layers look like one shape.

Using multiple layers may give you more flexibility for animation and for adding details.

[HHGG]

I get no hits searching for patch layer or patch target or patch in
the pdf manual of Moho 12. Is there another term used for patch
layer or isn't it described in the manual?

[Greenlaw]

If you have the Moho Pro 12 user manual, Patch Layers are explained on page 203. I used the search in Acrobat Reader and the term 'Patch' first pops up in the TOC. It's in the manual for older versions too. The Patch Layer has been around for a while and is a very useful feature.

[HHGG]

Found it now. I opened the wrong pdf (Help->Tutorials (tutorial manual)).
In the the pdf opened with Help->Help (user manual) there is the patch layer explanation.