Prepare models for animation in Alias

Any referenced datasets can be downloaded from "Module downloads" in the module overview.

Transcript

00:00

As our animations become more complex, it's important to be disciplined in how you group and name the elements to be animated.

00:09

I'm using this mannequin model as it's a classic example of how to create group nodes

00:15

and groups of groups into a hierarchy that represents how the objects move.

00:20

And it's these nodes that the key frames and animation channels are applied to.

00:26

So, the Animation Editor shows the same hierarchy.

00:29

So, let's animate the left leg.

00:32

I'll do a keyframe here, then I'll rotate it and do a second keyframe.

00:40

It's only created keyframes for this left leg node.

00:45

And so now if I want to move the lower leg, I can animate this independently.

00:50

So, for example, I can set a keyframe for it here, and then here.

00:57

And again, it's only created free keyframes for this node, it hasn't added unnecessary ones for the other node.

01:04

So now I can play with the timing of these completely independently and without having created unnecessary keyframes.

01:13

So, it's very important to create group nodes for your model if you want to do animation.

01:19

So here for example, this car, the window moving down is a separate animation from the door opening.

01:26

And this side glass being grouped underneath the door assembly is what makes sure it always moves with the door as it opens.

Video transcript

00:00

As our animations become more complex, it's important to be disciplined in how you group and name the elements to be animated.

00:09

I'm using this mannequin model as it's a classic example of how to create group nodes

00:15

and groups of groups into a hierarchy that represents how the objects move.

00:20

And it's these nodes that the key frames and animation channels are applied to.

00:26

So, the Animation Editor shows the same hierarchy.

00:29

So, let's animate the left leg.

00:32

I'll do a keyframe here, then I'll rotate it and do a second keyframe.

00:40

It's only created keyframes for this left leg node.

00:45

And so now if I want to move the lower leg, I can animate this independently.

00:50

So, for example, I can set a keyframe for it here, and then here.

00:57

And again, it's only created free keyframes for this node, it hasn't added unnecessary ones for the other node.

01:04

So now I can play with the timing of these completely independently and without having created unnecessary keyframes.

01:13

So, it's very important to create group nodes for your model if you want to do animation.

01:19

So here for example, this car, the window moving down is a separate animation from the door opening.

01:26

And this side glass being grouped underneath the door assembly is what makes sure it always moves with the door as it opens.

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Prepare models for animation in Alias

Video quiz

When working with keyframe animation in Alias, you need to do which of the following, to control the motion of model elements independently?

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When working with keyframe animation in Alias, you need to do which of the following, to control the motion of model elements independently?

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Improve your experience – allows us to show you what is relevant to you

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THIRD PARTY SERVICES

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Improve your experience – allows us to show you what is relevant to you

Customize your advertising – permits us to offer targeted advertising to you

Are you sure you want a less customized experience?

Your experience. Your choice.