Animating CATMotion ParametersAnimating CATMotion ParametersCATWindow

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Animating CATMotion Parameters

Usually it is always best not to animate individual CATMotion parameters, but rather simply to blend between CATMotion layers by animating the Weight value. This leaves you with far fewer keyframes to manage.

That said, you can animate all parameters in the CATWindow if you like. You do so using standard methods, either by setting keys in the viewports or with Track View.

In Track View, the CATMotion data is held in is held on the CATParent, in its respective CATMotion layer.

The controllers mirror the CATWindow hierarchy exactly. Each controller is visible and each preset layer present.

The CATHierarchy in Track View for a standard rig

Tip The easiest way to access the animation parameters for a specific CATMotion controller is to click on the Track View button on the panel for that controller in the CATWindow.

To animate the Pelvis Lift value for the 2nd Knot:

In the CATWindow, access PelvisGroup > Pelvis > Lift.
Click the Track View button. Track View opens to show all parameters for the selected controller.
Expand Key2Val.
Insert and edit animation keyframes as required.

Tip A key advantage of 3ds Max CAT is that you can assign any Float controller (for example, a Float List controller) to any parameter.

Tip Animating offset controllers (OffsetRot and OffsetPos) is one way to add in extra action to your motion cycle while retaining secondary motion such as Head Lift, etc. Another (usually better) way to do this is to animate directly in an adjustment layer.