join objects for movement using collections, and editable instances of collections (or is there a better way?)
When one has a model composed of many objects, moving it is cumbersome. To move all objects of the model at the same time one has to select all of them (too much work), or make an instance of the collection. The problem with the latter approach is the collection remains un-editable and one has to hide the original objects.
I suggest a button on the outliner at the right of collections to make all objects of said collection move all other objects in the collection when in motion. (like in collection instances) I also suggest for collections instances to become editable (altering the original) when pressing tab. It would open the collection in object mode, and other tab-press would open the edit mode for the selected objects.
3 Comments
I usually use collection instances for this, but if you have deformation/animation the best way is to use an armature modifier or parenting. Parenting all of the objects to an empty works.
Although, most of the time when you have a lot of objects in one prop, it's best to have a parenting hierarchy- the breastplate is child of the torso, and the gauntlet is child of the breastplate, etc.
In case you're used to Maya, you can think of an Empty as a group. It has a transform node but no shape node, or in Blender, object ID but no datablock ID associated.
Duplicate.
For the first suggestion, I think most people (myself included) just use empties as "folders" since they have a transform and nothing else.
I do like your second proposal though, I think it should be its own proposal with more details on how it works, UI mockups, etc.