Create a joint or joint chain

Before drawing joints or a joint chain, you first need a model in which to place them. For information on creating models, see NURBS modeling overview or Polygon modeling overview.

To set the Joint Tool settings

1. In the Animation menu set (press F2), select Skeleton > Joint Tool > .

   The Joint Tool settings panel appears.

2. Adjust the Joint Tool settings as desired.
3. Do one of the following:
   • Click Reset Tool to reset to the default tool settings.
   • Click Close to close the tool settings panel.

To create a joint or joint chain

1. In the Animation menu set (press F2), select Skeleton > Joint Tool.
2. In a view, click on the location in your model where you want to create a joint.
   Tip

   You can use the mouse button to create joints and the mouse button to move the last placed joint.

3. Click again in the model where you want to create the next joint in your joint chain.

   A bone appears between the first and second joints.

4. Continue clicking in the view until you create all the joints for your joint chain.
5. Press (Windows and Linux) or (Mac OS X) to complete your joint chain.

To create a joint or joint chain that is automatically centered in the model

1. Click the Snap to Projected Center icon on the Status Line to enable centering mode.
2. In the Animation menu set (press F2), select Skeleton > Joint Tool.
3. In a view, click on the location in your model where you want to create a joint.

   The joint is automatically centered in the model.

   NoteIf your model has multiple mesh layers, centering mode minimizes displacement and places the joint in the center of the layers.

4. If desired, use the Move Tool to re-position the joint.

   The joint is dynamically centered in its new position.

5. Click again in the model where you want to create the next joint in your joint chain.

   A bone appears between the first and second joints and the second joint is also centered in the model.

6. Continue clicking in the view until you create all the joints for your joint chain.
7. Press (Windows and Linux) or (Mac OS X) to complete your joint chain.