Character Animation Tutorials

The following tutorials introduce you to the fundamentals of character animation using 3ds Max 's biped system. You also learn how to create and control a virtual skeleton inside your character, which will then drive its motions.

Features covered in This Section

• Adjusting your biped with Figure Mode
• Applying Physique
• Creating a walk cycle using Footsteps
• Creating and editing a generated walk cycle using Footsteps
• Setting keys in freeform mode
• IK linking different biped limbs to objects
• Animating multi-legged creatures
• Working with motion-capture data
• Setting up a simple IK structure
• Skin a character to a skeleton

Files for This Section

All the files necessary for this tutorial are provided on the program disc in the \tutorials directory. Before starting the tutorials, copy the \tutorials folder from the disc to your local program installation.

Tutorials in this Section

Quick Start

Animating with Footsteps

Animating with Freeform

Getting Started with Physique

Interacting with Objects

Animating a Multi-legged Creature

Working with Motion-Capture Data

Using Twist Links

Introduction to Character Rigging

Creating and Editing Character Bones

Using the Skin and Flex Modifiers