Animating with Freeform

Autodesk 3ds Max Tutorials > Character Animation Tutorials >

This tutorial shows you how to animate a biped using the freeform technique. This method does not use footsteps; instead, you are responsible for animating every part of the biped. Freeform animation gives an animator fine control over the biped's motion.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to:

Use planted, sliding, and free keys.
Create a traditional walk cycle using animated pivot points.
Create a stretchy leg and a shaky walk using Biped SubAnim controllers.
Create animated 3ds Max bones from a biped animation.

Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate

Time to complete: 2 hours

Files for This Tutorial

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

Lessons in This Tutorial

Creating a Simple Freeform Animation

Animating a Freeform Walk Cycle

Using Controllers with Biped

Creating Animated Bones with Biped

Topics in this section