Mastering the Blender Walk Cycle: Tips and Tricks for Animators!

[@alexonstory]

** 𝐔𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝟒.𝟎 𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫? 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐑𝐢𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬. ** You now have the ability to toggle the visibility of layers in the Bone Collections section within the Data Properties. Layer 1 - IK, COG, Move All Layer 2 - FK Layer 3 - Shape/Tweak controls Layer 4 - Face controls Layer 5 - Tongue Layer 6 - Fingers Layer 7 - Hair Layer 8 - Clothing On the upper right side of the Bone Collection window, there is an option to create your own collection by clicking on the Plus icon. You have the ability to choose controls from various groups and add them to your newly created collection by clicking the Assign button located at the bottom of the window. Once you have finished, you can click on the star icon next to your new Collection to display only the items you desire. Hope that helps!

[@RinaRozapphira]

Sadly no, i cannot figure how to switch the ik to fk with this new version so i can't get past the first step in the tutorial T__T I don't want to use the old version cus I don't want to have to learn only to relearn the new version.

[@tetmayer2015]

Bro is underrated Bob Ross of blender. I love how calm and slowly you talk. Gives me a sense to not rush anything and there's always enough time.

[@alexonstory]

Thanks for the note! Yeah never a reason to rush. Take your time at each step. haha love to Bob Ross comment!

[@P4nem___Et___C1rcenses]

Haha I literally thought the same. I'ts perfect for such tutorials, very easy to follow through.

[@jamesburnette6982]

Yea this guy is great always my first choice to learn a technique.

[@RareTechniques]

You would think this channel have atleast +1 million subs by the quality of teaching. My man is a natural.

[@alexonstory]

Very much appreciate that! Happy your getting lots from my videos!

[@pesindiafc9363]

Bro you are literally doing an amazing job. Hats Off to you bro.. The Best Animation Teacher on KZbin...

[@alexonstory]

Thank you for your note, I appreciate that!!

[@sohailwazir7680]

Heads down a new legend have come on youtube.

[@alexonstory]

Very generous, thank you!!

[@desaturatedchaos9304]

after watching just 25 mins of this tutorial the dope sheet, keyframing, copying, everything feels much more intuitive and comfortable w/ your guidance. Honestly the most relaxing tutorial Ive seen in a while

[@alexonstory]

Really happy to hear feedback and that my video is helpful! Thank you for the note!

[@headfx]

I started studying animation this week and I was lucky enough to find didatica has helped me to understand and want to study animation even more. The part you talked about technique x personality made me put my anxiety aside. Thanks!

[@alexonstory]

That's awesome Daniel! Happy the video is helpful. Art and animation is one of those things that really does take time. Focusing on the art and understanding it will take you fare. Little baby step at a time. Good luck :)

[@alexanderhoangle1813]

Helped me perfect my first walk cycle and couldn't have done it without you. thank you so much for the tutorial, love the way you teach to think methodically and going at it one area at the time. Still got long ways to go, but you've given me the tools to start thinking and seeing the world from a animation perspective. The simple dragging, delaying and off setting the timing makes things look and feel so organic. You did amazing showing and explaining why you did all the small changes and why it reacts that way, never felt confused at all. Thank you again!

[@alexonstory]

Thank you for the wonderful feedback! Helps me know how to move forward with other tutorials.

[@Matoro342]

You have a calming personality. I really appreciate it. Beginning animation feels so intimidating and seeing AAA stuff constantly makes me feel like I'll never make any progress.

[@alexonstory]

Thanks for your note! We all start off not knowing anything. Set small goals at the start and learn one idea at a time. Before you know it you'll combine simple ideas together to create something a bit more complex. Take your time, you got this!

[@XenoGraphica]

Probably one of the best teaching styles I've seen on youtube. Thanks for the video.

[@alexonstory]

Happy to hear that! Thanks for your note!

[@Trogen-uo9gb]

this is the best animation channel you ll ever find on youtube expecially for beginers ,the only regret i have is not finding this channel sooner ,not in a million searches will you ever find a channel like this ,this is pure gold .

[@alexonstory]

That is a very nice comment, thank you! Happy your here! If there is anything you want to see animated let me know.

[@adenbahtiar5764]

give this man crown, he deserve it, thanks for sharing man

[@alexonstory]

haha thanks for the note Aden!

[@karpai5427]

The fact that this Rig has intuitive Toe Heel rig is insanely cool. It takes me time to appreciate it before moving on with the tutorial.

[@alexonstory]

Yes, it's so nice to see these rigs with quality controls. Makes animating easier and more enjoyable :)

[@npcrookeface]

These are like the best tutorials truly. First walk cycle I did had so much popping, couldn't figure out how to fix it. But this shows so many tips and explains why certain things like popping happen. It's so good! Thank you

[@alexonstory]

Awesome, really happy this video helped you out! Thanks for the note :)

[@shhubhaam9468]

Been everywhere on internet but this video made me feel it and the words I felt were true to every aspect, this guy will teach us exactly what we need. This comment is for ALEX may fortune comes to you and you keep making these kind of informative videos in future too. Love, from India Shhubhaam

[@alexonstory]

I appreciate that, thank you! Wishing you best of luck with your animation journey! If there is something you want to see explained or animated just let me know.

[@tiraniks1158]

Very nice to listen to the lesson in this manner, the voice is soothing but not so much that you fall asleep, perfect for concentrating on the video! Thanks for the lesson, I subscribed, I will follow your channel more!

[@alexonstory]

Thanks for the feedback:) Happy you got value from the video!

[@geerochanel]

This is really the only best video that I have seen on the Internet regarding walk cycle so far. Thanks a lot for the great tips.

[@alexonstory]

Happy to hear that Geero! Thanks for the note!

[@JustARandomInternetUserHere]

Damn dude... your voice is amazing. The tutorial too, but I just couldn't get over how good your voice is.

[@alexonstory]

Thank you! Happy for the feedback! I wasn't sure when I stared that people would like my style of tutorials.

[@shadowprince7149]

0:14 that line has way more deeper meaning, if you are a 3d artist u will understand it so much better. Its good that he mentioned it

[@alexonstory]

It's great your highlighting it again :)

[@dineshdiabolic5451]

This is as good as paid course and the best blender walk cycle tutorial on KZbin.

[@alexonstory]

Thank you Dinesh! Happy to hear that!

[@MochiiMaduli]

Making my thesis currently and came up to this amazing tutorial! You helped me make my 1st ever walk cycle of one of my characters! I've been trying to apply your workflow on quadruped characters, but I'm really struggling. Would be awesome to have a walkcycle video for quadruped characters! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@alexonstory]

That's awesome, good for you! Yes in a little bit I will get back to making different cycles and quadruped is on the list. Thanks for your note!

[@mageKnightz]

This was one of the best tutorials for character animation in Blender I've seen. Well done. This channel is my new favorite!

[@alexonstory]

That's awesome to hear! Thank you for your note! Will be posting again soon.

[@PaulTimothy]

you made the most intimidating part of animation digestible. i cannot thank you enough.

[@SagorHossen2020]

a hidden gem! Man you are great ! THANKS for making the community better!

[@alexonstory]

Thanks for your note, much appreciated!

[@bam_marks]

THANK YOU 🙏🙏 I was struggling with walk cycles so much before watching this.

[@alexonstory]

Happy the video help you! Thanks for the note!

[@sohailwazir7680]

it is a detailed tutorial on the walk cycle and I am sure it is the best tutorial on youtube. each and every step is discussed and well explained. Alex is a legend. love you, sir. looking forward to future posts.

[@alexonstory]

Thank you Sohail! Very kind! Working on a couple fun videos now, should be out soon.

[@StephGV2]

I like your layered approach over the 2D animator's tendency to pose everything as finished poses from the start. It has a much looser feel.

[@alexonstory]

For cycles I find that to be the case for sure. I'll be coming out with a 3 part series on workflow for animation in a bit. Pose to pose, straight ahead, and layered. Thanks for the note!

[@thesquirrelchase-exploreph5635]

This is excellent! It made sense of the whole process.

[@alexonstory]

Happy to hear that! Thanks for the note!

[@BennieWoodell]

This is the best tutorial on a walk cycle I've ever watched, even at a certain online animation school I attended, so thank you. It was explained so well with some excellent tips that I'm excited to give it a try. Looking forward to learning more from you!

[@alexonstory]

Really happy to hear that you got so much from the video Bennie! Thanks for the note!

[@k.k.a]

Bro is doing God's work, you cant find videos of animation in blender this intricate.

[@alexonstory]

I appreciate that, thank you! Happy the video is helping!

[@joaoalexdias]

This is definitely the best animation tutorial from a professional point of view in youtube, thank you for your time Alex!

[@alexonstory]

Thanks for the comment Joao! Happy to hear that!

[@agathiyan2493]

Man this is very well done also make some body mechanics video it will be very helpful

[@alexonstory]

Thanks agathiyan! Will for sure do some full body action mechanics :)

[@light00651]

This guy is very good teacher

[@alexonstory]

Thanks for the note :)

[@jonybags2]

Such a great tutorial. I find myself coming back every time I want to adjust my walk cycles. I would love to see a tutorial on how you make the scrolling floors shown in the intro!

[@alexonstory]

That's cool, thanks for the note! I'll be making a few more cycle tutorials. I'll make a short about the scrolling floor :)

[@joukosalonen1004]

thank you! THAT was an experience! You are a great teacher Alex! Great teacher and great professional!

[@alexonstory]

I appreciate the comment! Thank you!

[@Naveen_jose]

Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial on walk cycle in Blender! I've been struggling with this for a while, but your video made it so much easier. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into creating this content. Thanks again!

[@alexonstory]

Hi Naveen! I am really happy this video helped you! Thank you for the note. If/when your ready to share your walk cycle I would like to see:) Happy to give feedback.

[@Naveen_jose]

@@alexonstory I will share it with you when I finish it. Thanks!

[@collinsk8754]

A really comprehensive tutorial 🔥🔥! Thanks.

[@alexonstory]

Really happy to hear that, thanks for your note!

[@ganapathym3664]

What a precious lesson. You delievered a complex topic in a easily understandable manner. Thank you so much

[@alexonstory]

Thanks for the note Ganapathy M! It's nice to know the video is helpful and the info is coming across.

[@rubensalamanca3909]

your voice is so relaxing and soft. Thanks for sharing

[@alexonstory]

Thanks for the note Ruben! Happy to share :)

[@mciftci]

Thanks. You're a great teacher! (You can use "Shift+D, grab and drop" instead of "Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V" by the way)

[@alexonstory]

Thank you! Your pointer is very cool! I just set it as a hotkey :)

[@alexanderg8466]

thanks it is my first proper walk cycle

[@alexonstory]

That's awesome!!! So happy to hear that! Thanks for you comment!

[@markokovacevic3225]

Thank you so much for this tutorial, Alex! Goldmine of info! You really made it easy to understand the techniques. Really enjoyed your pacing of the presentation, and the calm delivery of material! One note, especially to help out the beginners, is to say what it means when saying "COG" (canter of gravity) and similar acronyms, as it might help the people just starting out. Definitely subscribed! :) Thanks again!

[@alexonstory]

Thank you for the note and feedback Marko! Happy the video helped and you got value from it. Thanks:)

[@sharkgamestudio7630]

Whoa so good 😮, i was so scared to start humanoid animation seriously, now i cant stop 🥳🥳 ! Best vidéo ever made ! Chill, no rush, smooth voice.. my gosh..

[@its_adityaverma]

You deserved the subscribe… I really didn’t knew how to make them move forward after the walk cycle

[@alexonstory]

Thanks for your note! Happy my video helped you out!

[@meechemad]

Hat's off to your sir your video was very helpful thank you.

[@alexonstory]

Happy to hear that, thank you for your note!

[@Jellybeancracker]

You’re the best alex! Love your tutorials! ❤ will support you all the way man

[@alexonstory]

Really happy to hear that! Thank you for the note!

[@animatorFan74]

I love your simple tutorial style - you explain everything so well and lay it out step by step... definitely easy to follow. I've started doing walk cycles myself but this breaks it down even better so I can think about it and approach the cycle a bit better.... awesome stuff. :)

[@alexonstory]

That is awesome Chris! Happy this video is helpful. Keep going and kicking butt! If you want to share a cycle for feedback I am always cool to do that.

[@animatorFan74]

@@alexonstory yes I think I will once I get it good enough.... thanks so much, so kind to offer :)

[@jomesias]

You’re cool if you walk cool, not if you say you’re cool!! I get it now! 😮

[@alexonstory]

Haha got to be able to walk the walk :)

[@adityaiyer8544]

Thank you so much man! I have been following Pierrick's Alive course and while it's highly informative and recommended for every beginner, this tutorial has helped me speed things up so much. Hoping to see many more from you. Can't thank you enough! Will be repeating this exercise tomorrow as well. You rock!

[@alexonstory]

Really happy to hear that your getting lots from this video! Thanks for the note! Yes, I am about a month away from starting to post again.

[@adityaiyer8544]

@@alexonstory Can't wait! Just finished the mario run cycle and got it to look pretty much like yours.

[@alexonstory]

@@adityaiyer8544 Great job! Keep at it cause it is a rewarding feeling when it all comes together.

[@chantellefairburn]

This is a really helpful video! I love how you walk the viewer through each step of the process (pun not intended lol). I’m planning to learn how to animate using Blender this year so I’ve subscribed and I look forward to your future videos 👍🏼

[@alexonstory]

Hey Chantelle! Welcome! Thanks for the note. I really enjoy working with Blender. It takes a bit of time but I think/hope you'll like it also. I did make a beginner tutorial that goes over preferences and interface that might help you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGO1pX6wp82omK8 Good luck!

[@declsdxavier5158]

Awesome tutorial man, this really helped a lot

[@alexonstory]

Happy to hear that! Thanks for the note!

[@juditvanek3051]

Alex!!! I just love you so much for this help in animation area!! I thought just the same as tetmayer you're the Blender Bob Ross!!! :)))❤

[@alexonstory]

:) thanks! Happy my videos are helpful! haha yeah I think that's cool, I loved watching his shows! Thanks for your note!!

[@yama8moto8]

This is the greatest indepth and detailed animation tutorial on KZbin thank you Alex you are the Man 🙏🙏

[@alexonstory]

I appreciate the note! Happy your digging it and it's helping. Let me know if there is anything you want to see animated and explained.

[@Mikey_slim]

Bro I love your teaching, it really helps❤

[@alexonstory]

Happy it's heling :) thanks for the note!

[@deanjohnson7973]

Awesome tutorial, always wondered how to get the correct root motion without the feet sliding

[@alexonstory]

Thanks! Nice, happy the video helped:)

[@haruka3203]

44:29 During the last part where you translate the position from the foot ik's y position to the root's y position, I've done that, however I want it without a cycle. Let's say a character took one step, then hops, or starts fast walking, so it's not a constant walk but dynamically changing. The method you showed me only works for the 1st step my character takes, but as for the 2nd step, copy and pasting those frames always puts my character somewhere else on the y-axis completely different. I've watched other tutorials doing the same thing, but only for cycling an animation. So far I haven't found a solution for dynamic movements, besides using the NLA editor.

[@alexonstory]

Hey! Good question and point! If you have a character changing speed I would key the root by hand. So when the character starts moving faster key your root to add more speed. Eyeballing it like that works pretty well. Hope that helps!

[@teamjexmediaszm9673]

This is😮 awesome a Very important video to watch even if you have done alot of walk cycles ... honestly I have learnt so much on this one I'd love to see it applied on run cycles

[@alexonstory]

That's great to hear thank you! Yes I can do a run cycle tutorial also. Will work on that in a little bit :)

[@teamjexmediaszm9673]

@Alexonstory please do so when you can really looking forward to see it

[@Jesuseverlastingfather]

Amazing Work Bro....Never find a video like this on whole youtube...Well Explained...Please do some more videos on Cartoon Creation Content❤

[@alexonstory]

That's good to hear! Thanks for the note! For sure I'll create videos on cartoon animation:)

[@spooloo9341]

You are very patient in your instructions. Thank You

[@alexonstory]

Thanks for the note Spoo!

[@TODOSpanishforkids]

This tutorial is gold.

[@ibrahimayad6732]

The mastermind of animation.

[@93OliverLewis]

So hyped for this channel

[@alexonstory]

Very cool, thanks Oliver!

[@ramseyandy]

Exciting and fun! I'm addicted haha. Keep em going!!

[@alexonstory]

Happy to hear that! Thanks for the note!

[@blackswan6386]

speechless.wow. thank you sir

[@alexonstory]

Thanks :)

[@thsuperelite]

thank you so much for the tutorials and teaching character animation. i just stumbled on to your channel and your teaching method is really easy to understand. I would really appreciate it if you keep teaching us more about character animation. One thing i would like to request is how to achieve subtle character animation. minor expressions in face and body during animations is what i really find difficult to animate. So, i hope you can teach us about that. Thanks!

[@alexonstory]

So happy to hear your getting some good value from my videos! Thank you for the note. It's good to know that's what you want to get better at. Yes I will be making more character animation videos and some for sure will be on performances.

[@kauaferro4008]

A lot to learn from this video! Great work

[@alexonstory]

Thanks Kauã! I checked out your bouncing ball test. Nice work, keep going!

[@FireFliesAnimation]

Bro this thing is amazing, thank you so much for sharing this tutorial.i gonna learn a lot from you keep doing it!!

[@alexonstory]

Thanks for the note! Happy to hear your getting good value. Will keep making more!

[@WolframBlechner]

Wuuaah, I did my first walk cycle! Thanks for your wonderful tutorial!!

[@alexonstory]

Yay that is awesome!!! Good for you :D

[@SpoodyCars]

sir your are the best teacher .

[@alexonstory]

That's nice, thank you for the note!

[@Mosquiterxs]

Excellent video, I don't see videos of that quality about animation and it is very useful to work at a professional level.

[@alexonstory]

Thanks for the note Nico! Happy the video is useful! Let me know if there is something you want to see demonstrated and I'll do my best to do that.

[@Mosquiterxs]

@@alexonstory I am working on an animation about a skateboarder who does a jump, she has the skateboard attached to the rig, that would be interesting to see how you can make the animation of a character on the attached roll

[@alexonstory]

@@Mosquiterxs Very cool! It's always a good challenge to get 2 or more rigs to work together nicely. Thanks for sharing. Will keep that in mind and for sure will make videos on that topic.

[@moegasim]

You are brilliant at explaining things. Thank you

[@alexonstory]

Thank you for the note :)

[@Helga_riabova_hair]

Oh my god!!!! Its the most important video for me! Thank you a lot❤ u r genius

[@alexonstory]

:) happy to hear the video helped you! Thanks for the note!

[@zirexplay]

Awesome tutorial. Thank you so much Alex!

[@alexonstory]

Thank you! Happy to hear that!

[@fantasyzoneproduction771]

i saw alot of tutorial but this is the best so far i saw another course it was * paid * but this one it's free and its better than servel hours of the tutorial so thank you and if you can to make full course i will be 100 times more for this

[@alexonstory]

Thanks for the note and feedback! Happy your here and finding the tutorial of value. Yes in the future I will start making in depth and specific courses.

[@DuarMa]

i learned a lot, thank you !!!

[@alexonstory]

I'm happy to hear that! Thanks for the note!

[@ruanandrade3246]

man loved your workflow, amazing the way that u explain. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@alexonstory]

That's great to hear, thanks for the note Ruan! Happy you got some value from it.

[@IrocZIV]

Good video, just started working on making a character walk and wondered how to do it. This gave me lots of info.

[@alexonstory]

That's awesome George! Happy the video helped. Thanks for the note!

[@CaCriGuz]

Your videos are amazing Alex. Thank you so much.

[@alexonstory]

Thanks for your note, happy to hear that!

[@vic137]

I feel like you're telling me to go into my happy place

[@edymations714]

this actually helped me a bunch thankss dude, im working on a short film rn thats gonna have a lot of walking

[@alexonstory]

That's awesome, happy to hear that! Good luck with your film. Thanks for the note!

[@Jaboli86]

Alex, absolutely great tutorial! I've seen maaaaaany of them, so I should know what I'm saying ;-)

[@alexonstory]

:D thanks Marcin!!

[@erikvarga4367]

Nagyon érthető volt az egész, köszi szépen!

[@luizfelipeduarte8752]

Thanks for the video, it will help me (and other for sure) a lot!

[@alexonstory]

I'm happy to hear that :) thanks for your note!

[@DonikiDoniki]

Thank you a lot for all your lessons!

[@alexonstory]

Glad you like them! Thanks for the note!

[@malkhalifa3D]

Your voice is very soothing.

[@alexonstory]

:D haha thanks!

[@younoobgaming4521]

thank you so much for sharing!

[@alexonstory]

Happy to:) Thanks for the note!

[@webbox100]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge - really helpful info!

[@vstreet7583]

Just brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! With your help, I now feel confident to create my first ever walk cycle. Thank you! Dg

[@alexonstory]

That is awesome! So happy to hear that. You got this! Thanks for the msg!

[@karthi-mi3ux]

Tq for the tutorial I learned many things by you

[@alexonstory]

That's great: Thanks!

[@AristarhSisy]

1 000 000 Likes! beautiful walk, great work!

[@alexonstory]

That's very nice, thank you!

[@chrismugo-bw2pd]

so so helpful, learned a lot from this video.

[@alexonstory]

That is really nice to hear you got value from it! Thanks for the note!

[@janekkaczmarek9774]

real blender animator starts at 0 frame

[@alexonstory]

haha I'll make a video starting a 0 just for you :)

[@nikz000]

I like it more too, because if frame 0 is the same pose I use as end frame and if I finish at frame 12 I know the anim has 12 frames

[@paulo.dionisio]

If using hair or cloth one gotta wait 30 frames to start baking.

[@Zuzuk]

You can use curve modifiers to make curves repeat themselves by pressing 'n' in graph editor, then add modifier 'Cycles'

[@alexonstory]

Yes your right, thanks for pointing that out! Having the keys repeating gives flexibility if your breaking out of the cycle at any point. So I am just used to copying and pasting the cycle.

[@jamesolumeka6402]

This is so so great. Please can you teach us how you animated the character in the middle of the intro raising up his hands as he walks. PLEEEEASSE

[@alexonstory]

Thanks! Yes that's a cool walk for sure! I'll be making some more cycle animation tutorials. Some will be on getting in and out of a walk and run. Also how to add performance on top of your cycle. Thanks for the note!

[@jamesolumeka6402]

@@alexonstory Thanks for your quick and positive response

[@akshayfreefireshorts9278]

very nice and important for learning

[@alexonstory]

Happy to hear that, thanks for your note!

[@lightsout630]

i love this you're a good teacher good video bro just subd

[@alexonstory]

Thanks lights out! Happy this video is helpful!

[@mujeebrahman5291]

Great Video, keep posting. Thanks :)

[@alexonstory]

Thanks!! Yes will get back to making more videos soon :)

[@SvenCheddar]

great tutorial well explained and presented

[@alexonstory]

Happy to hear that, thanks!

[@sambashivudukonda]

Absolutely useful stuff!

[@alexonstory]

Happy to hear that, thanks!

[@neilmarshall5087]

You are a great teacher.... I know this,but I enjoyed the video anyhow.... Oh - the how to move forward by grabbing the keyframes from the foot was new. That makes it easier...

[@alexonstory]

Thanks Neil! It's nice to hear. Happy that tip at the end was helpful!