# Using Centers vs. Pivots

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A common question among new users is why does modo have both Centers and Pivots and what are the differences between them? In this video Rich clearly explains their differences and the reason why a user would choose to use one over the other.

Users can jump ahead to a specific section by using the Chapter selection widget on the right side of the player or by directly clicking any of the Chapter Title links below.

Tab | Time | Chapter | Description
1 | 00:53 | Center Definition | Rich defines what a Center is related to modo and items.
2 | 03:10 | Pivot Definition | Rich explains what a Pivot is related to modo and how it differs from a Center.
3 | 05:18 | Animating Pivot | Rich demonstrates how to animate a Pivot and what to watch out for when doing so.
4 | 08:42 | Adv. Concept | Using Centers and Pivots when rigging requires understanding of Primary transforms.
| 11:56 | Total Video Time |

Frequently Asked Questions--

Q.) Can you select and edit more than one Center or Pivot at a time?

> A.) Why yes, you can, pivots and centers are just items and as such can be edited like any other item in the scene. This means you could select ten pivots and Scale them into a new position, or move them all relative to each other at one time. Neat, huh?

Q.) Why is a "foyi"?

> A.) That was supposed to just be FYI "For Your Information", Rich just messed up.

Q.) Are the colors for the "Axis" always the same color?

> A.) Yes, red is always 'X', green is always 'Y' and blue is always 'Z'. This is consistent for rotation, position and scale among others.

Resources--

Links to the modo in-line help system
Docs: Centers & Pivots
Docs: Action Centers

Links to other pages in this training
Training: Keyframes and Dope Sheet
Training: Constraints

Files--

Links to the modo scenes used in the video
(click to open in modo)
File: CentersPivots_01.lxo
File: CentersPivots_02.lxo

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