Attribute Mathematics

[allyxen]

Is it possible to edit an attribute value in the channel box with a equation.
For example if the RotateX has a value of 10.4585 and I want to add 10 to it. I know the answer would be 20.4585, but sometimes the equation is a little more complex, requires more precision and want to edit more than one object. I thought I read how in a the Maya Killer Tips Book, but I forgot how.

And is there a way to also display more than 3 digits in the decimal place? Apparently Maya allows more, but is not visible by default.

Sorry If I sound like a noob, but I have been using Maya for 5 years now.

[naughty]

you can use standard programming arithmetic notation to do this. (+= -= *= /=)

so for example, your rotateX is 10.4585, if you click on the 10.4585 and type:

+=10

it will ADD 10 onto whatever the value currently equals. this works for all 4 standard operations, +,-,*,/ but it doesn't seem to extend any further into real equations, for example:

+=(5*2)

wouldn't work but this is one of the things MEL is very good for, if you type (in the Script Editor):

setattr objectName.rotateX (getattr objectName.rotateX+(5*2) )

then this will do the job just fine. Obviously when you have multiple objects it gets a bit more complicated but not by any significant amount, MEL eats this baby stuff for breakfast and brunch. If you've been using Maya for 5 years you really should think about looking into this level of MEL.

as for the precision, you can change it by opening the "Channels" menu (RMB-click in the channel-box) and selecting Settings > Change Precision...

:nathaN