Hierarchies are used to link the transformations (or translation, rotation and scale) of objects to each other. They can be handy for organising scenes and grouping objects together.

This tutorial demonstrates how basic hierarchies work and what they can be used for. It also explains how null objects can help organise scenes.

Running Time: 4 mins 59 sec

Knowledge of these concepts is required:
objects

Hierarchy: The relationship of objects parented to eachother

To Parent: To link the transformation of one object to another

To Unparent: To unlink the transofrmation of one object to another

Parent: The top object which moves others below

Child: The bottom object which is transformation linked to an object above in the hierarchy

Null Objects: Objects that don't render or are invisible in the final animation. Also called locators, dummies, groups etc.
     
Node: A way of displaying hierarchies which uses a floating relationship conected by a line.

Folder: A way of displaying hierachies using a folder structure.