Biped 101 - Basic Animation Workflow
Here is a video of a demonstration I did during a lecture. It follows a workflow I have developed over time to avoid common issues when animating in character studio. Below is the written breakdown of the process I use to animate the biped, taken from the very first post on 34Bit. I hope you enjoy.
Ralph Apgar's 4 1/2 Step Process for Key Framing in Character Studio
*Using this process involves using the Key Info rollout in Character Studio to record the keys. Do not use Auto Key or Set Key.
Step 1 -> 3: Setting the Tracks
The Tracks are located in the Character Studio Rollouts
Step 1: Select Track "Body Horizontal", Position the character along the X and Y axis. Record the key from the Key Info rollout. You need to realize that once you select any track you now have the Bip selected. The Tracks are how you move the biped in world space.
Step 2: Select Track "Body Vertical", Position the character along the Z axis. Record the key from the Key Info rollout.
Step 3: Select Track "Body Rotation", Rotate the character along the X,Y, and Z axis. Record the key from the Key Info rollout.
Step 1 -> 3: Setting the Tracks
The Tracks are located in the Character Studio Rollouts
Step 1: Select Track "Body Horizontal", Position the character along the X and Y axis. Record the key from the Key Info rollout. You need to realize that once you select any track you now have the Bip selected. The Tracks are how you move the biped in world space.
Step 2: Select Track "Body Vertical", Position the character along the Z axis. Record the key from the Key Info rollout.
Step 3: Select Track "Body Rotation", Rotate the character along the X,Y, and Z axis. Record the key from the Key Info rollout.
Step 4: Position your character into its proper pose. Once you have the desired look select the whole biped minus the Bip. To do this double click on the pelvis. If you have objects linked to the biped that don't belong, sword, shield, and object that isn't part of the original config, you will need to unselect those objects. If so make a selection set for easy selecting in the future. Next, Record the keys from the Key Info rollout.
Step 4 1/2: Choose your Planted, Free, and Sliding Keys. In the Key Info rollout you have some other key framing options that just normal key frames. The Planted Keys, used to plant feet and hand in world space. Sliding keys, used similar to Planted Keys but allow for slight movement. Free Keys are used to replicate a normal key. This step is about deciding what keys are your planted keys and what keys need t be free keys. For example, if your character is walking the foot that supports your characters weight will be the planted key frame, while on the other hand the foot that is in motion is a Free Key.
