Define a skeleton for HIK

Character definition is the process of mapping out the structure of the skeleton of your character so that it can be understood by the HIK solver. Once the mapping process is complete, you can lock the character definition to make the skeleton ready for a Control rig.

There are two main methods for completing the character mapping process, depending on whether you use a standard naming convention for the bones of your character.

For both methods, you can prepare to characterize a skeleton as follows:

1. Load the skeleton.
   ImportantBefore attempting to characterize, ensure you have followed the guidelines in Prepare a skeleton for HIK , and that your character is setup as described in HIK character structure.
2. In the Definition tab, click the Create Character button , to create a new HIK character.
3. (Optional) To rename the character, click the > Edit > Definition > Rename option.
4. Select one of the following methods to map the structure of your character:
   • Map bones manually
   • Map bones automatically based on a naming template

To map bones manually

1. Do one of the following to start mapping bones to the Character:
   • Go from the Definition tab to your skeleton: Double-click a cell in the Character view (cells turn blue when picked), then click the corresponding bone in the scene.
   • Go from your skeleton to the Definition tab: Select a bone then right-click the corresponding cell in the Character and select Assign Selected Bone.

     Bones in the Character view turn green to indicate each valid bone assignment.

   For more information on which bones map to which nodes, see HIK character structure.

   TipIf you have used a standard left or right naming convention and keep the Mirror Matching option on, and map (for example) a right leg bone, the tool automatically maps the left bone for you. See also Edit menu and Activate and configure mirror matching.
2. Continue mapping until you have all required bones defined. Once you have mapped all required bones, the validation status indicator turns green, and you can lock the character definition.
   
3. (Optional) Expand the extra sections of the Character view to map other optional joints, such as additional spine joints or roll bones.
4. (Optional) Map a reference bone.
5. Lock the character definition.
   NoteLocking the character definition in the Definition tab will automatically update the mapping list.

To map bones automatically based on a naming template:

1. Select the bones you want to assign.
2. Click the Load Skeleton Definition icon, .
3. In the Load Skeleton Definition window that appears, select the naming template you want to apply from the Template drop-down list.

   By default, this list contains all templates supplied with the Definition tab, and any templates that you have created. To navigate and select a template that is not listed, select <Browse>.

   For example, if the joints of your character are named according to the HIK naming conventions (listed in the Character and Name Match views), you can use the HIK template to automatically complete the mapping process.

4. (Optional) If you want to restrict the template matching to only a subset of the bones in your skeleton, select those bones.
5. Set the scope for the name matching.

   Select the Match all bones with prefix option to map all bones whose names contain both the prefix shown in this field and a suffix contained in the mapping template. The suggested prefix is retrieved from the bones you have selected. You can change this suggested prefix if it does not match the prefix used by the skeleton you want to characterize. Select the Match only selected bones option to restrict the suffix matching to only selected bones.

6. Click OK.

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