Table of Contents
TL;DR
Use Roblox Studio’s Animation Editor to create keyframe animations by posing rigs at different timeline points, then export as Animation objects for use in scripts.
Ready to jump in? Play roblox games and see amazing animations in action!
Play free games on Playgama.com
Getting Started with Roblox Studio Animation
Creating animations in Roblox Studio involves using the built-in Animation Editor, which lets you manipulate character rigs and objects through keyframe animation. You’ll find this tool under the Plugins tab in Studio’s toolbar.
Setting Up Your Animation Workspace
First, insert a Rig into your workspace – you can use the default R15 or R6 character rigs, or import custom models. The Animation Editor works by creating Motor6D joints between parts, so ensure your rig has proper joint connections. Open the Animation Editor plugin and select your rig to begin.
Creating Keyframes and Poses
Animation works through keyframes – specific poses at different time points. Move the timeline scrubber to where you want a pose, then manipulate your rig’s parts using the rotation and position tools. Click the keyframe button (diamond icon) to save that pose. Repeat this process to create smooth motion between poses.
Essential Animation Techniques
- Easing: Adjust the interpolation between keyframes using the graph editor for more natural movement
- Looping: Set your animation to loop by matching the first and last keyframes
- Priority levels: Use different animation priorities (Idle, Movement, Action) to control which animations take precedence
- IK (Inverse Kinematics): Enable IK mode to automatically adjust connected joints when moving limbs
Exporting and Implementing Animations
Once satisfied with your animation, export it as an Animation object. This creates an asset with a unique ID that you can reference in scripts. Use AnimationTrack objects and the Humanoid:LoadAnimation() method to play animations in-game. You can control playback speed, looping, and blending between multiple animations.
Advanced Tips for Better Animations
Professional-looking animations require attention to timing and spacing. Use the graph editor to create custom easing curves – ease-in for starting movements, ease-out for stopping. Add secondary animation to hair, clothing, or accessories for more dynamic results. Consider using AnimationTrack events to trigger sound effects or particle systems at specific moments.
For complex character interactions or cutscenes, you might want to explore some engaging roblox games to see how professional developers implement their animation systems.
Who this is for: Roblox developers and creators wanting to add custom character animations and movements to their games.
