How to Create Walk Path With Poser

Poser is a 3-D figure design and animation software package. Artists create characters and render images for comics, magazines, movies and advertising. Realistic walking is difficult with 3-D models. The Poser software handles most of the tasks, but artists must carefully plan their animated walk. Creating a "Walk Path" is the first step in designing a walk.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Create the character that will be walking. Without third party software, the G2 models are the best for walking. Note the basic body type before adding hair and creating morphs. The models Ben, Kate, Simon and Sydney each have a different walk.

2. Change to the Top Camera View because it is easiest to modify the walk path from above. Move the four hand compass icon upward to make the camera pull back, revealing more of the scene. Move the "DollyY" parameter dial to a negative value and the character will move to the top of the screen.

3. Select "Figure" and "Create Walk Path" next. Poser uses "Control Points" for gradual turns during a walk. Click and drag a control point to change the path. To add more control points, click on the "Walk Path." To delete a control point, click on it, press and hold "OPT" (Mac) or "ALT" (PC).

4. Drag the end control points to change the walk's beginning or end. The artist can move the entire walk path. Click and hold the mouse close to the walk path to select the entire path. Drag it to its new position.

5. Load Walk Designer and save the walk path.

Tips & Warnings

• Create all Walk Paths on the "Ground Plane."
• Do not design hard right turns for your walk path. Poser walks with abrupt direction changes look unnatural.