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.
   
   Path

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

   Start 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.
     
   Start 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.

   Start 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

   Enabled Devices

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

   Keyboard

   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.

   Gamepad

   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.

   About Perform Motion

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

   • How to set hotkeys with Hotkey Manager
   • How to set behaviors with Behavior Manager
6. Click the Start button to start playing.