Editing with Layers

Set up for this lesson:

• Reset 3ds Max.

Load the motion:

1. Create a biped.

2. Open the Motion panel. In the Motion Capture rollout, click Load Motion Capture File.

3. Open jez.sprint.csm.

4. On the Motion Capture Conversion Parameters dialog, the defaults include no footstep extraction and no key reduction. Click OK to accept the defaults.

   The motion file loads with keys at every frame.

5. Click Play to see the running motion.

   

Add a layer:

The following steps illustrate the use of Snap Set key to alter the runner's original position.

1. On the Layers rollout, click Create Layer.

   A layer is created.

2. Move the time slider to frame 8, where the character's left foot is just touching down.

3. Turn on Auto Key to begin animation.

4. In the Track Selection rollout, click Body Rotation.

   This selects the center of mass rotation track.

5. In a viewport, click and drag to rotate the center of mass −90 degrees about the X-axis.

6. Click Play Animation.

   The character is running on an invisible wall.

7. Move the time slider to frame 0.

8. In the Layers rollout, click Snap Set Key.

   The character snaps to his original position.

9. Move the time slider to frame 16.

   The right foot is just touching down.

10. On the Layers rollout, click Snap Set Key.

    The character snaps to his original position.

11. Click Play Animation to view the result.

    The character runs on the ground, then on the wall, and back to the ground again.

    

    To improve the effect, you can rotate the spine objects and stretch the legs to make it appear that the character is jumping on the wall.