From Dynamic to Kinematic

Basically, transform or path keys do not have any effect on a Dynamic prop because once you play the project, the physics simulation initiates and the prop falls according to the gravity settings regardless of keys. If you intend to manipulate the prop at some specific time after it falls, then you need to switch its state to Kinematic.

  1. Select the prop that you want to assign rigid body physics to.
  2. Set it as a Dynamic rigid body by activating the Activate Physics box and pressing down the Dynamic button in the Modify >> Physics tab.
  3. Play to start the simulation.

    The fish falls freely.

  4. Pause at the time frame where you want the prop to stop falling.
  5. Set its physics state to Kinematic.
  6. You may then utilize the Transform Keys or Prop Puppeteering Method to produce key-frame animations.

    The fish is puppeteered and moves away.

  7. Open the timeline (Shortcut: F3) and show the Rigid State track. The falling animation is only produced when the prop is in the Dynamic state.

    The dropping simulation only occurs when the prop is set to a Dynamic state.