Doc:Books/ActionBook/Armatures

From BlenderWiki

Blender files are usually backwards compatible. This means that you can load files made in older Blender versions in newer versions of Blender (i.e. if the .blend file was made with Blender 2.3, but you have 2.4, the file should still open without any problem).

Well, unfortunately, this is not always the case with armature files. The Armature system in Blender was fully rewritten in versions 2.4+, so it is better not to use rig files made in versions of Blender older than 2.42a because some of them might not work as expected (but many old tutorials are still useful!).

For understanding the basic principles of the Armature System in Blender read this part of the Manual. I also suggest that you check this now already old but still very useful rig tutorial written by Gimble; this part of BSoD written by Ryan Dale; & this Introduction to Rigging written by Robert Christian. The latest & greatest info about blender rigging and animating is on the DVD: The Mancandy FAQ made by Bassam Kurdali, check out Blender Shop!

Victor's Body Armature

Victor is my first full-body character made with Blender. This is his armature without a mesh. For Victor's mesh and animation, check the Animation part of this book.

Download .blend File:VictorArmature.blend
Note: Example file is saved with Blender 2.43.

Stretching Finger

Bassam Kurdali presented at Siggraph 2006 a finger rig just like this one. It is a simple but very useful rig that you can also find implemented in his Mancandy character.

Download .blend File:StretchingFinger.blend
Note: Example file is saved with Blender 2.43.

Wings Armature

In this example you can see how to setup an armature for wing movements, controlled with only one Handle. You can apply this system to wings, paddles, etc...

Download .blend File:WingArmature.blend
Note: Example file is saved with Blender 2.43.

Car Armature

In this example you can see how to setup an armature for a car with a steering wheel and simple suspension system. You can also check out the more complex car rig made by Philippe.

Download .blend File:CarArmature.blend
Note: Example file is saved with Blender 2.43.

"Expanding Hand" Armature

This rig was made for an exercise while Robert Christian wrote his BSoD documentation. This rig is especially sensitive to angles and resting position, so be careful.

Download .blend File:ExpandingHand.blend

Note: Example file is saved with Blender 2.43.

Copy Location Constraint

This rig is useful if you want objects to interact with more complex rigs (human body rigs, etc). For example, you can use this setup if you want your character to throw or pick up objects.

Download .blend File:CopyLocationConstraint.blend
Note: Example file is saved with Blender 2.43.

Jansen's Rig

One of the most impressive things that I found on the Internet last year was definitely works of Theo Jansen. Here is the Blender version of his simple but amazingly efficient rig. Only rotation produce a fully functional walkcycle! Have a fun with it!

Download .blend File:Jansens Walkers.blend
Note: Example file is saved with Blender 2.45+.