Understanding the transition matrix

The center of the Transitions tab is the transition matrix, a list of rules that defines how each object within a Music Switch or Playlist Container transitions to every other object within the container. When working with transitions, you can create explicit rules for each object in a container, or more general rules that apply to more than one object. You can define any one of the following as the source or destination of a transition rule:

Music object: This can be a segment, a Music Playlist Container, or a Music Switch Container.
Virtual Folder: Music objects that are within a Music Switch Container can be organized into Virtual Folders. When a Virtual Folder is selected as a source or destination for a music transitions, the transition rule applies to any of the music objects within the folder.
Any: This means that any music object in the container can be used as the source or destination.
Nothing: This means that either the source or destination is empty, that is, there is no music object playing.

When a transition is needed, Wwise begins searching at the bottom of the list until it finds one that applies to the current situation. If no matching transition is found, Wwise uses the default “Any to Any” transition.

Adding transitions

The transition matrix for a Music Switch or Playlist Container always contains at least one transition: Any to Any. If you want to create more specific transition rules, you must add them to the transition matrix yourself.

To add a defined transition to a Music Switch or Playlist Container:

Load a Music Switch or Playlist Container into the Property Editor.
In the Transitions tab of the Secondary Editor, click Add.
A new Any to Any transition is added to the transition matrix.

In the Source column, click the Selector button (>>) and select one of the following options:

Any to create a transition for any unspecified source music object.
Nothing to create a transition where there is no source, that is, no music object is playing.
Browse to create a transition using a specific music object, or a group of objects that are inside a Virtual Folder, as the source. The Project Explorer - Browser opens where you can select a source.

	Tip
	You can also drag music objects directly from the Project Explorer to the transition matrix. It is important to note, however, that only music objects that are children of the container loaded into the Property Editor can be added to the matrix.

In the Destination column, click the Selector (>>) and select one of the following options:

Any to create a transition for any unspecified destination music object.
Nothing to create a transition where there is no destination, that is, no music object is playing.
Browse to create a transition using a specific music object, or a group of objects that are inside a Virtual Folder, as the destination. The Project Explorer - Browser opens where you can select a destination.

The new customized transition is added to the transition matrix.

	Tip
	You can change the order of transitions in the transition matrix by selecting them and dragging them up and down. A red line shows you where the transition will be placed. The “Any to Any” transition will always be the last one Wwise checks, and therefore cannot be moved from the top of the Matrix.

In the Transitions tab, new Transitions can also be added based on the Source or Destination of an existing Transition by right-clicking on the existing Transition; when its Source or Destination are not set to Any, the "New Transition" shortcut menu option will allow you to create a new Transition copying either the Source or Destination.

Copying and pasting transitions

To speed up the workflow of creating transitions, you can easily copy and paste transition rules within the matrix.

To copy a defined transition from a Music Switch or Playlist Container:

Load a Music Switch or Playlist Container into the Property Editor.
Switch to the Transitions tab of the Secondary Editor.
In the transition matrix, right-click the transition you want to copy and select Copy from the menu.
Right-click where you want the transition to be appear in the list, and select Paste from the menu.
A copy of the transition is added to the transition matrix in the selected location.
Tip
You can also use the shortcut keys (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V) to copy and paste transitions within the matrix.

Ordering transitions

When a transition is required, Wwise scans the transition matrix from bottom to top to find a transition rule that matches the current situation. It will stop as soon as it finds a transition that fits, whether or not this is the best transition to apply. To make sure your transitions are applied optimally, arrange the rules you have defined in the transition matrix in descending order, from general to specific, as in the following example.

Transitions with Any or Nothing as their source or destination should appear higher on the list than those naming specific music objects. If you do this, Wwise will encounter the specific rules you have defined before any general ones.

Removing transitions

If you no longer require a transition rule you have defined in the transition matrix, you can easily remove it. The source and destination music objects are not deleted when you remove a transition rule.

To remove a defined transition from a Music Switch or Playlist Container:

Load a Music Switch or Playlist Container into the Property Editor.
Switch to the Transitions tab of the Secondary Editor.
In the transition matrix, select the transition you want to remove.
Click Remove or press the Delete key.
The selected transition is removed from the transition matrix.

Was this page helpful?

Need Support?

Questions? Problems? Need more info? Contact us, and we can help!

Visit our Support page

Tell us about your project. We're here to help.

Get started with Wwise

Wwise Help