Characterize a 3ds Max biped in MotionBuilder

In the following procedure, you characterize in MotionBuilder the 3ds Max biped (My_biped.FBX) you saved in the previous procedure (Create and export a 3ds Max biped). Characterization assigns a Control rig to the biped bones and is the name MotionBuilder uses for the process of rigging a biped skeleton.

To characterize your 3ds Max biped:

1. Select the a shoulder (Upperarm) node on the skeleton, press R to enter Rotation mode and rotate the skeleton's arm until it is parallel with the grid. Do the same with the other shoulder.
   

   Rotate the skeleton's shoulders into a T-stance.

   The skeleton is now in a T-stance.
2. In the Asset browser, expand Templates > Characters and drag the 3ds Max Biped Template on top of the skeleton.
   

   Applying the 3ds Max Biped Template asset to the biped skeleton

   The 3ds Max Biped template is specially designed for bipeds created in 3ds Max as they have a naming structure that MotionBuilder does not recognize.

3. Click Characterize in the menu that appears.

   The biped skeleton is now characterized.

4. In the Character Controls window, click the Definition tab.
   

   Character representation shows that the characterization is correct

   The Character representation displays green if the characterization is correct, yellow if potential problems are detected, and red if there is an element of the skeleton matching that is incorrect.

   The next step is to add a Control rig so you can animate it.

5. From the Character Controls window > Source menu, select Control Rig.
   

   Character Controls Source menu

   The Create Contril Rig dialog box appears.
6. In the Create Control Rig dialog box, click FK/IK.
   

   FK/IK is the method commonly used to animate characters.

   The Control Rig setting activates the Character representation and displays the Control rig effectors on the biped in the Viewer window (B).

   

   The Character representation is an image of a human form that represents the biped skeleton. It contains all the effectors you need to animate its Control rig. The biped is now rigged and ready to receive animation.

7. In the Character Controls toolbar, click the Full Body icon. This lets you move the body using the entire Control rig.
   

   Character controls A.Full Body icon

8. On the Character representation, select the Right Wrist effector.
   

   Character representation A.Right Wrist effector selected

9. Click in the Viewer window and press T.

   The transformation handles appear.

10. Translate (or move) the hand down as shown in the following figure.
    

    Notice as you move the hand, the arm extends and the rest of the body follows in a natural movement.

    You can now transform and animate the characterized 3ds Max biped in MotionBuilder. See Animating a 3ds Max Character in MotionBuilder.