Negative Strength

Summary

Constraints are not limited to positive strength values. Applying negative strength values (e.g., -100%) allows an object to perform the inverse action of its target. This technique is useful for creating complex rigging behaviors, such as mirrored movements or counter-rotations, with a single control point.

Step by Step

1. 00:11
   Concept of Negative Strength

   Understand that any constraint can accept a negative value to achieve inverse motion.
2. 00:25
   Negative Translation

   Select an object, add a Translation Constraint, and set the Strength to -100%. Enable "Offset" before targeting another object to make the owner move in the exact opposite direction of the target.
3. 01:17
   Negative Scale

   Add a Scale Constraint and set Strength to -100%. When the target object scales up, the constrained object will scale down proportionally.
4. 01:50
   Negative Rotation

   Apply a Rotation Constraint with -100% Strength. This causes the constrained object to rotate in the opposite clockwise/counter-clockwise direction of the target.
5. 02:21
   Universal Application

   Remember that this technique can be applied to any constraint type to expand rigging possibilities.

Notes About Current Rive

• Inverse Motion: Negative strength is a powerful shortcut for creating mirrored interactions (like doors opening in opposite directions) using only one animated controller.
• Offset Importance: For Translation constraints, using the "Offset" toggle is often necessary to prevent the owner from snapping directly to the target's position while moving inversely.
• Consistency: This property is also keyable, allowing you to switch between direct and inverse behavior within the same animation.