---
title: Creating Attributes
description: "Back to '[**Basics On How To Create Your Own Node**](https://ariserigging.com/docs/how-to-create-your-own-node/the-basics-on-how-to-create-your-own-node/)' **ATTRIBUTES_CREATION METHOD:** In the* attributes_creation()* method, you create the attributes that will populate the Arise Attribute Editor. Each command that creates an attribute returns a pointer of the attribute object, or None…"
url: "https://ariserigging.com/docs/how-to-create-your-own-node/creating-attributes/"
updated: "2026-05-13"
category: How To Create Your Own Node
---

# Creating Attributes

Back to '[**Basics On How To Create Your Own Node**](https://ariserigging.com/docs/how-to-create-your-own-node/the-basics-on-how-to-create-your-own-node/)'

**ATTRIBUTES_CREATION METHOD:**
In the* attributes_creation()* method, you create the attributes that will populate the Arise Attribute Editor.
Each command that creates an attribute returns a pointer of the attribute object, or None if something went wrong.
You can access the attribute value in other methods by storing it as a class variable (example: self.my_attribute).
Name, version, and note attributes are automatically created.

---

You can create visual display elements that help group or space between attributes using the following commands:

- **self.add_separator(title=None)  **Add a line separator (a display element).
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-118.png)
  [https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/69063850004/original/_E7loabUTjVjRAVrfATP-mk8GZZz8EOSTg.png?1674619934](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/69063850004/original/_E7loabUTjVjRAVrfATP-mk8GZZz8EOSTg.png?1674619934)Arguments:
  - title {str or None} -- optional text on separator (default: {None})
- **self.add_frame_layout(title=None)**
  Add a frame layout to group visually all attributes and elements created after, until a call to close_layout() is called. Note that for each call of add_*_layout creation there should be a call to close_layout().
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-119.png)
  [https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/69063849992/original/PGXPH-8Kn34dfkCkRg3wdXHDzOmZX21HFg.png?1674619918](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/69063849992/original/PGXPH-8Kn34dfkCkRg3wdXHDzOmZX21HFg.png?1674619918)Arguments:
  - title {str or None} -- optional text on frame (default: {None})
- **self.add_collapsible_layout(title=None, shown=False)**
  Add a collapsible layout to group visually and show/hide all attributes and elements created after, until a call to close_layout() is called. Note that for each call of add_*_layout creation there should be a call to close_layout().
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-120.png)
  [https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/69063849989/original/_drsB_OR6BriqurA624OhuRjKMIhGlFiuQ.png?1674619909](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/69063849989/original/_drsB_OR6BriqurA624OhuRjKMIhGlFiuQ.png?1674619909)Arguments:
- **self.close_layout()**Closes any open layout created by calling add_frame_layout() or add_collapsible_layout().
  There should be a call to close_layout() for every layout created.

---

You can create different types of attributes using the following commands:

- **self.add_rgb_color_attribute(name, default_value=(1, 1, 1), value_change_method=None, writable=True, readable=True, promoted=False, annotation="")**
  Add an RGB (no alpha) attribute to change a color.
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-138.png)
  Arguments:

Class variable you can access:

- value {list} -- returns the attribute value [R, G, B]
- enabled {bool} --returns True if enabled False if not

Class methods you can use:

- set_disabled(bool) -- True to disable False to enable

- **self.add_float_attribute(name, value_change_method=None, default_value=0.0, writable=True,  readable=True, promoted=False, min_value=None, max_value=None, annotation="", button=None)**
  Add a float attribute.
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-137.png)
  Arguments:
  - name {str} -- unique name for attribute
  - value_change_method {method pointer or None} -- if we want a method to execute on value change provide the method here else None (default: {None})
  - default_value {float} -- float default values (default: {0.0})
  - writable {bool} -- can have incoming connections (default: {True})
  - readable {bool} -- can have outgoing connections (default: {True})
  - promoted {bool} -- at creation is the attribute visible on node shape (default: {False})
  - min_value {float or None} -- min value user can input (default: {None})
  - max_value {float or None} -- max value user can input (default: {None})
  - button {list or None} -- list with method pointer and 3 strings: method_ptr, label, icon path, tooltip
  - annotation {str} -- tool-tip text (default: {""})
  - help_link {str} -- creates an optional button that opens the provided website link (default: {""})

Class variable you can access:

- value {float} -- returns the attribute value
- enabled {bool} --returns True if enabled False if not

Class methods you can use:

- set_disabled(bool) -- True to disable False to enable

- **self.add_float_multiplier_attribute(name, value_change_method=None, default_value=0.0, annotation="")**
  Add a float attribute that is limited between 0.0 - 1.0 and has a slider.
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-136.png)
  [https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/69063849958/original/oieseTu3fHwS_bjuYa7RWEPlN66iinl40w.png?1674619878](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/69063849958/original/oieseTu3fHwS_bjuYa7RWEPlN66iinl40w.png?1674619878)Arguments:
  - name {str} -- unique name for attribute
  - value_change_method {method pointer or None} -- if we want a method to execute on value change provide the method here else None (default: {None})
  - default_value {float} -- float default values (default: {0.0})
  - annotation {str} -- tool-tip text (default: {""})
  - help_link {str} -- creates an optional button that opens the provided website link (default: {""})

Class variable you can access:

- value {float} -- returns the attribute value
- enabled {bool} --returns True if enabled False if not

Class methods you can use:

- set_disabled(bool) -- True to disable False to enable
- **self.add_integer_attribute(name, default_value=0, value_change_method=None, writable=True, readable=True, promoted=False, annotation="", min_value=0, max_value=None, add_slider=False)**
  Add a integer attribute.
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-134.png)
  Arguments:
  - name {str} -- unique name for attribute
  - default_value {int} -- float default values (default: {0})
  - value_change_method {method pointer or None} -- if we want a method to execute on value change provide the method here else None (default: {None})
  - writable {bool} -- can have incoming connections (default: {True})
  - readable {bool} -- can have outgoing connections (default: {True})
  - promoted {bool} -- at creation is the attribute visible on node shape (default: {False})
  - annotation {str} -- tool-tip text (default: {""})
  - help_link {str} -- creates an optional button that opens the provided website link (default: {""})
  - min_value {float or None} -- min value user can input (default: {0})
  - max_value {float or None} -- max value user can input (default: {None})
  - add_slider {bool} -- True to add a slider widget next to input widget

Class variable you can access:

- value {int} -- returns the attribute value
- enabled {bool} --returns True if enabled False if not

Class methods you can use:

- set_disabled(bool) -- True to disable False to enable
- **self.add_xyz_attribute(name, default_value=(0, 0, 0), writable=True, readable=True, promoted=False, annotation="")**
  Add an XYZ attribute (double 3).
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-133.png)
  [https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/69063850409/original/CygDg_kOulaymrc_LOawmNAHRZuCXY5P8Q.png?1674620468](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/69063850409/original/CygDg_kOulaymrc_LOawmNAHRZuCXY5P8Q.png?1674620468)Arguments:
  - name {str} -- unique name for attribute
  - default_value {tuple} -- of 3 floats for XYZ (default: {(0, 0, 0)})
  - writable {bool} -- can have incoming connections (default: {True})
  - readable {bool} -- can have outgoing connections (default: {True})
  - promoted {bool} -- at creation is the attribute visible on node shape (default: {False})
  - annotation {str} -- tool-tip text (default: {""})
  - help_link {str} -- creates an optional button that opens the provided website link (default: {""})

Class variable you can access:

- value {list} -- returns the attribute value [X, Y, Z]
- enabled {bool} --returns True if enabled False if not

Class methods you can use:

- set_disabled(bool) -- True to disable False to enable

- **self.add_driver_attribute(name, annotation="")**
  Add a driver attribute that can drive a '*driven_attributes*' on anther Arise nodes.
  This attribute appears only on the node itself and not in the Arise Attribute Editor.
  Within the '*rig_creation()*' method you can specify a Maya transform as the associated driver object.

  The setup process for both the driver attribute and the driven attribute is explained [**here**](https://ariserigging.com/docs/how-to-create-your-own-node/the-basics-on-how-to-create-your-own-node/).
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-132.png)
  Arguments:
  - name {str} -- unique name for attribute
  - annotation {str} -- tool-tip text (default: {""})
  - help_link {str} -- creates an optional button that opens the provided website link (default: {""})
- **self.add_driven_attribute(name, connection_type="matrix_constraint", annotation="", promoted=True, maintain_offset=True, parent_relative=False, force_connection=False, force_when_locked=False, skip_attrs=(False, False, False, False, False, False, False, False, False))**
  Add a driven attribute that can be driven by a '*driver_attribute*' or by str name of a Maya transform object.
  Within the '*rig_creation()*' method you can specify a Maya transform as the associated driven object.
  The setup process for both the driver attribute and the driven attribute is explained [**here**](https://ariserigging.com/docs/how-to-create-your-own-node/the-basics-on-how-to-create-your-own-node/).
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-131.png)
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-130.png)
  Arguments:
  - name {str} -- unique name for attribute
  - connection_type {str} -- what kind of connection to create. Valid options: "matrix_constraint", "parent", "direct_connect", "parent_constraint", "point_constraint", "orient_constraint", "scale_constraint", "aim_constraint", "parent_and_scale_constraint". default {"matrix_constraint"}
  - annotation {str} -- tool-tip text (default: {""})
  - help_link {str} -- creates an optional button that opens the provided website link (default: {""})
  - promoted {bool} -- is this attribute shape visible on node shape by default (default: {True})
  - maintain_offset {bool) -- True to maintain offset. If connection_type is 'parent', False will zero the relative transformation. Ignored by 'direct_connect' connection type. (default: {True})
  - parent_relative {bool) -- True to parent relatively. Useful when jnts parenting creates transforms above parented jnts. Only relevant for 'parent' connection type (default: {False})
  - force_connection {bool} -- for each attribute on driven node, if it's already connected should it force a connection. Ignored by 'parent' connection type. (default: {False})
  - force_when_locked {bool} -- for each attribute on driven node, if it's already locked should it force a connection. Ignored by 'parent' connection type. (default: {False})
  - skip_attrs {tuple} -- 9 bools for each attribute 'tx', 'ty', 'tz', 'rx', 'ry', 'rz', 'sx', 'sy', 'sz', should it skip constraining/connection to that attribute. Ignored by "parent" connection type. (default: {(False, False, False, False, False, False, False, False, False)})
- **self.add_node_attribute(name, annotation="", node_type="transform")**
  Add a string input attribute that takes a long name of a Maya node.
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-129.png)
  Arguments:
  - name {str} -- unique name for attribute
  - annotation {str} -- tooltip str of widgets (default: {""})
  - help_link {str} -- creates an optional button that opens the provided website link (default: {""})
  - node_type {str} -- the type of node you wish as input (default: {"transform"})

Class variable you can access:

- value {str} -- returns the attribute value
- enabled {bool} --returns True if enabled False if not

Class methods you can use:

- set_disabled(bool) -- True to disable False to enable

- **self.add_string_attribute(name, default_value="", annotation="", set_str_validator=True)**
  Add str input attribute that takes text input from the user.
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-128.png)
  Arguments:
  - name {str} -- unique name for the attribute
  - default_value {str} -- default string value (default: {""})
  - annotation {str} -- tooltip str of widgets (default: {""})
  - help_link {str} -- creates an optional button that opens the provided website link (default: {""})
  - set_str_validator {bool} -- True input str can only be valid Maya name characters, False any keyboard character is valid.

Class variable you can access:

- value {str} -- returns the attribute value
- enabled {bool} --returns True if enabled False if not

Class methods you can use:

- set_disabled(bool) -- True to disable False to enable

- **self.add_boolean_attribute(name, default_value=False, value_change_method=None, annotation="")**
  Add a checkbox attribute.
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-127.png)
  Arguments:
  -  name {str} -- unique name for attribute
  - default_value {bool} -- bool default values (default: {False})
  - value_change_method {method pointer or None} -- if we want a method to execute on value change provide the method here else None (default: {None})
  - annotation {str} -- tool-tip text (default: {""})
  - help_link {str} -- creates an optional button that opens the provided website link (default: {""})

Class variable you can access:

- value {bool} -- returns the attribute value (True or False)
- enabled {bool} --returns True if enabled False if not

Class methods you can use:

- set_disabled(bool) -- True to disable False to enable

- **self.add_drop_down_attribute(name, items, default_value="", value_change_method=None, annotation="")**
  Add a drop-down/enum attribute.
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-126.png)
  Arguments:
  - name {str} -- unique name for attribute
  - items {list} -- of strings options to populate the dropdown attribute
  - default_value {str} -- name of the option we want as the default value (default: {""})
  - value_change_method {method ptr or None} -- if we want a method to execute on value change provide the method here else None (default: {None})
  - annotation {str} -- tool-tip text (default: {""})
  - help_link {str} -- creates an optional button that opens the provided website link (default: {""})

Class variable you can access:

- value {str} -- returns the selected option in the dropdown
- enabled {bool} --returns True if enabled False if not

Class methods you can use:

- set_disabled(bool) -- True to disable False to enable

- **self.add_radio_attribute(name, items, default_value=0, annotation="")**
  Add a radio attribute with with up to 6 radio buttons.
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-125.png)
  Arguments:
  - name {str} -- unique name for attribute
  - items {list} -- of string options (up to 6) to populate the radio attribute with
  - default_value {int} -- index of option we want as default value (default: {0})
  - annotation {str} -- tool-tip text (default: {""})
  - help_link {str} -- creates an optional button that opens the provided website link (default: {""})

Class variable you can access:

- value {int} -- returns the index of the selected radio option
- display_value {str} -- returns the string name of the selected radio option
- enabled {bool} --returns True if enabled False if not

Class methods you can use:

- set_disabled(bool) -- True to disable False to enable

- **self.add_path_attribute(name, value_change_method=None, file_types="", annotation="")**
  Add a path attribute to load a filepaths to scene.
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-124.png)
  Arguments:
  - name {str} -- unique name for attribute
  - value_change_method {method pointer or None} -- if we want a method to execute on value change provide the method here else None (default: {None})
  - file_types {str} -- the files extensions that it should look for when opening a file browser (default: {'Images (*.png *.xpm *.jpg)'})
  - annotation {str} -- tool-tip text (default: {""})
  - help_link {str} -- creates an optional button that opens the provided website link (default: {""})

Class variable you can access:

- value {str} -- returns the attribute value
- enabled {bool} --returns True if enabled False if not

Class methods you can use:

- set_disabled(bool) -- True to disable False to enable

- **self.add_button(buttons)**
  Add 1 to 6 buttons.
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-123.png)
  Arguments:
  - buttons {list} -- a list of lists where each list holds the data needed for 1 button (up to 6 buttons).
    structure: [(click_method_pointer [ptr], _\icon_relative_path [str], btn_name [str], annotation [str]), (...), (...), ...]

**CUSTOM CONNECTIONS** *(New in version 1.03.02)*
The primary means by which nodes connect is through constraining transforms and linking attributes using '*add_driver_attribute*' and '*add_driven_attribute*,' as explained earlier.

In rare situations where you need to establish a unique connection between nodes, you can employ custom attributes.
Begin by declaring these attributes in the '*attributes_creation*' method. Then, assign values to these attributes using '*set_maya_object()*' within the '*rig_creation()*' method, this could be a node name, a list, or any data type.
Finally, to execute specific connections or operations, reimplement the '*create_connections*' method. This method will be called during the connection pass in the Arise build process.

When reimplementing the '*create_connections*' method, it's important to handle any exception in your code, such as no connection value. Additionally, ensure the method returns False if the connection fails and True if it succeeds.

- **self.add_custom_driver_attribute(name, str_connection_type="attr", slot_color=(150, 150, 150), writeable=False, annotation="", allow_same_node_conn=False)**
  Add a custom driver attr that allows connecting anything since the connection is done by a method
  on the attachment.
  Within the '*rig_creation()*' method you can specify any value as the associated driver information.
  The setup process is similar to the driver and driven attributes explained [**here**](https://ariserigging.com/docs/how-to-create-your-own-node/the-basics-on-how-to-create-your-own-node/). (using *set_maya_object()*)
  ![](https://ariserigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-122.png)
- Arguments:
  - name {str} -- unique name for attribute
  - str_connection_type {str} -- 'custom_driven' with the same value will allow connection (default: {"attr"})
  - slot_color {list} -- of 3 ints between 0-255 representing RGB color of slot
  - writeable {bool} -- True to have input and output slots on this attribute (default: {False})
  - annotation {str} -- tool-tip text(default: {""})
  - help_link {str} -- creates an optional button that opens the provided website link (default: {""})
  - allow_same_node_conn {bool} True to allow connections on the same Arise node (default: {False}) *[As of version 1.11.00]*

          Class variable you can access (from the *'create_connections'* method):

- driver_attribute {custom driver attr or None} -- The connected driver attribute or None if no connection
- driver_attribute.maya_object {any data type} -- The driver attribute value
- maya_object {any data type} -- The data assigned to the attribute

- **self.add_custom_driven_attribute(name, str_connection_type="attr", slot_color=(150, 150, 150), readable=False, annotation="", promoted=True)**
  Add a custom driven attr that allows connecting anything since the connection is done by a method
  on the attachment.
  Within the '*rig_creation()*' method you can specify any value as the associated driver information.
  The setup process is similar to the driver and driven attributes explained [**here**](https://ariserigging.com/docs/how-to-create-your-own-node/the-basics-on-how-to-create-your-own-node/). (using *set_maya_object()*)

  Arguments:
  - name {str} -- unique name for attr
  - str_connection_type {str} -- custom_driven with same value will allow connection (default: {"attr"})
  - slot_color {list} -- of 3 ints between 0-255 representing RGB color of slot
  - readable {bool} -- True to have input and output slots on this attribute (default: {False})
  - annotation {str} -- tool-tip text(default: {""})
  - help_link {str} -- creates an optional button that opens the provided website link (default: {""})
  - promoted {bool} -- is this attribute shape visible on node shape by default (default: {True})

            Class variable you can access (from the *'create_connections'* method):

- driver_attribute {custom driver attr or None} -- The connected driver attribute or None if no connection
- driver_attribute.maya_object {any data type} -- The driver attribute value
- maya_object {any data type} -- The data assigned to the attribute

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