I hope google translate is propper Sorry I'm not english but i try to answer:hehe:
The only way I've found to import a custom sprite based character is by replacing individual pieces of a premade sprite based character.
Yes thats right , I used the black Dummy for that . That part of changing makes sense, then so you have the right rigging for you biped without lost the automatic CTA Puppeteer functions.
Actually, CTA had the same "cut out" animation principals as when you use FLASH, ToonBoom or after effects for 2D Animation , but it has a own concept to do some things automatic easy and faster.
I cannot get the facial features such as eye's, mouth, to change. I can import easily enough and exchange onto the character .
For lipsync or expression for your own sprite Character, you have to change
all shape in the Libarys with your own varied Lipsshape, Eyes, Hands etc. This is important for the switching and Lipsync function in CTA.
That is not the same thing how work the morph based Head Function!.
For everyone, they more want learn about 2D "cut out" animation principles, prepare own sprites character and created motion , can I suggest the lynda kurs from skilled Animator George Maestri
He teach for flash and after effects, but all main principals what you learn can you apply in CTA .:) *it is not free but value
http://www.lynda.com/home/DisplayCourse.aspx?lpk2=734Here a screen how do you change the Mouth shapes in the mouth switching Libarys .
e.g. the Lip mapping Libary is for the automatic Lypsinc in CTA . you need for every phoneme a own created Lipshape . When you now add a voice to your charackter it will only use all shape from this Lip mapping Libary ... for expression, it used only the shapes from the other default mapping Libary etc.
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liebe Grüße vidi