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Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13

Chad Troftgruben

Moho's robust bone system is great for creating quick, eye pleasing animations. And with the Actions panel, you can save, edit and reuse these actions at any time. You can even transfer the animation to other rigs with a similar makeup. This process is great for larger projects with reusable actions or multi-episode series that rely on the same actions.

In this course you will learn how to set up the three main action types: Smart, Morph and Regular. In addition, we will go over various tips and tricks to ensure your workflow is being maximized with this feature.

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Moho's robust bone system is great for creating quick, eye pleasing animations. And with the Actions panel, you can save, edit and reuse these actions at any time. You can even transfer the animation to other rigs with a similar makeup. This process is great for larger projects with reusable actions or multi-episode series that rely on the same actions.

In this course you will learn how to set up the three main action types: Smart, Morph and Regular. In addition, we will go over various tips and tricks to ensure your workflow is being maximized with this feature.

This also acts as a crash course in character animation as we will be applying anticipation, follow-through, and other animation principles to help solidify our library.

More specifically in this course you will learn:

  • How to create the three action types: Morph, Regular and Smart

  • Enhance rigs further with additional Smart Dials

  • The differences between Copies and References

  • The importance of grouping and action organization

  • Build an actions library which can be used for multiple projects and rigs

  • Build up isolated one step actions which can be linked together with others to create unique animations

  • Setup robust motions such as a walk cycles and learn what it takes to create eye catching results

  • Create an action dial that acts as an alternative to the Actions Panel

  • Import and export actions from and to Moho documents

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to use the actions panel
  • Build step based actions which can be linked with others
  • Learn how to create walk cycles and other character animations

Syllabus

Learn what this course is all about!

An overview of this course.

Learn what you need before diving into the course. It's recommended you have a copy of Moho Pro 13 and basic rigging knowledge before taking on these lessons.

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An overview of the exercise files included with the course.

Here we dive into the functionality of actions and how they can help you with animated productions.

Here we will set up our workspace to make animating our character easier.

Here we go over the differences between smart bones (corrections and controls), morphs (step poses) and regular (animated) actions.

With Moho Pro 13, similar to layers, we can organize actions with groups. Here we go through that process.

Here we add some additional features, such as hand and mouth dials, to our rig to help with implementing actions.

Here we take a moment to clarify the differences between inserting copies and references of actions.

Now that we have some step actions established, we can focus on building reusable animated sequences, such as a walk cycle, which can be saved, edited and reused.

It's good to have some neutral poses ready to bring your character back to a start position. In this case we will create a couple standing poses to facilitate this.

Down poses can be useful for anticipation and follow-through for several actions. Here we will build four reusable variations.

Like the down poses, the up poses can help smooth over animated actions. We create four poses in this video.

Here we build talking poses to add more varied actions to our library.

Here we build other useful poses for the library.

Our first animated action will be a walk cycle which can be implemented whenever you need it.

A run cycle, while similar to a walk, requires different steps to pull off the effect. That's what this video is all about!

Finally we will build a jump animation for good measure.

Here we go over other action tips to help with your productions.

An optional dial can be created where we control actions based on the direction of the dial.

Here we go through and create a quick example of how an action dial works.

Actions can be exported out of Moho, imported to the same character, or even other similar rigs, if you wish.

Learn how to take your actions beyond the document they were created in.

My final thoughts on this course.

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13 with these activities:
Review Basic Rigging Techniques
Strengthen your understanding of rigging principles to better grasp how actions are applied to characters.
Show steps
  • Practice rigging a simple character.
  • Experiment with bone constraints.
  • Review inverse kinematics concepts.
Read 'The Animator's Survival Kit'
Learn the fundamental principles of animation to create more compelling and reusable character actions.
View Adventures in Animation: How I Learned Who I... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the sections on timing and spacing.
  • Study the examples of different animation styles.
  • Apply the principles to your own animations.
Animate a walk cycle
Practice creating walk cycles to reinforce your understanding of animation principles and action creation.
Show steps
  • Break down the walk cycle into key poses.
  • Animate the in-between frames.
  • Refine the timing and spacing.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Study 'Cartoon Animation'
Learn the principles of cartoon animation to create more expressive and engaging character actions.
View Animation on Amazon
Show steps
  • Study the examples of different character poses.
  • Practice drawing different character expressions.
  • Apply the principles to your own animations.
Create a short animation using reusable actions
Apply your knowledge of reusable actions to create a short animation sequence.
Show steps
  • Plan the animation sequence.
  • Create the necessary actions.
  • Assemble the actions into a cohesive animation.
Build an Action Library
Create a personal library of reusable character actions for future animation projects.
Show steps
  • Identify common actions needed for your projects.
  • Create and refine each action.
  • Organize and document your action library.
Help others with Moho Pro
Reinforce your knowledge by helping other students with Moho Pro and character animation.
Show steps
  • Answer questions in online forums.
  • Share your animation tips and tricks.
  • Provide feedback on other students' work.

Career center

Learners who complete Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Animator
As an Animator, you create moving images using various techniques, including computer animation and stop motion. The work of an Animator usually involves bringing characters and objects to life through detailed movements and expressions. The course on Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13 is directly relevant, as it teaches you how to build reusable character actions and animations, enhance rigs with Smart Dials, and organize actions for multiple projects. These skills enable you as an Animator to create efficient and compelling animations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animator
Character Animator
As a Character Animator, you breathe life into characters for various media, including films, television, and video games. This role involves creating realistic and engaging movements, expressions, and performances. The course on Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13 helps you to develop efficient workflows using Moho's bone system and Actions panel to save, edit, and reuse animations. These skills are handy for larger projects. The course's focus on creating Smart, Morph, and Regular actions equips you with techniques to enhance rigs and organize actions, improving your ability as a Character Animator to produce high-quality animations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Character Animator
Motion Graphics Designer
A Motion Graphics Designer creates animated visuals for various platforms, including commercials, websites, and social media. The work of a Motion Graphics Designer involves using animation and visual effects to communicate ideas and messages in a captivating way. The course on Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13 helps you to master Moho's animation features, and lets you save, edit and re-use them. This course also covers setting up Smart, Morph, and Regular action types. This background strengthens your ability as a Motion Graphics Designer to produce dynamic and engaging content using character animation techniques.
See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer
Game Animator
A Game Animator creates character animations for video games, ensuring that movements are realistic, responsive, and engaging for players. This role needs a deep understanding of animation principles and game engine constraints. The course on Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13 helps you learn how to build step based actions which can be linked with others and how to create walk cycles and other character animations. This knowledge prepares you as a Game Animator to develop efficient and reusable animation assets for games.
See salaries and explore the career path for Game Animator
Animation Director
As an Animation Director, you are responsible for overseeing the entire animation process of a project, from concept to completion. This role involves guiding a team of animators, ensuring consistency in style and quality, and making creative decisions to bring a story to life. Learning to build reusable character actions in Moho Pro 13 helps you understand efficient animation workflows, action organization, and library creation. This skill set enables you as an Animation Director to streamline production, maintain consistency, and leverage reusable assets across multiple projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animation Director
Content Creator
As a Content Creator, you produce engaging material for online platforms such as YouTube or social media, often involving animated characters or segments. This role requires both creative and technical skills to develop compelling content that attracts and retains viewers. The course on Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13 helps you learn how to build step based actions which can be linked with others. It also teaches actions can be exported out of Moho from the same character, or even other similar rigs. This knowledge prepares you as a Content Creator to efficiently produce high-quality animated content.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
eLearning Developer
As an eLearning Developer, you create interactive and engaging online courses, often incorporating animation to enhance the learning experience. This role combines instructional design principles with multimedia production skills. The course on Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13 helps you learn how to build step based actions which can be linked with others. It also teaches actions can be exported out of Moho from the same character, or even other similar rigs. This knowledge prepares you as an eLearning Developer to create compelling animated content that improves learner engagement and comprehension.
See salaries and explore the career path for eLearning Developer
Rigger
A Rigger is responsible for creating the underlying skeletal structure and controls that allow animators to move and pose characters. This technical role ensures that characters can move realistically and expressively. By mastering the Actions panel and learning how to create Smart Dials, you can enhance rigs. This course may be useful for you as a Rigger to build more versatile and animator-friendly rigs, facilitating the creation of complex and reusable animations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Rigger
Technical Artist
As a Technical Artist, you bridge the gap between artists and programmers, developing tools and workflows to improve the animation pipeline. The role of a Technical Artist involves problem-solving technical challenges and optimizing artistic content for performance. The course on Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13 provides valuable insights into action organization, importing, and exporting. This course may be useful for a Technical Artist to streamline animation workflows and create efficient character animation systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist
Character Designer
A Character Designer creates the visual appearance of characters for animation, video games, or other media. The course on Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13 helps build an understanding of character animation. This knowledge may be useful for you as Character Designer to design characters with their animation in mind.
See salaries and explore the career path for Character Designer
Storyboard Artist
A Storyboard Artist visually translates a script or narrative into a sequence of drawings or panels, outlining key scenes and actions. This role requires a strong understanding of visual storytelling and composition. While this course is not directly about storyboarding, it helps build an understanding of character animation. This knowledge may be useful for you as Storyboard Artist to communicate movement and action more effectively in your storyboards, leading to more dynamic and engaging sequences.
See salaries and explore the career path for Storyboard Artist
Visual Effects Artist
A Visual Effects Artist creates special effects and imagery for films, television, and other visual media. The work of a Visual Effects Artist involves combining live action footage with computer-generated imagery to create seamless and believable scenes. The course on Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13 may be useful for you as a Visual Effects Artist, as animation skills can enhance visual effects, adding depth and realism to your work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Effects Artist
Animation Editor
An Animation Editor is responsible for assembling and refining animated sequences, ensuring the final product meets the director's vision. This role involves making creative decisions about pacing, timing, and transitions. The course on Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13 may be useful for you as an Animation Editor to understand animation workflows and how actions can be organized and reused, helping streamline the editing process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animation Editor
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer creates learning experiences, from curricula to training modules. As an Instructional Designer, animation skills may be useful to produce engaging learning experiences. The course on Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13 may be useful for you as Instructional Designer to produce instructional material that more effectively delivers information.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
Illustrator
An Illustrator creates visual images or designs for various media, including books, magazines, and websites. This role involves using artistic skills to communicate ideas and concepts through drawings, paintings, or digital artwork. The course on Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13 may be useful for you as an Illustrator, as animation skills can enhance your illustrations for digital platforms, adding depth and interactivity to your work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Building Reusable Character Actions in Moho Pro 13.
Cover image
ADVENTURES IN ANIMATION
Save
Comprehensive guide to animation principles and techniques. It covers timing, spacing, weight, and other essential elements. It is useful for understanding the underlying principles behind creating believable and engaging character animations, which is essential for creating reusable actions. This book is considered a must-read for animators of all levels.
Adventures in Animation: How I Learned Who I...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Animation
Save
Provides a detailed guide to creating cartoon animations. It covers character design, posing, and movement. It is particularly useful for learning how to create expressive and dynamic character animations, which can be saved as reusable actions. This book classic resource for animators.
Animation
Paperback
Check
Animation
Kindle Edition
Check

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Effort
2.5 total hours
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Udemy
Instructor
Chad Troftgruben
Language
English
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