Attach TEXT to a moving object. Can it be done?

[AussieTX]

I am trying to attach some text to an object that has some rotation added to it.
Specifically I have the wrench object from the library and have added some "Token Rotation" to make it look as though it is tightening a nut/bolt.
I would like to add some test along the handle of the wrench to make it look more authentic but I can't seem to get the text to follow the swing of the wrench.
"Token Rotation" makes the wrench do exactly what I want. But when you add it to the text, instead of the entire word following the rotation only the individual characters do.
Tried grouping the text and object together but when you do that you cannot add the "Token Rotation" to the Group only the individual text or object.
I selected the wrench and attempted to add text in the Object Editor but that was a disaster as I was only able to free hand the text. Need a Wacom for that!

2 hours now for a 5 second effect. Time to call it a night.

Pat

[Kingston]

I'm having a problem understanding how you got "Token Rotate" to make the wrench do what you want, since that only works on text, not objects. You can't make objects follow the movements placed on text, but you can make text follow objects. Note that I don't consider text as an object.

If you want the text to attach to the "handle" object, you need to use the Object Manager to create a subgroup that includes the "handle" object and the text. You can rename the subgroup to "Wrench."

When the "Wrench" subgroup is selected, then any effects that are available in the EasyPalette will work on that subgroup as a whole. "Token Rotate" won't be available, as you'll see.

You can keyframe the Wrench subgroup to rotate. Since the text is in the same subgroup that the handle is in, the text will follow the handle during rotations and moves and resizes, but only when you have the "Wrench" subgroup selected. If you have only the "handle" object selected, then the text will not follow the handle.

I went into the path editor to change the pivot point of the "handle" object so the pivot point is in the middle of the open slot where you would have a bolt.

[AussieTX]

Kingston,
Thanks I'll give it a go. Maybe changing the pivot point with the path editor is the secret.
Like you I too thought that "Token Rotate" was for text only until I saw Gripps2211 use it in one of his tutorials on you tube to make a door swing open and closed.
I tried it on the wrench and it worked flawlessly.
Yes I created the subgroup but it seems that it just won't rotate the way a wrench normally would using the basic controls.
I'll try again and see if I can pull it off.

[Kingston]

AussieTX,

Thanks for the lead on the youtube tutorials. I now know what you are talking about. When I was looking for the Token Rotate effect, I was trying to apply it to a 3D model, such as the screwdriver. In that case the Token Rotate effect isn't available when I have the screwdriver selected. The Token effect is available if I select one of the objects of the screwdriver. I was mistakenly calling a 3D model an "object." The "handle" (wrench) is an object. If you apply the Token Rotate effect to the handle, it seems that you would also have to apply it to the text as well, and to any other object you want to attach to the handle.

The "handle" and the "text" would be objects in a 3D model, which I call the Wrench 3D model.

I'm off to see how it all works out.