How do you edit and refine motion capture data for 2d animation?

1 Choosing the right software

Choosing the right software is the first step to edit and refine motion capture data for 2D animation. Adobe Animate is a popular choice, offering the ability to import, edit, and export motion capture data in various formats, as well as draw, rig, and animate 2D characters and scenes. Toon Boom Harmony is another powerful option that specializes in 2D animation and has a built-in motion capture module. Blender is a free and open-source tool that can handle both 2D and 3D animation, allowing users to import, edit, and export motion capture data and create and animate characters and scenes in both 2D and 3D.

2 Cleaning the data

The second step to edit and refine motion capture data for 2D animation is to clean the data. Cleaning the data involves removing any errors, noise, or unwanted movements that may affect the quality of the animation. This includes trimming out any unnecessary or irrelevant parts of the data, such as pauses or breaks in the action, smoothing out any jitter or shakiness in the data, and filling in any missing or incomplete data. These issues may be caused by low-quality cameras, poor lighting, occlusion, interference, or malfunction of the sensors or cameras.

3 Mapping the data

The third step to edit and refine motion capture data for 2D animation is to map the data, which involves assigning the data to the corresponding parts of the 2D character or scene. This can be done manually or automatically depending on the software and complexity of the data. Rigging is necessary, which means creating a skeleton or structure for the 2D character or scene to define how the parts can move and deform. Skinning is also needed, which attaches the 2D character or scene to the skeleton or structure to define how the parts look and behave. Retargeting is also important, which adjusts the data to match the proportions and style of the 2D character or scene, which may differ from the original actor or object.

4 Editing the data

The fourth step to edit and refine motion capture data for 2D animation is to edit the data. This involves modifying or enhancing the data to achieve the desired expression, emotion, or effect. Common tasks include translating, which changes the position, orientation, or scale of the data to fit the 2D character or scene into the environment; rotating, which changes the angle or direction of the data to correct misalignment or inconsistency; and scaling, which changes the size or magnitude of the data to emphasize or de-emphasize certain movements or features.

5 Refining the data

The fifth step to edit and refine motion capture data for 2D animation is to refine the data. This involves adding or removing details or nuances to improve the realism, quality, or style of the animation. Blending, layering, and keyframing are common tasks involved in refining the data. Blending combines or mixes different data sets or sources to create smooth transitions, variations, or interactions in the animation. Layering adds or subtracts layers of data to create subtle movements, expressions, or effects in the animation. Keyframing creates or adjusts keyframes, which are points that define the position, orientation, or scale of the data at specific moments in time.

6 Exporting the data

The sixth and final step to edit and refine motion capture data for 2D animation is to export the data. In other words, save or convert the data into a format that can be used for further processing, rendering, or distribution. Common formats for exporting motion capture data for 2D animation include FBX, which can store both 2D and 3D data as well as other information such as textures and materials; BVH, a simple format that can store only 3D data but is compatible with many software and platforms; and GIF, a popular format that can store 2D images and animations with limited color and resolution options.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?