Introduction to CAT in 3ds Max
In this set of 3ds Max tutorials, we will delve into 3ds Max's Character Animation Toolkit plugin. Software required: Autodesk 3ds Max 2013.
What you'll learn
In this set of 3ds Max tutorials, we will delve into 3ds Max's Character Animation Toolkit plugin. We'll start by learning how to create a wide variety of rigs instantly using CAT's standard rig presets. We'll then learn tips and techniques for creating our own CAT rig. We also cover skinning, and afterwards we learn how to save our rig as a custom preset with accessories. We'll learn about CAT IK/FK capabilities, and cover efficient animation techniques. We'll delve into CATMotion to generate and edit automated walk cycles, and we'll finally conclude the course by exploring CAT's muscle system, learning how it can be used to enhance deformations, as well as how to add jiggle effects to the muscle for more realism. By the end of the tutorial, you'll have the skillset to use CAT confidently. Software required: Autodesk 3ds Max 2013.
Table of contents
- What's CAT? 12m
- How CAT's IK/FK Systems Operate 10m
- Designing a Custom CAT Rig 13m
- CAT Naming Conventions 6m
- Finishing Our Custom Skeleton 17m
- Adding Controls to a CAT Rig 10m
- Cleaning up the Transforms of a CAT Rig 12m
- IKTarget Controls 8m
- Skinning Workflows for CAT Rigs 11m
- Saving Your Custom CAT Rig as a Preset 6m
- CAT Animation Workflows 13m
- Adjustment Layers and Animation Layer Properties 10m
- Saving CAT Animations and Poses 7m
- Delving into CATMotion 21m
- Working with CAT's Muscle Objects 9m
- Adding Jiggle Effects to a Muscle Object 9m
About the author
Delano works avidly as an animation author at Pluralsight. Starting his career at animation studios like Shilo, Delano has developed a strong passion for his talents. His animation and rigging background help him teach and create some of the most-watched training on Pluralsight. A few of his favorite projects that he has contributed to include: Character Interaction in Maya and in Softimage, Rigging the Human Face in Maya, Rigging Sea Creatures in Maya, and Rigging and Animating Transforming... more