# Transform Item

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Transforms are how items are animated in modo, through the application of the three transform types- Position, Rotations and Scale. Rich explains how transforms are applied to Item layers in modo, and how to work with them, providing in-context examples starting with a spinning globe that utilizes multiple transform layers and a robot hand that introduces hierarchy.

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 | 01:38 | Using Transforms | Introduction and demonstration to what a transform is.
2 | 03:20 | Reordering | How to reorder transform items to change how they are evaluated.
3 | 05:56 | Globe Example | Applying layered transforms is demonstrated with a rotating globe orbit.
4 | 11:09 | Robot Hand | A robot hand is used to provide a practical example of item transforms in action.
| 13:53 | Total Video Time |

Frequently Asked Questions--

Q.) Rich adds his primitives to the scene so quickly, how is that done?

> A.) By holding down the 'Ctrl' key and then pressing the primitive tool button you can easily create what are known as unit primitives, automatic 1m sized regular primitives items. Additionally, by pressing the 'Shift' key, users can create unit primitives as separate item layers.

Q.) Having to add the 'Position', 'Rotation' and 'Scales transform items seems silly, why don't they come in by default?

> A.) Well first of all there is a preference you can set so they do get created automatically; 'Auto Create Item Transforms' is located in the preferences under "Data > Defaults". The reason they are not added is to make modo more efficient, and not add channels until the are needed, streamlining item heavy scenes.

Q.) What's does "Fires" mean, as it relates to transform items?

> A.) Fires is just slang for "evaluates". So when you say transform items "fire" in order you mean they are evaluated or calculated one at a time, from the bottom of the list to the top.

Resources--

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

Links to other pages in this training
Training: Parenting and Hierarchies
Training: User Channels
Training: Schematic View and Channel Links

Files--

Links to the modo scenes used in the video
(click to open in modo)
File: TIs_Modo_01.lxo
File: TIs_Modo_02.lxo
File: TIs_RoboFinger_01.lxo
File: TIs_RoboFinger_02.lxo
File: TIs_Traditional_01.lxo

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