Animating in 3ds Max: Constraints, Controllers, and Wire Parameters

1h 44mIntermediate2018-02-01

Authors

Brian Bradley

3D Artist, Business Owner

Course details

Autodesk 3ds Max boasts a robust set of animation tools that can be used to bring characters, machinery, and even environments to life. In this course, get acquainted with some of the fundamental tools that can be used to both create and control animations. To make this course as practical as possible, instructor Brian Bradley introduces each tool (or set of tools) in a practical exercise that helps you see the tool in action. He covers working with controllers, creating reactions, using motion capture, working with constraints and wire parameters, and more.

Learning objectives
Reviewing the importance of pivot points in animation
Accessing and working with controllers in the UI
Creating reaction animations
Constraints
LookAT controllers
Wire parameters

Skills covered

3ds Max3D AnimationAutodeskVisualization and Real-TimeAnimation and Illustration

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Welcome
02 - What you should know before watching this course
03 - Using the exercise files
04 - The 3ds Max project structure
05 - File gamma and unit handling
06 - What is an animation rig
07 - The importance of pivot points in animation

1. Controllers

08 - Understanding controllers
09 - Accessing and working with controllers in the UI
10 - Working with waveforms
11 - Limit controller
12 - The rotation and position list controllers - Part one
13 - The rotation and position list controllers - Part two
14 - Creating a reaction - Part one
15 - Creating a reaction - Part two
16 - Motion capture setup
17 - Using motion capture
18 - Using the Spring controller

2. Constraints

19 - Constraints explained
20 - Using LookAt
21 - Adding to a path
22 - Forming an attachment
23 - Creating a link
24 - Handling orientation
25 - Controlling position

3. Wire Parameters

26 - Wire parameters explained
27 - Wiring example one
28 - Wiring example two
29 - Wiring example three

Conclusion

30 - What's next