= Make a character into a digital asset =

== How to ==

steps>>
    # Select all character nodes in the network editor.

    # Press ((RMB)) on empty space and choose __Collapse__,
      or press ((Shift + C)).

    # Press ((RMB)) on the subnet node and choose __Create Digital
      Asset__.

    # Choose an internal _name_ and human-readable _label_ for the
      asset. Choose the library in which to save the asset (__Save to
      library__) and the scope in which to make the asset available
      (__Install library to__) See  [how to create a digital
      asset|/assets/create]  for information on these options.

    # Click __Accept__.

      Houdini automatically opens the  [type properties
      window|/ref/windows/optype]  for the asset.

    # In the type properties window,  [set up the asset's user
      interface|/assets/asset_ui]  by promoting parameters you want to be
      editable to the asset.  [Lock|/ref/panes/parms]  other parameters that
      shouldn't change.

    # Inside the asset, select all nodes except the character root node,
      and lock all __Scale__ and __Pivot__ parameters.

    # Turn off the  [Selectable flag|/nodes/obj]  on all non-control
      nodes (such as bones).

    # In the type properties window, turn on __Hide default subnet
      parameters__ to hide the default transform tab for the asset.

== Refine the asset ==
      
Creating a character asset is an iterative process. You want to
promote/expose the minimum user interface possible to the artist.
You will find that you...

* Make an asset.

* Attempt to use it in production.

* Find out the artist needs certain parameters you didn't promote.

* Edit the asset to promote the parameters and repeat.

...until you have the asset very finely tuned for the artist's
needs.