3ds Max Animation with Biped

Chapter 7. Animating with Freeform

Freeform animation is the kind of animation you’ll probably use most in your work. When your characters are swimming, sitting, speaking, doing yoga, and most other such activities, freeform animation, not footsteps, will be your mode of operation.

Freeform animation is really standard 3ds Max animation:You can set keys using Auto Key, moving or rotating body parts to create the transforms. You can also use Biped’s specialized Set Key buttons, such as Set Planted Key to fix the foot or hand in space, or IK Blend to fix it to an object.

The main difference between freeform animation and standard 3ds Max animation is that with freeform you’re using a Biped skeleton instead of a standard hierarchy of 3ds Max bones. ...