How to Animate Characters in Unity 3D | Animator Explained

Learn the fundamentals of animating characters with Unity's animation system, and understand how & why it all works!
This beginner-friendly tutorial is a thorough break down of the Animator component in Unity 3D and explains how to use the component's five properties: controller, avatar, root motion, update mode and culling mode. By the end of the video, our character will be animating!
This episode (Ep: 1) is the second video in a series dedicated to understanding Unity's animation system. Episode 0 was an introduction to the project and explains how to import free characters and animations from Adobe Mixamo. Be sure to check out the other videos in the series to continue learning!
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Interested in learning more about animating characters in Unity? Check out my growing series of tutorials:
✅ • Unity's Animation System
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• How to Move Characters...
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►TIMESTAMPS:
Intro: 0:00
Project setup: 0:21
Character Breakdown: 0:33
Tools For Today’s Project: 1:10
Animator Component Breakdown: 1:30
Animator Controller: 1:38
Animator Controller Breakdown: 2:05
What is an animation state?: 2:20
Animation Setup: 2:47
Looping Animations: 3:22
Default Animation State: 3:55
YBOT ANIMATING: 4:11
Animator Avatar: 4:41
Root Motion: 4:49
Update Mode: 5:33
Update Mode - Normal: 5:41
Update Mode - Animate Physics: 5:53
Update Mode - Unscaled Time: 6:06
Culling Mode: 6:21
What is culling: 6:29
Culling Mode - Always Animate: 6:34
Culling Mode - Cull Update Transforms: 6:44
Culling Mode - Cull Completely: 6:55
NEXT TIME: 7:13
Thank you for stopping by and checking out my tutorial -- Hope you all enjoy! Please feel free to leave any questions & feedback you may have. This will help shape the direction and style for upcoming videos!
Thanks again for watching!
#indiegame #gamedev #indiedev #2020

[@kunalbhayana]

Damn! This guys is so underrated. Beautiful Tutorial dude!

[@fierymathematics4767]

He is not Underrated , it's just he has not uploaded enough.

[@ezyydev8922]

@@iHeartGameDev is the animations spose to be still like in place bc urs move

[@dragonfire1298]

@@ezyydev8922 You need player movement script.

[@hoodwinks9880]

I took a year off of trying to learn game development and went to College to learn how to code better. I needed that kinda structure. I came back and so many tutorials just feel lazy and like they are cash grabs. Dude, don't go anywhere, you're awesome.

[@iHeartGameDev]

Hey thanks so much for your kind words! Not going anywhere! Love making these tutorials, learning and sharing!

[@quintonblackwood5374]

Future Brackey right here. Good work on explaining dude.

[@n1gh1f1re]

Ikr

[@codeFriendlyART]

I totally get the comment cool intention to congratulate, in a really good way. However, and I hope my comment is not taken in a wrong way, the way I see it, some might see it different tough, and I totally do respect that; Brackey's worked by providing very specific sample work and then making others mimic his sample work in a rather specific way during it's presentation. So later on, if you needed to learn how thing really do work, then you needed to delve quite further. With Nicky, in contrast, is pure transparent ultra well explained: What are the tools about, where to find them, what the different options are/imply, and then, how to use each and for which scenario they might best apply. So, in this regard, I think that comparing this work to Brackey's, it's comparing two totally different approaches to presenting tutorials/instruction material. In my very personal opinion, I totally prefer Nicky's way. Because, in a way of saying; He is not just 'giving fish', but rather, teaching you 'how to fish'...

[@epicalyx8875]

No one can replace brackey 😭😭😭😭

[@G-Code_official]

@@codeFriendlyART Great comment and you are right, for starters I would prefer Brackeys to get a feel of unity and its components and also get some sense of achievement by learning and doing from his material. That said I would follow Nicky's tutorials because I have my own ideas and need to find the proper way of doing things faster. Both are Gurus to me.

[@foggyforest2625]

Well Isn't it impossible to be as good as him?

[@malachidraven9502]

I'm only 2 videos into this playlist and this is already the most comprehensive, thoroughly explained, well-edited, and pleasant tutorial on animations I've ever seen. You've got a new subscriber, sir! Keep up the good work!

[@EhOhDino]

Honestly, I'm SO glad that for one you're uploading videos like these to help people out and for two, that I discovered your channel, You're so underrated on subscribers and recognition its unreal. You go in-depth on the the description on things so people understand exactly what they're learning. Simply, Amazing.

[@SebastianGraves]

It seems no matter how many hours one pours into Unity, there is always something new to learn. I had no idea about the animation culling feature. Very nice video, informative and enjoyable to watch.

[@3dsteveo765]

Thank you so much. This series is spot on! It's demonstrating the process so clearly and in such a logical way that even a beginner can get a character up and ( pun alert ) running. I also love how you are showing us beginners to keep things organized right from the start, so important. I'm hoping this series continues to progress just as it, short, to the point videos each building on the last.

[@brenttucker166]

Dude, you have production quality up with the rest of the unity tutorial makers. I especially like when you zoom in on the various fields in unity so I'm not squinting to see where your mouse is and what you are doing. Keep up the great work!

[@LukeKondor]

Oh wow. I didn't know that about the culling mode. This is a fantastic series.

[@benjaminnossin9853]

I started to deal with a quite complex boss fight and really felt that my basic knowledge of animation was not enough anymore. It's quite hard to find good videos about Unity's Animation System, but yours really make the difference. You got a new subscriber, excited to see what is coming next !

[@Samurook]

This tutorial is so satisfying to follow. And the explanations actually teach some key concepts where other tutorials might just list tasks of dragging components into blackboxes.

[@nickcassidy7039]

You really do make amazing tutorials. Informative, easy to follow, and you go through EVERYTHING. Thank you so much for taking the time to do these.

[@ardacosar4797]

This tutorial is far above other youtube unity tutorials. it's nicely, clearly and step by step. Thank you and please continue like this.

[@ethanmckinnell8261]

Agreed. dude the way you put your tutorials together and explain everything to know about animation has helped me a lot with starting my survival game, i had never touched animation in unity until your tutorial, it has to be by far the best tut on youtube for animation in unity. keep it up man!

[@nicreven]

Dude!! This tutorial rocks so much! I love that you took the time to explain individual parts instead of doing the standard tutorial thing of "Click here, click there, click there, done." This is how tutorials should be done - easy to follow if you're clueless, and informative for people who might want to know more.

[@Hennejoe]

Love the way these videos are presented and cut into helpful blocks - I will definitely try to start using this feature in my videos if applicable!

[@selfiestick1589]

yo, i already was taught this but needed a reminder, this is one of the first tutorials ive seen where i don't feel like the person making it thinks im stupid, good pace, good explanations, usefull content, you got a bell bro 10/10 will watch again

[@alanhume1152]

Have no idea how I didn't stumble across your videos until now. This is how you make tutorials. Thank you so much

[@bargueteric4026]

Finally someone who knows how to explain things... keep on the good job... I will definitely follow that one and hopefully i will finally learn something without having to watch hours and hours of videos full of endless monologues without content.

[@ValoreStudios]

The thing I really like about your tutorials is I'm actually getting what I expected. I watched another channel's "How to animate in unity" tutorial and they just showed me how to swivel a head in place using a constraint, without breaking down the WHY, HOW things work. You do that, and I appreciate you for it.

[@iHeartGameDev]

Thanks Dice! The videos take a long time to make so I appreciate that 😊

[@taash32]

thank you dude, The only Real Detailed Tutorial for using Mixamo for unity! people forget about details, and always need someone to explain how necessary they are.

[@austinlikarich2086]

ive been looking for a good video to explain the animation to script values and code aspects. Not only do you cover those but do so in a way a non dev can understand it. That is when you know someone is truly a expert in their field. Being a dev I love the way you break down those complex topics. Thank you for your videos. I and 692,000 other people appreciate you.

[@michaeldamon7500]

This series is already outstanding. You're ability to articulate these concepts so clearly is unmatched 🙂

[@kozavr]

*your ability :)

[@marcusgray3525]

Incredible explanation on character animations. I was rather concerned with character animation for my game development until I came across your channel. Now I feeling I'm going to be able to conquer it with your super helpful tutorial videos. I'm subscribing and looking forward to all your character animation videos, thank you so much!

[@dalrog2642]

Another super helpful video, thanks Nicky! The editing and delivery of the information is fantastic, you definitely have a knack for this.

[@MyNameIsAlex14753]

IF YOUR TEXTURE IS NOT SHOWING UP, here is the solution: 1) select your character in your new "mixamo" file (Not in the hierarchy window) 2) Select the "materials" tab in the inspector window 3) Select "Extract Textures..." 4) Select the file you would like your character texture in (I kept it in the mixamo file)

[@tadakuniyasuda8214]

You are god. Thank you

[@FeroymoYT]

YOU SAVED MY TIME :). THANK YOUU :D

[@josepaezr]

This comment should be pinned.

[@tillroberg1730]

Hey man, I appreciate all the effort you put into the explanations and presentation of your tutorials. Great job! I studied game programming and our teachers could learn a lot from you. Keep up the good work and I wish you a lot success with it!

[@KMI0588]

I know this is an older video but you are an absolute G. This is one of the best most thorough breakdowns I've seen of the Unity animator.

[@juansotomayor9076]

This series are the best tutorials for anything i have tried to learn ever. SOOOOO GOOD!!

[@YutongXie-zs6sz]

Thank you! Very grateful! Sending you good vibes!! Was researching about this for two nights in a roll and finally solved it!

[@Stonium]

Thanks for taking the time to explain the detail behind how the different properties affect things!

[@bayuajiwicaksonojati3144]

just discovered this channel, you explained every option available. most people just explain how they do this and that, not the options and settings in unity

[@SherryWonch]

thank you! i like it when people explain why we are doing what we are doing. it makes it easier for me to remember. thanks again!

[@fret2fret221]

hey man. love these video series. one thing tho for future videos like this: mark them as "1...2...3 etc" that way we can easily keep track of what we've watched and haven't watched in case we can't sit here for the whole series in one shot lol

[@adammilburn8855]

Loving the content! You cover a lot, and everything is explained really well. Appreciate the time you've taken in editing too, great stuff.

[@aarondavidlewis]

Great work... I’ve seen so many animation tutorials and this was one of the most efficient and helpful

[@nmezero7762]

Thank you. You're doing great. I retain knowledge better when I know WHY I'm doing something, not just how to do it. Also it helps me to adapt when a slightly (or completely) different situation arises. Again, great job!

[@Tomothing]

My instructor who has a PHD in some 3d graphical field spoke very highly of you. These videos are very helpful.

[@maxiaohuimaxiao]

太直观了！非常感谢您！以前很多选项都不知道是做什么的，现在看了您分享的教学，完全明白了！！再次感谢！

[@DashingduoGaming]

Amazing and informative! I have been looking for hours for a clean explenation about the animator controller and animation. After watching this 7 min video, im a pro! :) Keep up the awesome work!

[@garethgriffiths7084]

Perfect pace without missing a step. Nicky B you rock!

[@daxtonzimmerman3091]

You seem so happy and i can tell you love doing this. Keep it up man. Figured out some problems i had. Thank you!

[@omritahar9048]

Your tutorials quality is unmatched, my friend. Thank you.

[@gregli236]

Just happened on your video by searching for Unity 3D Animator. This is a perfect overview of the Animator and is the perfect start for me. Thank you

[@iHeartGameDev]

Happy to help Greg!

[@w0tness]

Actually scary how few good tutorials there are on this...thanks a lot mate!

[@johnnywatchman]

Fantastic series. This dude is filling the hole that was left when Brackeys stopped making videos. Love it.

[@KonoKoara]

Hey man, great tutorial! Very well explained, and helps me a lot! Just wanted to let you know you're doing a great job! Thanks for the great video!

[@gorilladevelopers1845]

love it, i am working as a game developer and i found it really help full "always you learn some thing new from other people", keep making videos and help the comunity (Y)

[@RHCIPHER]

cltr and D saved my life i was stuck how to separate animation from model i love you men

[@Peak_Stone]

How good is this video? amazing. Close ups explaining the whole component. You are legendary.

[@ferdraun]

This is what I've been looking for. I've got some models which can't be animated in blender because of "double vertices". And a guy asked for those models and animated them using mixamo, which piqued my curiosity. I'm definitely following you. Hoping to see awesome work of yours!

[@marc4708]

Thanks so much, Nicky. Fantastic video. Best one I have found on this so far. You rock man!

[@animmatemotiondesign]

Great tutorial. Very clear and concise! All killer, no filler

[@chuckayuey]

Hey Nicky. I just stumbled across you. I watch Valem, Brackeys etc and you're up there with them. The way that you do your tutorials is well done. I have just watched all of your videos on Animating Characters - which has helped me out in my learning. Keep up the great work.

[@joshcaladia]

wow a tutorial that actually tells me how to open the animator controller thank you

[@kaos7149]

u have no idea how much ur tutorials help, massive respect and thank u so much

[@radiahr9363]

This is an excellent tutorial. Great work. Super happy with all the simple and basic explanations. Thank you !

[@polyhally]

the way you show us everything and go in detail with it is awesome!

[@OaWrak]

holy shit. this took me weeks to understand and finally there is someone who knows what he's doing. Thank you for clear instructions.

[@wisnuwardhana6526]

This is awesome. Please continue the way you explain stuff right now. Love it

[@imphl199]

omg, you explain every thing and i love that, keep up the AMAZING work.

[@raahilrilwan9341]

Ommggg soo good, you're the best i wasted like a good while looking for a good tutorial but every video i watched they rushed it and the energy was very bland so i couldn't even focus but you're doing everything right i can finally like understand and learn stuff.

[@ktmochiii]

lol brah. this channel teaches me so much in every video it's crazy. i like how u take time with explaining every concept. Super thanks man!

[@TI-rg4sn]

Awesome! Just found these videos, I love how everything is explained in detail.

[@rodrigomulinarioramos7504]

BRO, WHAT CLASS! Your content is to be congratulated! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@dennisb2016]

I barely every comment under videos but this is crazy well done. Good job, Nicky. Definitely keep it up!

[@akamarudesign7412]

The best Format for tutorial I ever seen, cool dude!, im about to copy four format for mines XD

[@s4shrish]

Damn, I have known and been using the animator component for so long, but decided to still watch this vid. And I got to learn something pretty damn new. The Culling Mode and it's way of functioning. I actually made a small game as part of gamejam where hundreds of toilet paper need to be collected to "save humanity", but just having a single animation to spin and hover the toilet paper caused it to make a 60 FPS game come down to 15 FPS. Had to make a custom script that enabled and disabled animation components based on distance from player. Learnt many different ways to tackle the problem since then (shader vertex animations, OnBecameVisible, Unity's in-built dynamic culling system) and now this is another new way. Thanks.

[@WanderyenErin]

THAT's the series I needed about animator! Thank you very very much for sharing!

[@geminiseDigitalTwin]

Your tutorial is so helpful for beginner like me Brief but informative explanation.

[@macleodgordon]

Learned a lot, thank you for the video, especially about the duplicating the animation object. That made all the difference. The character is still walking and running in place. I was hoping you were going to make it move around the plane.

[@rorychockman3916]

The lite thinking music in the background is on point

[@frietman5445]

Thanks man. this really helped me out as a beginner in Unity!

[@zackper]

Those are some 10/10 tutorials. Although I have a lot of experience with Unity I still learned a lot. Thank you for sharing

[@iHeartGameDev]

Thank you for the kind words, Zack!

[@bugbystudios4174]

Thats the most perfectly laid out video!! Thank u for all this effort

[@DrSandy98]

I don't know anything about animation but KZbin recommend this video and I ended up watching it completely till the end🙀I didn't understand anything but is so interesting

[@BrizzyApp]

Great Video Nicky! you really deliver the message in a good and easy to follow way

[@elapplzsl]

This is probably most clean and best animation video series for unity. One small thing tho add them to a playlist?

[@maddened3746]

frikkin beautiful stuff my dude..... this solved all my issues.... Great tutorial !

[@ajmckennan1663]

Great stuff dude! Keep it up! You really do inspire me!

[@EmanuelPanfilChiriac]

Wholesome content. Subscribed. Thank you so much for all your work!

[@StephOMacRules]

The background music is like that of droplets falling in the sink that you can't turn off.

[@syednoman2921]

love the way you teach, thumbs up man, keep making videos like these ❤

[@Ne0dysseus]

I shit you not, probably one of the best tutorials I've seen online, thanks man

[@XadegamerOfficial]

cant wait for the next one. Thanks alot!

[@paturuzu4705]

Cuanto conocimiento, acabo de descubrirte y comenzare a ver todas tus lista de reproducciones, saludos desde Argentina

[@Assortment54321]

This is exactly what I needed! Thank you so much!

[@krugz_]

subbed for in depth explanation for each component

[@thev01d12]

This is so high quality content dude. Subscribed ! Keep it up.

[@DevarshNDhrumil]

Thanks for making this video. Easy to understand .....

[@deathshot9310]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, keep up the good work!

[@loreleipepi3389]

Wow, great tutorial! You're a talented teacher.

[@BlueNip]

Instant sub, just got started working on making a game with no knowledge of anything lol, this helps so much thanka

[@Patricebrouh]

Wow, great! I'm looking forward to watching the next videos

[@lamcherbaki4404]

That was the best tutorial i have ever watched

[@mongolai]

Very useful ever I seen. Thank you man!

[@praveenb-xr]

This series has well explained tutorials that everyone should watch to know everything

[@iHeartGameDev]

Thank you very much :)

[@Naronaxie]

This is a great series so far!

[@mikras4114]

Great production value. Thank you so much.

[@user-yk1lz7gb2t]

Really nice and clear explanations. Thank you guy!