Started a new thread to keep this organized.

sw00000p (7/14/2014)
theschemer (7/14/2014)I am still watching the thread...And I like to learn all the different techniques and then I can choose what is easier, better, or needed for what I am doing. I hate to be in the middle of the debate, but I am still here watching. Swoooooop, tell me more as I would at least like to know how it is done so I can decide what is best for me. [Wink]
Thanks,
TS

Ok, [Smile]

First, what exactly are you trying to do. There are variousmethods of Rigging inCG.
If you are hoping to do everything, concerning Rigging, in iClone alone...
Stop now... you will only waste your time.

Today... You must use an external 3d modeling and Animation app. to Rig characters.
Reallusion used 3ds Max to build iClone characters and props.
Today, the door is OPENfor practically ANY app to import Custom characters and props.

Blender is Free, but has fbx problems.
The autodesk converter should help with fbx problems. So, what app will you use to Rig characters?
________________________________________________________________________

NOTE: This is a learning experience. You need to learn how to correctly construct a skeleton.
No matter which external app you choose, this is the basic requirements:
This starts out very simple and basic....then Intermmediate... to Advanced Rigging.

BASIC:
1. Bone PRS: Position, Scale and Rotation.
2. Bone: Parent child relation.
3. ZERO-OUT (LOCAL-Orientation) and LOCAL & WORLD (POSITION) COORDINATES. (A MUST)

String bones together to create a humanoid skeleton.

• Hierarchy: Correct connection of bones, whereas the (Root) is the Hip/Pelvis bone.
• Move the Hip, the entire character moves.
For use in iClone, Just Skin the CORRECT bones to the mesh! [Smile] Map your bones to the RL bones.
THE ENTIRE MOTION LAYER OPTIONS.... WILL LIGHT UP... IF DONE CORRECTLY!
________________________________________________________________

Intermmediate Rig:

• Create Morph / Blendshapes.
• Add IK and or FK: Inverse or Forward Kinetics, to the bones.
• Import animation to iClone.
________________________________________________________________

Advanced Rig:
"Create a Jason Osipa Style Rig:

• Contruct a UI (User Interface).
• Controll the Bones with the UI. (As Reallusion Does)
• Use Bone-Based Animation WITH Morph / Blendshapes (To achieve SUPERIOR results) [Wink]
• Create (Corrective Morphs / Blendshapes) ONLY 4 needed!
THE ENTIRE MOTION LAYER OPTIONS.... WILL LIGHT UP... IF DONE CORRECTLY!

TIP:
1. Animate the TRACKS.. NOT BONES... To achieve (AUTO LIP-SYNC) [As Reallusion Does) [Wink]
2. Blend.... MOCAP! [Cool]

Kind Regards,
sw00000p [Cool]






Well, for starters, this isn't going to be a fast learning experience for me as I am totally new to this part of the program. I did mess with some 2D stuff and a little playing around with bones in Anime Studio. I have Carrara (just bought a few days ago), and Messiah. I don't like Blender period. And the 2 programs I mentioned I have little to no experience with. [Tongue] So where do I start as far a program choice. Is one better than the other or which one will be easier to learn with? So I start to build a basic skeleton from scratch? Ok. Now which app should I learn first from my choices? I am thinking Carrara...
Thanks,
TS