Selecting HumanIK character data

When sending HumanIK rigs to MotionBuilder, the dependencies between the character elements affect which objects Maya automatically selects for the specific send operations. For example, Maya automatically selects different character elements depending on whether you are sending objects to MotionBuilder as a new scene or updating objects previously sent to MotionBuilder.

Selecting character data to send as a new scene

Selecting at least one element of your character's control rig, skeleton, or mesh, and then selecting Send as New Scene automatically selects all required dependencies. This means that the HumanIK rig, skeleton, HIK character definition, bound meshes and attached materials and textures are all included in the selection and sent to MotionBuilder.

Selecting character data to update current scene

In update operations, the HumanIK rig, skeleton, and bound geometry are considered separate character elements and are handled independently. Selecting at least one element of the character (HumanIK rig, skeleton and/or bound meshes) and selecting Update or Update Current Scene only selects and updates that specific element of the character. The character's other elements and dependencies are not selected or updated. If these other character dependencies are not part of the final selection, they are baked to ensure the animation result is transferred.

Selecting multiple character elements will update the selected combination. The dependencies between these character elements are as follows:

The HumanIK rig and the skeleton are not dependent on each other or other character elements.
The skeleton always includes the HumanIK character definition.
The bound geometries are dependent on the skeleton and always include the skeleton and associated skin weights. The geometries always include assigned materials and textures.