How to play character by Toolbar and by MD Controls

There are two methods for playing characters with Motion Director: using the toolbar or utilizing the MD controls. The toolbar offers a relatively easy approach, whereas the MD controls represent the advanced method.

Simple Method - Play by Toolbar

  1. Apply a character to a new project.
  2. On the Motion Director toolbar, set Play Selected (for previewing) or Record Selected (for recording motions) mode via the drop-down list.
  3. Choose one of the modes and finish the following points to let these modes get ready for playing the character.
    1. Player Control: It is as known as Macro Script Mode. Play the character by mouse, keyboard, gamepad, or any other input devices. The motions will be kept as macro.
    2. Control on Path: If you click this button, you MUST instantly pick a target path to have the character walk along it.
    3. Auto on Path: If you click this button, you MUST instantly pick a target path to have the character automatically walk along it. See Action Settings.
    4. Auto in Zone: If you click this button, you MUST instantly pick a prop to have the character automatically walk in its bounding range. See Action Settings.
    5. Follow Object: If you click this button, you MUST instantly pick another object, prop or character, to have the character automatically walk with the object. See Action Settings.
    6. Macro Replay: If you click this button, you MUST instantly click the Add button in the Source Macro Data panel to add recorded macros.

      See Add Macro.
    7. Motion Retarget: Adjusts the motions to the actors in accordance with their body proportion, which can mitigate foot sliding.
    8. Lock Feet: Locks the feet to prevent foot sliding.
  4. Hit the Start Motion Director button to start playing the character. This button only works for the settings in the Toolbar.
  5. Hit the Stop button to stop playing.

Advanced Method - Play by MD Controls

  1. Apply a character in the project.
  2. On the Motion Director toolbar, set Custom Settings mode via the drop-down list.
  3. Open the MD Controls panel.
  4. Choose one of the methods to play the character.

    1. Player Control: Play and control the character by mouse, keyboard, gamepad, or any other input devices. See more.
    2. Control on Path: Play and control the character by mouse, keyboard, gamepad, or any other input devices along a picked path. See more.
    3. Auto on Path: Play and have the character automatically move and perform along a picked path. See More.
    4. Auto in Zone: Play and have the character automatically move and perform in a range created by picked prop. See More.
    5. Follow Object: Play and have the character automatically follow a picked prop or character. See More.
    6. Macro Replay: Have the character replay macro motions. See More.
  5. Start playing by two methods:
    • Click the Start Motion Director button on the toolbar with the drop-down list set to Custom Settings.

      ** System will ignore the modes picked on the toolbar and utilize the settings in the MD Controls for playing the character.
    • Click the Start button at the bottom of the MD Controls panel.
  6. Hit the Stop button on either the Toolbar or the MD Controls to stop playing.