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

Learn about some of the fundamental tools available in Autodesk 3ds Max for creating and controlling animations.

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.

Introduction

• Welcome
• What you should know before watching this course
• Using the exercise files
• The 3ds Max project structure
• File gamma and unit handling
• What is an animation rig?
• The importance of pivot points in animation

1. Controllers

• Understanding controllers
• Accessing and working with controllers in the UI
• Working with waveforms
• Limit controller
• The rotation and position list controllers: Part one
• The rotation and position list controllers: Part two
• Creating a reaction: Part one
• Creating a reaction: Part two
• Motion capture setup
• Using motion capture
• Using the Spring controller

2. Constraints

• Constraints explained
• Using LookAt
• Adding to a path
• Forming an attachment
• Creating a link
• Handling orientation
• Controlling position

3. Wire Parameters

• Wire parameters explained
• Wiring example one
• Wiring example two
• Wiring example three

Conclusion

• What's next