# Channels

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In modo, all the animateable attributes of items are represented as 'Channels'. Representing the broad variety of attribute properties likewise requires a broad selection of channel types. In this video, Rich explains Channels, their functions and usage, and then explains the concept of 'User Channels', and then proceeds to cover in-depth all the various user channels types and their associated options.

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 | 01:01 | Channel List | Listing of some the various types of channels related to items.
2 | 02:32 | Matrix/Vector | Explanation of Vector and Matrix channel types.
3 | 06:46 | User Channel | What is a User Channel and why would you add one.
4 | 08:43 | User Channel Types | Listing of the various user channels types available.
5 | 09:47 | Distance Channel | Explanation of the Distance Channel type.
6 | 11:38 | Angle Channel | Explanation of the Angle Channel type.
7 | 14:08 | Percentage | Explanation of the Percentage Channel type.
8 | 14:55 | Integer Channel | Explanation of the Integer Channel type.
9 | 15:46 | Channel Options | Detailing of some of the various Channel options.
10 | 20:42 | Re-order Channels | Changing the order of Channels in the channel list and its affect.
11 | 22:23 | Advanced Options | Some advanced concepts regarding the usage of Channels in rigging.
12 | 24:09 | Boolean Channel | Explanation of the Boolean Channel type.
13 | 25:43 | String Channel | Explanation of the String Channel type.
14 | 26:29 | Matrix Channel | Explanation of the Matrix Channel type.
| 27:23 | Total Video Time |

Frequently Asked Questions--

Q.) What is the difference between "Translate" and "Position"?

> A.) They are exactly the same thing, they describe a position in space. Position is just how modo says it.

Q.) Why don't I see all the available channels for an item in the properties tab like I do in the channels list?

> A.) The properties panel is designed to be a limited view, to help focus on the most commonly used channels, where as the channel list presents ALL the channels attached to an item... even ones that you may never need to see or adjust to get things done.

Q.) Do I need to understand what he is talking about when he describes a "Matrix"?

> A.) Nope. You can go your whole life without that knowledge. It's just presented here to help you understand the nuts and bolts of what is going on. In some extreme rigging tasks understanding these basic principles can help unlock a solution that might otherwise elude you.

Q.) Wait! There are vectors inside of a matrix?

> A.) Yes, the rows inside of a matrix are vectors of data that help describe the direction of the particular "axis" they represent. You will NEVER need to deal with this directly of course... but its good to learn new things :)

Q.) Why can I only remove User Channels and not built in ones?

> A.) Most items in modo require certain channels to describe what they are, what they do and even how they appear in the scene. Removing a built in channel could cause problems where tools and operations in modo expect this default information to exist.

Q.) Why is there a "Position" matrix channel in the list with the regular position XYZ channels on a transform item?

> A.) Go to the Transform Items section to get a full description of what that is for.

Resources--

Links to the modo in-line help system
Docs: Channels
Docs: Channel Haul tool

Links to other pages in this training
Training: Schematic View and Channel Links
Training: Building Rigging Interfaces
Training: Transform Items
Training: Preferences

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