How to create path-restricted character motions

If you've made paths, Motion Director lets you animate the character along these paths using various devices such as a keyboard, gamepad, or other input devices.

  1. Apply a character and a path to a new project.
  2. Launch the MD Controls panel.

  3. Make sure the character has iMD Data applied to make it ready for Motion Director.
  4. In the Simulation section, optionally activate the Snap to Surface checkbox to have the character move along the terrain.
  5. Click the Control on Path button to toggle the mode.
    ClosedPath

    Click on the Pick Path button and select the target path for traveling and performing in the scene.

    ClosedStart Direction

    Choose one of the radio buttons to determine the orientation of the actor picking the path for movement.

    • Destination: The actor will face to the end point of the path or walkway when the play session starts.
    • Origin: The actor will face the start point of the path or walkway when the play session starts.
    ClosedStart on Path and Start Position (%)

    Activate this checkbox and set a value (in percentage of the path) to have the character snap to the position instead of moving to the start point of the path when you start playing.

    Start on Path = Off
    Character travels to the start position (0%) when you start playing and control it with default keys on devices (keyboard or gamepad).

    Start on Path = On (Start Position = 10)
    Character directly snaps to the specified position when you start playing.

    ClosedStart Width

    When the picked target is a walkway with width, you can use the this slider to move the actor to near the left or right edges when the play session starts.

    Start Width = -100

    Start Width = 100

    ClosedEnabled Devices

    Activate the devices that you want to drive the character (Keyboard and Gamepad)

    ClosedKeyboard

    Activate this checkbox to use the WS keys on the keyboard to walk the character back and forth on the path.

    You are allowed to assign custom keys for driving the character using the Hotkey Manager.

    Please note that since there are only two directions on a path, the A and D keys are ineffective.

    ClosedGamepad

    You can choose the mounted devices from the drop-down list to drive the character.

    You are allowed to assign custom keys for driving the character using the Hotkey Manager.

    Please note that since there are only two directions on a path, the left and right directions are ineffective.

    ClosedAbout Perform Motion

    In addition to the traveling motions, you can use keyboard, gamepad or another mounted device to have the character perform specific actions.

  6. Click the Start button to start playing.