To make an object follow another object in Blender, you typically use Object Constraints. One common method, as described in the reference, involves setting up a constraint on the object you want to follow the target.
There are different ways an object can "follow" another, such as pointing towards it (tracking) or moving with it (positional following). Based on the reference mentioning "tracking" and selecting a target with an eyedropper, the "Track To" constraint is a key method.
Object Constraints allow you to control an object's location, rotation, or scale based on other objects or properties in your scene. For making one object follow another, useful constraints include:
- Track To: Makes an object point its axis towards a target object. This aligns well with the "tracking" mentioned in the reference.
- Child Of: Makes an object inherit the transformations (location, rotation, scale) of a target object, similar to parenting but with more control. This is a common method for positional following.
- Copy Location: Makes an object copy the location of another object.
Let's detail the process using the Track To constraint, as suggested by the reference's description of "tracking" a target with an eyedropper.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using the Track To Constraint
This method makes one object (the owner of the constraint) point towards another object (the target).
- Select the Object to Follow: In the 3D viewport, select the object that you want to be the one doing the following (the object that will track the target).
- Go to Constraint Properties: Open the Properties editor window and click on the Object Constraint Properties tab (it looks like a chain link).
- Add an Object Constraint: Click the Add Object Constraint button.
- Choose the Constraint: Select Track To from the list under the 'Tracking' category.
- Set the Target: Locate the Target field within the Track To constraint settings.
- Use the Eyedropper: Next to the Target field, you'll find an eyedropper icon. Click on this eyedropper.
- Select the Target Object: While the eyedropper is active, click on the object in the 3D viewport that you want the first object to follow or "track".
As noted in the reference, once you click on the target object with the eyedropper, you should see the first object immediately orient itself to point towards the selected target. The reference specifically states: "And then I select my eyedropper. I click on the thing that I want to track and you can see now when I move my mouse. That it is tracking which is fantastic."
Other Ways to Achieve Following (Positional)
If by "follow," you mean making one object move with another (positional following), you can use:
- Child Of Constraint: Follow steps 1-3 above, but choose Child Of. Then use the eyedropper to select the target object under the "Target" field. This is very flexible, allowing you to specify which transformations (location, rotation, scale) to inherit.
- Copy Location Constraint: Follow steps 1-3 above, but choose Copy Location. Use the eyedropper to select the target object under the "Target" field. This simply copies the target's location.
| Constraint | Primary Function | Use Case | Reference Mention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track To | Makes object point towards target | Cameras, lights, characters looking at something | Yes (tracking) |
| Child Of | Makes object inherit transformations | Attaching objects, complex rigs | No |
| Copy Location | Makes object copy location | Simple positional following | No |
Using constraints provides a non-destructive way to link objects, allowing for easy adjustments and animation.
